Correcting the Hero's Name to 'Lapulapu'

Executive Order (EO) No. 17 (2017), as amended by EO No. 35 (2017), established the Order of Lapu-Lapu, an award for government officials, employees, and private individuals who render extraordinary service related to the President's campaigns or advocacies.
EO No. 55 (2018), amended by EO No. 103 (2020), created the National Quincentennial Committee to lead the 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations, including celebrations of the Battle of Mactan.

The earliest recorded Latin-alphabet rendering of the hero's name is "Cilapulapu," where "Ci" is likely an honorific.
National heroes Jose Rizal and Juan Luna referred to the hero as "Si Lapulapu," supporting the joined form rather than the hyphenated "Lapu-Lapu."
Standardizing the hero's name to "Lapulapu" aligns with historical references and aids in educating Filipino youth, fostering national identity.

The name "Lapulapu" is officially recognized as referring to the hero who fought in the 16th-century Battle of Mactan.
All references in EO No. 17 and EO No. 55 that previously used "Lapu-Lapu" shall be amended to "Lapulapu."
Government bodies, government-owned or controlled corporations, and state universities and colleges are directed to adopt "Lapulapu."
Local government units, non-government organizations, civil society groups, and the private sector are enjoined to adopt "Lapulapu."
Established official place names such as Lapu-Lapu City remain unaffected due to existing statutes.

Apart from the specific amendments related to the name change, all other provisions of EO Nos. 17 and 55, and their amendments, remain in full force and effect.
All other orders, rules, and regulations inconsistent with this Order are modified to conform to this change.

This Executive Order shall take effect upon publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

Recognition and standardization of historical names as a tool for cultural preservation and national identity formation.
The directive extends beyond government agencies to private and civil sectors, emphasizing collective responsibility for historical accuracy.
Respect for statutory place names is maintained, balancing historical correction with legal realities.
The Order leverages constitutional and legislative mandates for nationalism through historical education and commemoration.