Top 5 Little-Known Facts About Ozamiz City

If you haven't been to Ozamiz City, you might think it is just a pilgrim destination. But, whenever you hear that name, one word best describes it - historic. It is simply because Ozamiz is filled with historical structures from the Spanish era. 

As a matter of fact, we feature some of the most popular tourist destinations in Ozamiz in our previous blog. From its rich history and culture to colorful festivals and attractive spots, no wonder why Ozamiz City should be on your bucket list must-see.

So, discover more about Ozamiz City and learn why there's a reason to stay in this humble city.

5 Ozamiz Facts You Need to Know

Ozamiz has sometimes been spelled Ozamis city. But, the City Resolution 251-05 officially declared Ozamiz rather than Ozamis. It honors a Philippine resistance hero against the Japanese during World War 2, Senator Jose F. Ozamiz. 

Now, Ozamiz is the third-class component capital city of Misamis Occidental. It has a total land area of 169.95 square kilometers, equivalent to 8.47 percent of the land area of Misamis Occidental. As of 2022, Ozamiz city constitutes 57 barangays with a 140, 334 total population based on the 2020 census report. 

Geography

The city of Ozamiz is characterized by its rising slopes to the west, rough terrains towards the western border, and low flat elevation in urban areas. Part of the city is surrounded by hills and rolling lands while facing the coastal line of Panguil Bay on the other side. Its neighboring provinces are Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, and Lanao del Norte. Furthermore, Misamis Occidental is just a bus ride away from the city of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro.

Climate

Ozamiz city has a hot and oppressive climate throughout the year. But, it has scarce rainfall during January and December. These months are also the best time for swimming and other outdoor activities. Overall, Misamis Occidental is seldomly affected by tropical storms as it is outside the typhoon belt.

Livelihood

The main livelihood of Ozamiz City is fishing since it is closest to the coastal area and has a good harbor location. They are also involved in agricultural and forest products, wherein coconut and rice are the chief crops. They also produce corn, cacao, abaca, coffee, and rubber. Most of their products are shipped to other parts of the country, particularly in Region 7 and other parts of Northern Mindanao.

History

By origin, Subanons are the first land dwellers in Ozamis City, Misamis Occidental. They are indigenous people living in the river or “suba” in the local dialect. Later on, they are threatened by the pirates. As a result, Spaniards chose the city as the political anchorage in Mindanao. The Spaniards then built a stone fort called Cotta Fort to prevent the city from piratical raids. When stabilized, Ozamiz became the capital district and grew into an old Spanish town village.

During World War 2 (1943-1945), Japanese soldiers dug foxholes underneath the Cotta Fort, which led to the destruction of the Southwest bastion in 1955 due to an earthquake. Three years after World War 2, Ozamiz became a chartered city on July 16, 1948, through House Bill No. 1656. This day is also exactly the Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Present Day

One of the government’s major infrastructure projects is the Panguil Bay Bridge, the longest bridge in the Philippines. This 3.7-kilometer bridge will be completed in 2023, connecting Tangub City and the Municipality of Tubod, Lanao del Norte. There are also ongoing constructions of bypass roads, including the Ozamiz City Coastal Bypass Road. With these reasons, it is considered an ideal place to buy a house and lot in the Philippines.   

Best Things to Do in Ozamiz City

With the latest infrastructure developments in Ozamiz city, you can visit some of the best destinations nearby. Perhaps, you can even buy an affordable house and lot once you love the place.

Visit the Only existing pipe organ in Ozamis city.

One of the top reasons to visit Ozamiz is the second largest pipe organ in the Philippines located in the Immaculate Conception Cathedral. Through the initiatives of Father Sean Lavery and Ozamiz residents, they were able to acquire the said pipe organ. It was inaugurated on July 16, 1967.

Have fun playing golf with your friends.

You can head to Mount Malindang Golf and Country Club if you're up for serious outdoor activities. It was a pre-war army facility and converted into a 9-hole golf course. This famous golf course also has facilities like a clubhouse, conference rooms, restaurant shower rooms, and locker rooms. 

Plus, you will have the chance to visit its nearby tourist spots. This includes Naomi’s Botanical Garden, Hoyohoy Zipline, Bakayan Hill, Cotta Park, heritage houses, and many more.

Enjoy eating the best-tasting halo-halo. 

After taking quick turns and traveling, visit the most popular maker of the best-tasting halo-halo in Ozamiz from Mon’s Grill. It’s a mix of Filipino delicacies such as ube, macapuno, langka, leche flan, gulaman, sago, garbanzos, and sweetened banana. It is also topped with a scoop of ice cream, cereals, and grated cheese on creamy crushed ice. This delectable delight can definitely quench your thirst and satiate your hungry mouth. 

Discover Ozamiz City as Your Investment Ticket Destination

Today, the ease of doing business in Ozamiz City becomes competitive as technology advances. More foreign investors are taking the opportunity to venture because of the government’s Build, Build, Build program. It becomes easier to travel back and forth, yet the cost of living is still sustainable.  

With more visitors and investments coming, there’s also an influx in accommodation. That is why the real estate industry also stepped up to support the incoming needs. One of the most prominent housing developers, Vista Land, developed Lumina Homes Ozamiz to provide affordable house and lot for sale properties. This 10.2-hectare housing project aims to provide 1,467 housing units located at Barangay Labo, Ozamiz City. So, start falling in love with our history and discover more fun-filled activities in the city of Ozamiz.