President Marcos challenged Filipinos to uphold the enduring legacy of Lapulapu by upholding patriotism and rising against modern-day oppressors.
“The same is what the nation needs today. Despite being in a world incomparable to that of Lapulapu, we are called to rise against our modern-day oppressors – greed, selfishness, and divisiveness – and uphold the legacy of patriotism that has been passed onto us through the years,” Mr. Marcos said during the 503rd commemoration of the victory at Mactan Liberty Shrine in Cebu.
“The challenge now for all, especially the youth, is to continue embracing his [Lapulapu] ideals and the wealth of our heritage as we realize a ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ that is built on the foundations of the liberty and freedom that he and all our other heroes fought hard for,” he added.
The President also pushed for developing investments that would cement Cebu as the primary driver of economic growth in the country.
During the capsule laying ceremony of the Mactan Expo Center at Mactan Newtown, Lapu-Lapu City, Mr. Marcos affirmed the government’s continued investment in Cebu’s success, together with the private sector’s participation in nation-building.
“The government, for its part, will also continue to invest in its success, which is why in 2024, the [Department of Public Works and Highways] is funding about P2.9 billion in infrastructure projects here in Lapu-Lapu City alone,” he said in his speech.
These include road-widening projects that aim to significantly decongest traffic congestion along major thoroughfares like the Mactan Circumferential Road, Mactan Airport Road, Cebu-Mactan 4th Bridge, and Lapu-Lapu City Coastal Road.