The Philippines’ first resort-themed airport, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, will soon be renamed Lapu-Lapu Airport to commemorate the country’s first hero.
After the commemoration of National Heroes’ Day at Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City, President Rodrigo Duterte expressed his support towards National Historical Commission of the Philippines’ (NHCP) call for the airport to be named after Lapu-Lapu, who he considers as the first hero who fought for the country against the “first foreign invader”, Ferdinand Magellan.
“You know what Magellan was the first invader to set foot in the Philippines, It was Lapu-Lapu who fought. Why is he [Magellan] more honored in the country?” Duterte told reporters.
Duterte also expressed his dismay as Lapu-Lapu is more popular in the country as a name of fish than a hero.
This is not the first time Duterte took notice of Lapu-Lapu’s heroism.
In July, Duterte signed an executive order declaring April 27 as Lapu-Lapu Day. The day is a special working holiday in the country and non-working holiday in Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu.
