There are several reasons for why Ozamiz is known as the historical, cultural and pilgrimage destination in Mindanao.
Ozamiz is home to the Fuerte de la Concepcion y del Triunfo also known as Cotta Fort and Shrine, a fort built in 1755. The Cotta Fort houses the image of the Our Lady of Triumph of the Cross, engraved on the wall of the fort facing the bay. The said image is said to be miraculous growing and is the object of pilgrimage. The Birhen sa Cotta (Virgin of the Fort) was later adopted as the second patroness of the city, after the Our Lady of the Immaculate Concepcion whose feast day is celebrated every December 8. Today, after 255 years, Cotta has become one of the most precious jewels of the Ozamiznons, even to the Misamisnons.
Ozamiz, officially the City of Ozamiz (Cebuano: Dakbayan sa Ozamiz; Filipino: Lungsod ng Ozamiz), is a 3rd class component city in the province of Misamis Occidental, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 140,334 people.
Although occasionally spelled as Ozamis in official sources like COMELEC, it is spelled as Ozamiz in Republic Act No. 321, the Ozamiz City Charter Act. In 2005, City Resolution 251-05 was passed to reiterate that it is officially spelled Ozamiz, not Ozamis.
The Birhen sa Cotta’s feast day is celebrated on July 16, coinciding with the charter anniversary of Ozamiz City. Also on the same date, the city stages the Subayan Keg Subanen Festival featuring the lumads or indigenous people known as the Subanon, their cultural values and traditions.
Interesting places and things to visit in the city include the Our Lady of Immaculate Concepcion Pipe Organ, the only existing pipe organ in Mindanao and one of a few in the country; and the Bukagan Hill which has a view of Ozamiz City and Panguil Bay and is home to four great bells installed in 1948. Also, while touring around, check out the various Ozamiznon establishments which specialize in seafood like crabs, seashells, and the famous ‘laya’ fish.
COTTA FORT EL TRIUNFO
Amidst the modern era’s distractions and diversions, Cotta Fort’s magnetic pull remains irresistible. Drawing not only the youth but also schools and accomplished individuals, the fort stands as a beacon of knowledge and empowerment. In a world where materialism competes for attention, the fort offers a haven where history is embraced and knowledge is celebrated.
The significance of visiting Cotta Fort is manifold. Beyond the allure of history, it offers the gift of knowledge, a weapon to empower future generations. Fuentes expresses gratitude for the treasure they possess, acknowledging, “We are so blessed that we have this.” It is a reminder that the past holds within it the seeds of progress and that the key to unlocking the future lies in understanding and respecting the legacy of those who came before, Fuentes cited.
