CEBU CITY, Oct. 16 (PIA) -- Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Secretary Michael Lloyd Dino has officially appointed Cebuano industrial designer Kenneth Cobonpue as the head of the Visayas Quincentennial Committee.

The Quincentennial Celebration in 2021 marks the 500th year anniversary of the circumnavigation of the earth.

The Visayas Quincentennial Committee will lead the celebration following its first meeting on Oct. 4 to prepare for the largest tourism event in the Visayas.

"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," said Dino.

Present during the meeting were Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella, Department of Tourism (DOT-7) Regional Director Shalimar Hofer Tamano, OPAV Spokesperson Titus Borromeo, businessman Edmund Liu, Cobonpue, and Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma.

One of the main tasks of the committee includes coordination with all the local stakeholders and the regional government agencies.

"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," added Dino.

Liu will assist Cobonpue in the implementation of the plans and events of the upcoming Quincentennial celebration.

The Quincentennial celebration will highlight the milestones of the 500 years of the victory of Lapulapu and his warriors in the Battle of Mactan, an event that served as among the inspirations of our heroes and martyrs during the Philippine Revolution of 1896.

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

This will also highlight the rich cultural heritage and the world of our ancestors prior to the coming of the Spaniards.

"I am very excited for this upcoming event that will bring even more tourists to the Visayas," said Dino. (OPAV)