Photo: Beauty Of Misamis Occidental In Southern Philippines

Ozamiz is a 2nd class city in the province of Misamis Occidental in southern Philippines. Its population, according to the 2000 census, is about 110,420 people.

The city of Ozamiz is named after José F. Ozámiz who served as governor, congressional representative, and later, the first (and to date, the only) senator from the province. Prior to this, the city was known as Misamis. Ozamiz is officially spelled with a "Z" in its last letter and NOT with an "S". This can be seen in its official city seal.

Some of the city's notable attractions are the following:

* Cotta Fort and Cotta Shrine - The Cotta Fort was renovated and restored to its original design in 2006 through the effort of Ozamiz City Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog.

It has become a major tourist attraction in the city. The feast of 'Our Lady of Triumph' at Cotta Shrine is celebrated every July 16 which is also the Charter City anniversary. The Cotta entertainment area has free live band concerts and other musical variety shows each weekend. Fireworks display's are held at Cotta during Fiesta and holidays. It can be seen across Panguil bay as far as Lanao del Norte.

* Bukagan Hill - has a view of the city, Panguil bay, Lanao del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur. Moreover, the ancient bells can be seen atop Bukagan hill. Bukagan hill will be developed into a tourist attraction due to its historical value and view of the city.

* Naomi's Botanical Garden and Inn

* Mt. Malindang Golf and country Club - located in Bagakay.

* Misamis Occidental Aquamarine Park - located in Libertad Bajo, Sinacaban, Misamis Occidental. * Pipe organ at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral - this is one of the few pipe organs in the country.

And Ozamis is noted for its many infrastructure projects, such as the:

* Panguil Bay bridge - this will connect Misamis Occidental and Lanao del Norte provinces. The bridge will cut short the travel time between the two provinces.

At present, The Daima shipping lines connect the two provinces using their Roll on Roll off vessels crossing Panguil Bay. This is one of the priority national projects of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for 2007. Target of completion is 2010.

* Ozamiz coastal road - Its construction has already started. The boulevard/coastal road will traverse four barangays from Malaubang to the city proper. * Ozamiz city public market - Construction has already started for a two storey modern public market.

* Ozamiz Airport - extension and expansion of the runway, construction of a passenger arrival building, perimeter fencing and drainage system to start on the last quarter of 2007.

* Misamis Occidental Special Economic Zone (MOSEZ) - A house bill creating MOSEZ will be filed at the House of Representatives by Misamis Occidental District 2 Congresswoman Herminia Ramiro in 2007. Target sites include Ozamiz and Tangub cities wherein each local government unit will set aside 100 hectares of land to be converted into industrial zones.

Factors that will make MOSEZ attainable include the newly expanded Ozamiz city airport, the P200 million expanded seaport, complete electrical and water facilities to be provided by Misamis Occidental Electric Cooperative Inc. (MOELCI-II) and Misamis Occidental Water District (MOWD) respectively, Ozamiz coastal road and reclamation area, manpower resources and the soon to be constructed Panguil Bay bridge.

While the photo below is taken in Oroquieta, also in Misamis Occidental and is the provincial capital. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 59,843 people in 12,417 households.

Oroquieta was briefly the war-time capital of the Philippines during World War II, though it was not yet classified as a city at the time. President Manuel L. Quezon, on his way to the United States via Australia, arrived in Oroquieta and set up the war-capital government before he was picked up by USAFFE and Commonwealth officials and departed by submarine to Australia.

After Japan's surrender and the establishment of the Republic of Philippines, the government changed the status of Oroquieta from municipality to city in recognition of its war period significance. (Mindanao Examiner Photo/Mark Navales; Text from Answers.com)