Kenneth Cobonpue appointed as Visayas Quincentennial Committee head

CEBU CITY — Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Lloyd Dino has appointed Cebuano renowned designer Kenneth Cobonpue as the regional head of the preparations for the 500th anniversary of the circumnavigation of the earth and the Christianization of the Philippines in 2021.

“I have designated Mr. Kenneth Cobonpue as head of the Visayas Quincentennial Committee. I have known Kenneth for all my life, and he has my full trust and confidence in fulfilling the goals and aspirations of this endeavor,” Dino said in a press statement.

The Visayas Quincentennial Committee held its first meeting last October 4, Friday, to prepare for the largest event in the Visayas.

Present during the meeting were Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella, Department of Tourism in Central Visayas Director Shalimar Hofer Tamano, Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas spokesperson Titus Borromeo, businessman Edmund Liu, and Cobonpue.

Among the main tasks of the Visayas Quincentennial Committee is to coordinate with all the local stakeholders and the regional government agencies.

“With the year 2021 fast approaching and as alternate chair of the National Quincentennial Committee, I have created the Visayas Quincentennial Committee which is tasked to manage all activities in the Visayas for this momentous occasion,” Dino said.

Liu will assist Cobonpue in the implementation of the plans and events of the upcoming Quincentennial celebration which also highlights the 500 years of the victory of Lapulapu and his warriors in the Battle of Mactan.

One of the goals of the Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines, Dino said, is to reinvigorate Filipino nationalism and unity through history and culture.

“I am very excited for this upcoming event that will bring even more tourists to the Visayas,” Dino said. /je