From Luneta to Mactan: Lapu-Lapu will go back home

CEBU, Philippines - The seven-story statue of  Datu Lapu-Lapu in Luneta Park is set to be housed in Barangay Punta Engaño, Lapu-Lapu City.

Since Lapu-Lapu City is branded as "Historic City Resort," City Mayor Paz Radaza disclosed to the media that another monument of the Philippines' first hero will be placed in the city, specifically on the Mangal Point at the northern tip of  Mactan Island.

The Mangal Point is named after Datu Lapu-Lapu's father, Datu Mangal. The point gives a 180 degree view of the sea and has been used as turning point in recent triathlon events.

It was known that the bronze statue of Lapu-Lapu has been in display at Luneta Park since 2003 through the efforts of Richard Gordon, former secretary of the Department of Tourism.

Asked about the timeline for the delivery of the monument, Radaza said they are currently working on the papers but she assured that the transfer will be made as soon as possible.

Radaza explained that due to the monument's size, this cannot be easily transported. She added that the statue's bigger size won't make it possible to fit in the Liberty Shrine in Mactan.

As an alternative, the monument will be temporarily placed in the Hoops Dome grounds in Barangay Gun-ob.

A ceremonial event will be possibly held after the transfer of the statue to the city.

A request letter was made a month ago for the usage of the Hoops Dome area to house the monument for the mean time. Radaza said they have visited the site together with the artist who sculpted Lapu-Lapu's famous statue.

It was Sajid Imao, a Filipino sculptor, who made the monument and was one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines in 2001.

The statue, according to the recent report, was given by the Korean Freedom League as a gift to the Philippines in memory of the freedom-loving Filipino warriors who served in the Korean War.   (FREEMAN)