Ozamiz City Hall
After my historical tour in Dipolog and Dapitan City in Zamboanga del Norte, I traveled to Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental (Region 10). Its capital is Oroqueta City, but I chose this place because I want to see and touch Fort sa Cotta and the Cathedral. On the way, I noticed the wide farmlands, but when I arrived in the center, this city was the same as the other cities; business establishments were on every corner, transportation was continuous, and the streets were undeniably busy. From the Integrated Terminal, I rode on a tricycle to the different tourist spots, attractions, and destinations.
Osrox Park
Osrox Park is a popular public park located in the heart of Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental. It serves as a recreational space for locals, especially during weekends and holidays. The park features open spaces, shaded benches, and a relaxing atmosphere perfect for family outings and casual strolls. It is also a venue for civic events, cultural performances, and community gatherings. Located near the city plaza and key landmarks like the cathedral, Osrox Park is a well-loved green space in the urban center.
Ozamiz Cathedral
Ozamiz Cathedral houses the most significant relic and patroness of the city - Our Lady of Misamis, also known as the Virgin sa Cotta, The Blessed Virgin of Cotta, and Birhen sa Cotta. Originally, the statue of the patroness was set up outside the walls of the Fort, but Fray Jorge Carcabilla moved it to this church. In 1975, the statue was stolen and was only returned on December 8, 2017. Also, this cathedral is the home of the second-largest bamboo organ in the Philippines, after the Las Piñas Bamboo Organ.
Fort sa Cotta
Fort sa Cotta is one of the Spanish-built fortresses in the Philippines. The main purpose of this edifice is the same as the function of Fort Santiago in Manila and Fort sa Pedro in Cebu, which is to protect the city/town against the attacks of the Moro pirates. This sturdy structure is made up of coral stones; thus, during World War 2, Fort sa Cotta served as a garrison, barracks, and storage area for the military. Today, it is one of the most popular historical sites and a landmark in the province and the entire Northern Mindanao region.
Other Tourist Spots
- Rodriguez Ancestral House
- Naomi’s Botanical Garden
- Heroes Park
- The Bells of Bukagan Hill
- Balay na Bato
- Cobra Falls
- Sapang Dalaga Floating Playground
- Hoyohoy Highland Adventure Park
- Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park
- Bawbawon Beach Resort in Plaridel
- Oklahoma Island Rafi’s Resort (Baliangao)
- Dela Paz Beach Resort (Panaon)
How to Get There
- From Labo Airport (OZC), take a taxi or tricycle into the city center and head south on Don Anselmo Bernad Avenue to reach the hall in about 10–15 minutes.
- From Davao, Zamboanga Peninsula, and nearby provinces, there are buses at their own Integrated Bus Terminal where you can ride on a Rural Transit bus or UV Express van to Ozamiz. Dipolog City takes 5.5 hours, while Pagadian City takes 3 hours.
Where to Stay
Want to explore more places like this? Here’s my full travel guide after visiting all 82 provinces in the Philippines.
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