Cordova

Is Cordova truly stark naked and bare? That’s the surprising meaning behind its name, chosen by Governor General Rafael Echague in 1863. Here we stand in Cordova, officially the Municipality of Cordova, a vibrant town brimming with life, connected to Mactan Island by bridges and to Cebu City by the impressive Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway, completed in 2022. Cordova, a name whispered in the same breath as cities across the globe, from Spain and Argentina to the United States and Mexico, carries a history as rich as the waters that surround it. Originally comprised of the barrios of Gabi, Day-as, and Pilipog, Cordova briefly lost its independence, being absorbed by Opon (now Lapu-Lapu City) during the American period. But like a determined fisherman casting his net again, Cordova regained its municipality status in 1913, thanks to US Governor General Newton W. Gilbert. Cordova isn’t just beaches and bridges. It boasts 13 barangays, pulsating with a population of over 70,000. While King Lapu-Lapu is celebrated in the Battle of Mactan, Cordova holds its own heroes close. Juan Nunez and Pablo Biongcog, distributors of Bonifacio’s cedulas during the 1898 Philippine Revolution, sacrificed their lives to protect Cordova’s residents from execution. Their courage echoes in the Cordova Freedom Plaza, a testament to their heroism during the Japanese occupation. Today, Cordova beckons with its diverse offerings. From the vibrant Dinagat Festival, honoring Sr. San Rogue, to the tempting aroma of bakasi (sea eel stew) at Kamampay Beach, Cordova tantalizes the senses. Explore the tranquil mangrove forests spanning over one hundred hectares, accessible through the Day-as Boardwalk and Marine Park. Or perhaps delve into the local marine sanctuaries of Gilutongan and Nalusuan, part of the Olango Island Group. Cordova is more than a name; it’s a testament to resilience, a tapestry woven with the threads of history, heroism, and the promise of a vibrant tomorrow. Look around you, breathe in the salty air, and let Cordova’s story unfold.