MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL TOURIST SPOTS

               Misamis Occidental Fits Your Tours, Residential And Trade Needs

 Source: http://www.top-destination-choice-the-philippines.com/misamis-occidental.html

Misamis Occidental offers broad amenities and pervading culture and heritage, and inspiring pilgrimage. Along with other Philippine provinces, it meets your tours, home or business wants.

Once Northern Mindanao’s center of influence in the mid-18th century, it is regaining prominence today. Its current impressive economic gains indicate business opportunities.

As an agro-fishery-industrial dynamo, it meets your needs for a historical, cultural and pilgrimage destination with mixed urban-rural setting.

Location

Here’s a simple Map of Misamis Occidental

  

 

Brief History

           The province was previously called Misamis. It was originally peopled by indigenous people called Lumads, in which the Subanon tribe was dominant. Circa 1700s, Misamis was threatened by marauding pirates from nearby Lanao.  

The pirates used to abduct 500 Filipinos a year to sell as slaves to the Dutch’s United East India Company in Java, or to the Portuguese in Jakarta. Northern Mindanao was hardest hit, particularly Misamis. 

            To evade the pirates, many Subanons migrated to Misamis Oriental and Zamboanga del Norte, particularly Dapitan.

             In 1756, Father Ducos built the Fort Santiago Ozamis to defend against the pirates. He named it ‘El Fuerte De Nuestra Señora Del La Concecion Del Triunfo’ (Our Lady of Triumph) in honor of    Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. He also created a naval armada he himself commanded.

             In 1929, Misamis Occidental was founded following the division of Misamis into two… the other half is Misamis Oriental.

             In World War II, the province was briefly occupied by the Japanese invaders. It was liberated in 1945. 

             Finally, peace embraced the province.

Its capital is Oroquieta City which also seats the Provincial Capitol.

 

Historical  Attractions in Misamis Occidental 

Fort Santiago (Cotta) in Ozamis City

This fort is an officially declared historical landmark. It was built in 1756 by Jesuit Fr. Jose Ducos as defense against marauding Muslim pirates. (Image by: skyscraprecity.com)

Outside the western wall of the Fort is the Shrine of the Nuestra Señora de la Conception del Triunfo (Our Lady of Triumph). The miraculous Image of the Immaculate Conception is carved on the walls of the Fort. Its size is enlarging over time. Pilgrims from all over the country visit it.

Bukagan Hill in Malaubang, Ozamis City

Atop this 92-meter hill are four massive bells named “St. Peter”, “St. Marien”, “St. Joseph” and “St. Michael.” The bells were intended for the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. However, the bells were too heavy at 7 tons for the cathedral's belfry.

Pipe Organ of Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Ozamis City

Composed of 1,936 pipes, it is the only pipe organ in Mindanao. It is only surpassed in size by the pipe organ of the Manila Cathedral.

Pas'ungko S'g Mis Occ Festival of all Festivals

This festival commemorates the Founding Anniversary of the province. It is held every 1st week of November. Pas’ungko is a Subanen word for ‘thanksgiving’.

 

 

    

 

Natural Attractions in Misamis Occidental

Mount Malindang Range Natural Park 

This 53,000-Hectare Asean Heritage Park is a wildlife sanctuary to such species as the Philippine eagle, Philippine deer and tarsier. It’s a great bird watching site, too.
 

 

 

 

Lake Duminagat in Don Victoriano

Still unspoiled and part of Mount Malindang Range…
 

 

 

 

Sibucal Hot Spring (Oroquieta City) 

Natural hot spring in Mount Malindang Range, ten kilometers from Oroquieta City proper. (Image by: panoramio.com)

Natural hot spring in Mount Malindang Range, ten kilometers from Oroquieta City proper. (Image by: panoramio.com)
 

 

Sunrise Beach (Baliangao)

Stretch of fine, white sandy beach, best for swimming and boating. (Image by: skyscrapercity.com)
 

Man-Made Attractions in Misamis Occidental

Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park (MOAP)

The province’ top resort destination co-located along the mangroves of Tudela and Sinacaban. It is inherently a wildlife sanctuary for both marine and terrestrial animals.
 

Naomi’s Botanical Garden and Tourist Inn in Ozamis City

This 13-hectare garden showcases a variety of plants and flowers, orchards and other different species of flora and fauna.
 







Frequently Asked Questions:
Is  there possibility that Misamis Occidental is the No. 1 tourist  spot in the Philippines?