DEL MAR OPPOSES REMOVAL OF ‘CEBU’

Duterte favors recommendation of historical commission to change name of Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Lapulapu International Airport

Rep. Raul V. del Mar (Cebu City, north district) yesterday said he is strongly opposing the removal of the word “Cebu” in the name Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA).

At the same time, he said will have to look into the process for the renaming of an airport whether or not a law needs to be reenacted.

Del Mar reacted to reports that President Rodrigo Duterte is in favor of the recommendation of the National Historical Commission (NHC) to change the name of Mactan-Cebu International Airport to Lapulapu International Airport.

Del Mar is the author of Republic Act 6958 creating the Mactan-Cebu International Authority (MCIAA) that regulates the airport and which took effect in 1991.

“Whatever process, the sentiments of the people in all cities and municipalities in Cebu must be considered through public hearings,” Del Mar said.

Del Mar said that his personal opinion, if there will be any renaming at all, is that the word “Cebu” must be retained, thus, “Lapulapu-Cebu International Airport.”

Earlier, NHC Chairman Rene Escalante told the media that he will closely coordinate with local officials and legislators on the issue.

Del Mar said that he talked with NHC Chairman Rene Escalante yesterday and expressed his strong resistance against the renaming of Mactan-Cebu International Airport as his agency recommended.