June 17 a holiday in Lapu-Lapu City

CEBU, Philippines - Malacañang has declared June 17 as a special non-working day in Lapu-Lapu City.

 Proclamation No. 173 was signed by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. and was received by the office of Mayor Paz Radaza yesterday.

June 17, 2011 marks the Golden Year anniversary of Lapu-Lapu.

"It is but fitting and proper that the people of the City of Lapu-Lapu be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies," the proclamation said.

The city council of Lapu-Lapu last week approved a resolution requesting President Benigno Aquino for such declaration.

According to Mayor Radaza, the city government has lined up different activities for the celebration.

Radaza said the people should be given time to witness and participate in all the activities.

The late President Carlos P. Garcia, whose wife was a native of Lapu-Lapu, signed the law converting the then   municipality of Opon into Lapu-Lapu City in June 17, 1961. – (FREEMAN)