Lapu-Lapu City turns 50 on June 17

AS Lapu-Lapu City celebrates its 50th Charter Day on June 17, it also aims to come up with its own delicacy.

Mayor Paz Radaza said the city is already known for its guitars and its firecracker industry. This time, they want to have a food item that is unique to the city.

The city government launched a barangay contest for this under the supervision of Lapu-Lapu Cooperative and Livelihood Resource Center.

“(We want)to have something that is a taste of Lapu-Lapu, just like other places,” Radaza said. For example, Mandaue City has its bibingka rice cakes and Liloan town has its rosquillos cookies.

Criteria for the best dish or food item includes affordability and taste.

On June 17, 1961, then President Carlos P. Garcia signed the law converting Lapu-Lapu from a municipality to a city.

The 50th Charter Day celebration is dubbed “Inpendent Lapu-Lapu-Singkwenta Na”, referring to the city being a lone district.

Councilor Harry Radaza sponsored a resolution requesting the President to declare the event a special nonworking holiday but President Benigno Aquino III is yet to approve it.

Events lined up for the celebration include a trade fair at the City Hall grounds on June 17 and 18.

A fireworks display at the Mactan Channel and an arch contest will be participated in by the 19 mainland barangays.

Before the fireworks light up, there will be a “count-up” from 1 to 50 be aired on radio.

There will also be disco, games and other entertainment.

The main program will be held at the park under the Marcelo Fernan Bridge with TV personality Vice-Ganda.

The 11 islet barangays will have their own celebration on July 2 dubbed “Bayle sa Isla”.

There will also be baroto contest for fishing boats, a fun run, basketball exhibition games and fireworks.

The Lapu-Lapu City government produced 2,000 commemorative vehicle license plates being sold at P1,500 each. The plates can be used for one year and has the approval of Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Interested car owners can ask the City Treasurer’s Office for the plate. They have to present their vehicle’s LTO certificate of registration. /REPORTER JUCELL MARIE P. CUYOS