Four Hundred Ninety One years ago today, politics was brewing in the island of Mactan. Some external influence encouraged neighboring chieftains to upset Datu Lapu-Lapu.

Thinking that Oponganon’s can be just swayed away with threats and intimidation, the violence that erupted in the Battle of Mactan proved them all wrong…

Thus the first Filipino victory and hero was made!

And why only the sons and daughters of Lapu-Lapu is celebrating it today? This ought to be celebrated nationally and in fact should be a national holiday.

I find it very strange that the country is fond of celebrating defeats like deaths of heroes, defeats in battles and even a death march have become national holidays.

Then Lapu-Lapu, who fought and was victorious against the first foreign invader, was just relegated to become your favorite steamed fish or sweet and sour dish.

This is why I want “Kadaugan sa Mactan” to become the next big attraction in the country and be known internationally. And as you witnessed we have started to expand and make it a real victory party when I began my administration. I wanted a victory party in its true sense for people to come and celebrate.

This year will be the second year of the “Kadaugan Street Party” and I can assure you it has become bigger. It has generated interest that increased the number of contingents this time for the “Rampada.”

The private sector has began to notice and want to be part of the celebration. Participation has been expanded to include a trade fair from the women’s group of Lapu-Lapu City and other sectors of the constituency.

My mandate is to have it evolve into the best form and shape it may take to generate interest not only from the domestic tourism market but internationally.

This year, we are hosting an international convention of an organization that was scheduled in such a way that they will have a chance to witness the re-enactment of this historical event and join the party.

If its more fun in the Philippines, its double the fun in Lapu-Lapu City.

It’s the biggest commemoration of a historical event and victory party this side of the country!