BEACHES AND CHURCHES: MISAMIS OCCIDENTAL AND THE CHURCHES IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF OZAMIS

Last Monday, as part of the preparations for the forthcoming plenary assembly of the bishops, we traveled to Ozamiz City for an ocular inspection of the proposed venues for both the assembly and the retreat that traditionally precedes it. The visit provided not only logistical clarity but also a deeper appreciation of how Misamis Occidental is mobilizing to host this important ecclesial gathering.

AMORAP: A Provincial Flagship Project

Our first stop was Asenso Misamis Occidental Recreation and Adventure Park (AMORAP), located near the municipality of Sinacaban. AMORAP is a flagship project of the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental, envisioned as a premier tourism and events complex that will drive both economic activity and regional visibility.

The development is expansive, with swimming pools and clusters of villas offering single and double accommodations. Fifteen villas, the pools, and the main entrance hall have already been completed. Construction continues on additional duplex houses, internal roads, and seaside cottages. Work is progressing rapidly in anticipation of the preliminary competitions of Miss Universe Philippines scheduled in April.

The governor himself is very eager to welcome the bishops and expressed particular enthusiasm in showcasing AMORAP as a symbol of the province’s readiness and hospitality. The project represents not merely infrastructure, but a statement of confidence in the province’s future.

Gardens, Bridge, and Parish Visits

We also inspected potential excursion sites for the bishops. One highlight was Asenso Global Gardens, perched on a mountain ridge overlooking Ozamiz and Tangub. From there, one enjoys sweeping views of the coastline and the impressive Panguil Bay Bridge connecting the province to Lanao del Norte. The panoramic view of mountains and sea is truly remarkable.

From the gardens, we crossed the Panguil Bay Bridge to Tubod in Lanao del Norte and visited the parish church there. Upon returning to Ozamiz City, we proceeded to Sta. Teresita Parish, located within the city itself and directly in front of St. John Paul II College Seminary. The seminary fathers administer the parish, demonstrating a close integration between priestly formation and parish pastoral ministry.

Don Victoriano: Mountain Hospitality

The following day brought us to Piduan Curtain Falls and the nearby Piduan Resort Pool in Don Victoriano Chiongbian. The falls, cascading like a natural curtain against the mountainside, are among the province’s hidden gems—serene, majestic, and refreshingly unspoiled.

We were warmly received by the town mayor, who had been informed of our visit by the governor earlier that morning after Archbishop Jumoad personally called to notify him of our trip to the mountain town of Don Vic. On our way up the winding mountain roads, we were met by a patrol car from Bonifacio, which escorted us safely upward and later accompanied us back down toward Tangub, where we had lunch. The gesture reflected the strong coordination between provincial and local officials and their evident desire to ensure that our visit was smooth and secure.

On our return, we also stopped at the parish church of Don Victoriano, where we met the Irish Columban parish priest. The church and convent, nestled among native trees, radiate a quiet missionary spirit befitting the mountain setting.

Preparations in Full Swing

That afternoon, we attended a preparatory meeting convened by Archbishop Jumoad, with priests heading various committees and members of the tourism councils of both the city and the province. The collaboration between Church and civil authorities is clearly well organized and intentional.

Because AMORAP still has limited room capacity at present, we inspected alternative accommodations. We reserved all 55 rooms at Royal Garden Hotel and also visited Aya Hotel and Residences in the town of Clarin, which offers additional though fewer rooms. That evening, we joined the clergy at the archbishop’s residence for their regular Tuesday gathering.

A Dawn Circuit of the Parishes

With our return flight scheduled at noontime the following day, I made use of the remaining hours to visit as many parish churches as possible. Of the province’s 17 towns and cities, only Concepcion remained unvisited.

We departed at 4:30 a.m., reaching Sapang Dalaga just as dawn broke. From there we passed through Sapang Dalaga, Calamba, Baliangao, and Plaridel, where we were graciously hosted for breakfast by the parish priest. We continued on to Oroquieta, as well as Lopez Jaena, Aloran, Panaon, Jimenez, and finally Sinacaban.

In almost every parish we visited, there was also a parochial school—many offering high school and senior high school programs, and some with elementary levels as well. These schools stand as a lasting legacy of the Columban missionaries who served the province for many years, and whose commitment to education helped shape generations of young people in Misamis Occidental.

Instead of revisiting the church of Tudela, which I had seen previously, we returned once more to inspect the ongoing seaside developments of AMORAP, including the restaurant area, additional villas, and the planned white sand island feature.

We were back by 10:45 a.m., just in time for an early lunch at the archbishop’s residence before heading to the airport for our return to Manila.

A Province Ready to Welcome

The visit was both strategic and pastoral. We evaluated venues for liturgical celebrations and accommodations, coordinated with local stakeholders, and personally visited many of the churches that will serve during the plenary.

Above all, what stands out is the unmistakable eagerness of the provincial leadership to welcome the bishops. Through projects like AMORAP and through close collaboration with Church authorities, Misamis Occidental is preparing not merely to host an event, but to offer a coordinated, dignified, and generous welcome to the shepherds of the Church.

The Archbishop's Residence in Ozamiz City

The road leading to the Archbishop's residence from the fence facing the sea.

The St. Mary's Theologate in Ozamiz

With some of the seminarians in theology

They have a number of aquariums featuring different kinds of fishes.

Asenso Misamis Occidental Rest and Adventure Park (AMORAP)
Sinacaban, Misamis Occidental

Just behind the resort fronting the main road are these ongoing construction already by the sea which will feature additional villas, restaurants and even a planned white sand island.