Honor hero by renaming Mactan Cebu Int'l Airport
By Fayette C. Ri�en
CEBU CITY, April 28 (PIA) -- Instead of a law declaring April 27 a holiday in Cebu, Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma Jr. said that renaming the Mactan Cebu International Airport into Lapu-Lapu City International Airport would be a more fitting tribute to the first Filipino hero, Lapu-Lapu.
Coloma, who heads the Presidential Communications Operations Office, was guest of honor in this morning’s celebration of the 12th "Kadaugan sa Mactan" at the Liberty Shrine in Lapulapu City. During the ceremony, the historic Battle of Mactan was re-enacted.
In 1521, Mactan chieftain Lapu-Lapu defended the island against the Spanish conquistadores led by Ferdinand Magellan.
Coloma made the statement during a media interaction amid suggestion make April 27 a permanent holiday in Lapu-Lapu City to celebrate the "Kadaugan sa Mactan."
He said that the Philippines has one of the most number of holidays compared to other countries, and that this is a disincentive to the business sector as it affects cost of operations.
“We are trying to lure foreign investors to invest in the country. We want to promote the Philippines as a conducive site for investments. And too many holidays will discourage investors to come in,” said Coloma.
Though holiday was declared today in Lapu-Lapu City, the city government had to request Malacañang for a Presidential Proclamation to declare the date a special holiday.
Employers are required to pay their workers an additional 100 percent of their daily minimum wage if the latter report for work during regular holidays and 30 percent on special holidays.
“Perhaps it is better to rename the airport and put the name of Lapu-Lapu to give him full honor and credit in fighting foreign invaders, rather than asking for a permanent holiday declaration every April 27," said Coloma.
Lapu-apu City Mayor Paz Radaza who was present during the media interaction seemed receptive to the idea.
In his keynote speech earlier during the program, Coloma urged the people of Lapulapu City to rally and unite behind their mayor in fulfilling their shared vision which is to make Lapulapu City “a healthy haven for tourism, business, investment, residence and recreation.”
“In behalf of President Noynoy Aquino, may I call on all of you to join our government’s efforts to make our country a highly competitive center for business and industry, a most desirable venue for investments that will generate even more opportunities for our people,” he concluded. (PIA-Cebu)