Lapu-Lapu City to restore historic light house

CEBU, Philippines —  The Lapu-Lapu City government will restore the Muelle Osmeña structure, one of the oldest tourist spots in the city, after photos showing it is being used as a “bodega” and sleeping quarters by bystanders made rounds online.

Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan said he was appalled after knowing and seeing the Facebook post showing structure was vandalized and being used as sleeping area by homeless individuals.

The mayor said that the structure (colored blue and white and with several cracks) looks “so ugly” now that it has to be restored to its original state. The structure was built from corals.

Chan said he will coordinate with the National Historical Commission, the Department of Tourism and the Cebu Port Authority for the immediate restoration of the structure so that it will soon again become a tourist destination.

He will also ask his wife, Cindi, who is the head of the City Tourism, Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission to coordinate with these agencies to bring the restoration efforts.

 “Atong makita nga gi-coloran og blue ug white ang maong structure. Atoa kining ibalik sa iyang orihinal nga color. Ato-a gyud ning i-restore kay atong makita nga daghan na siya og mga cracks,” said Chan in a Facebook Live session.

The mayor recalled that when he was young, he used come to the place and play.

He said the structure, which stands on the shore of the Mactan Channel, was used to signal that a vessel was passing Lapu-Lapu City as the top of the structure has a blinking red light.

Chan said that the Muelle Osmeña structure is a landmark that symbolizes the city to the whole country.

In an article written by Riza Gostado, it was said: “When one goes to the old poblacion of Lapu-Lapu City by sea, the first thing the traveler notices is a lighthouse inscribed with these words: Muelle Osmeña.

“In the Spanish language, the word ‘muelle’ means wharf, which tells us that the whole area, not only the lighthouse, is named after Sergio Osmeña, Sr., the only Cebuano president in the history of the Philippines.

“After passing through the lighthouse that is made of coral stone, one ascends to the poblacion through a short flight of stairs, which is also made of coral stone. At the poblacion, one can go to more historic sites such as the Virgen de la Regla church and convent.” — JMD (FREEMAN)