Mactan 

is a densely populated island located a few kilometers (~1 mile) east of Cebu
Island in the Philippines. The island is part of Cebu province and it is divided into the city
of Lapu-Lapu and the municipality of Cordova. The island is separated from Cebu by
the Mactan Channel which is presently crossed by three bridges: the Cebu–Cordova Link
Expressway (CCLEX), the Mactan–Mandaue Bridge, and the Marcelo Fernan Bridge.
The island covers some 65 square kilometres (25 sq mi) and has a population of 527,071
as of 2020,[1] making it the nation's most densely populated island. Along with Olango
Island Group, the isles are administered by a city and a municipality covering 75.25
square kilometres (29.05 sq mi).

The modern name Mactan descended from an earlier form, Manctan. However, evidence
of this earlier form is scant as, even as early as the 17th century, the island was already
named Mactan. This form is attested in the original copy of the Philippine Declaration of
Independence, where Lapu-Lapu was mentioned as the king of "Manktan".[2] This is
supported by oral histories, which claim that the name Mactan evolved from the
name Mangatang. The name means "pirate" (lit. "those who lie in wait"), and was
acquired during a period where the island's population would prey on passing trade ships
on the way to the harbors of Sugbu. The ancient name of the island in precolonial times
is Opong, which became the name of the Spanish settlement of Opon (renamed to Lapu-
Lapu in 1961).[3]

History[edit]
The island was already a thriving settlement before it was even colonized by Spain in the
16th century. It is a strong ally of the Lakanate of Lawan, a prosperous kingdom in
Samar. Datu Hadi Iberein ruled the Lakanate of Lawan. He was described by historian
William Henry Scott as a “Samar datu by the name of Iberein was rowed out to a Spanish
vessel anchored in his harbor in 1543 by oarsmen collared in gold; while wearing on his
own person earrings and chains.” Portuguese explorer Fernão de Magalhães arrived on
the island in 1521 and became involved in warfare among the kingdoms, only to be killed
in battle by the warriors of Datu Lapu-Lapu, the sovereign in the island. However, oral
tradition also dictates that the island where the Battle of Mactan might have taken place
in is Poro Island in the northeast instead.[citation needed] The oral tradition is backed by
recent[when?] archaeological evidence of such a battle taking place in Poro island during
the 16th century.[citation needed]
By 1730[citation needed], the Catholic Augustinian friars established the town of Opon. It was
later renamed as the city of Lapu-Lapu by means of the Republic Act 3134, signed by
Pres. Carlos P. Garcia on June 17, 1961. Congressman Manuel A. Zosa, the
representative of the Sixth District of Cebu, sponsored the Bill converting the former
municipality of Opon into the present day City of Lapu-Lapu.[4]

Economy[edit]
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Apart from the airport, today the island is known for its industrial factories, which are
some of the most successful industrial ventures in the Philippines. Many of them are
located at the Mactan Export Processing Zone (MEPZ), an industrial tax-free zone
opened in 1979 that includes over 35 business ventures, about 50 percent of which are
Japanese-owned.
Also important to the island is its high-class tourism industry and the production of
furniture, as well as guitars, ukuleles and other musical instruments.
Tourist attractions[edit]
Being one of the major tourist islands of Cebu, Mactan Island boasts of a diverse
collection of tourist spots and attractions. Being a coral island, Mactan offers some of the
best diving, snorkeling, island hopping, jet ski, sailing and cultural activities of any island
in the Philippines.