The Department of Tourism Region 7 has unveiled plans to position Lapu-Lapu City as a key hub in Central Visayas Creative Tourism Circuit, following the reopening of the newly renovated Lapu-Lapu City Art Gallery and Cultural Hub in Barangay Gun-ob.
Revitalized through a P2-million rehabilitation project, the facility now houses a wider range of artistic and cultural exhibits, envisioned to serve not only as an art gallery but also as a venue for cultural education, heritage interpretation, and community engagement.
DOT 7 Officer-in-Charge Regional Director Gelena Asis-Dimpas said the hub represents a significant step in showcasing the city cultural identity and expanding tourism experiences beyond traditional attractions.
There is so much more to discover about the city beyond the Mactan Shrine. There are stories of its people, traditions, arts, and living heritage that deserve to be experienced and shared, Dimpas said during the reopening ceremony.
She explained that cultural spaces such as the hub allow destinations to tell their stories through local narratives, traditions, and creative expression, strengthening efforts to develop heritage- and culture-based tourism products across the region.
Dimpas likewise highlighted Lapu-Lapu City strong tradition in Filipino martial arts, noting that DOT 7 has documented more than 10 Eskrima clubs in the city under its heritage conservation program.
This demonstrates that Lapu-Lapu City is not only rich in history, but is also a living center of Eskrima, Dimpas said.
Beyond its historical and cultural exhibits, the hub is expected to feature programs and displays highlighting Mactan maritime heritage, coastal traditions, island communities, and the city enduring relationship with the sea.
Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Maria Cynthia King Chan said the Cultural Hub symbolizes the enduring spirit of the Oponganons, where the city rich history converges with its aspirations for the future. Through this partnership with the DOT, this space will ensure our creative industries thrive as we give them a platform to share their brilliant gifts, Chan said.
The mayor encouraged members of the creative community to continue honing their craft and transforming their ideas into meaningful works, adding: Whatever is in your minds, make them into reality so you can share your God-given talents.
The reopening of the Cultural Hub complements the city broader push to diversify its tourism offerings and attract cultural travelers visiting the Cebu region.