Mactan 

is a densely populated island located a few kilometres (~1 mile) from 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 two bridges: the Mactan–Mandaue Bridge and the 
Marcelo Fernan Bridge, both of which connect Mandaue on the Cebu mainland and Lapu-Lapu on Mactan Island. A third
bridge, the Cebu–Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), will connect the island, through Cordova, to Cebu City. The island
covers some 65 square kilometres (25 sq mi) and is home of 568,199 people as of 2020 census,[1] making it the nation's
most densely populated island. Along with Olango Island Group, the isles are administered as 1 city and a municipality
covering 75.25 square kilometres (29.05 sq mi).
Mactan–Cebu International Airport is located on the island.

The island was already a thriving settlement before it was 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.