Brief Profile of Misamis Occidental

The name ‘Misamis’ is believed to have been derived from the Subano word ‘Kuyamis’ which is a variety of sweet coconut – the staple food of the early settlers in this place. During the years the name persisted as an inference of geographical location and upon the advent of the Spanish settlers, the word ‘Kuyamis’ easily gave way to the more conveniently pronounceable but corrupted word ‘Misamis’.

The original inhabitants of this area were the Bukidnon who gradually retreated into the interior following the steady influx of settlers from Cebu and Bohol.

The first Spaniards to arrive in Misamis were the Recollect Missionaries. In 1574, Father Jose Ducor, S.J., built the fort of Misamis now (Ozamiz City) as a base for further offensive against the Marauding Muslim from the south. As first constituted, Misamis formed a part of the bisphoric of Cebu. In 1818, it became a Corregimiento, comprised of four partidos or divisions. In 1850, it expanded further until it covered almost fourth of the entire Mindanao Island. During the later, half of the 19^th century, Misamis was one of the six districts of Mindanao and later on, became one of the seven districts of Mindanao and Sulu at the close of the Spanish era.

At the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution in 1896, most of the Recollect Missionaries left the place. By December 1898, they completely abandoned their missionary activity in Misamis. The revolutionary government was in power during the last days of the 19^th century and the first months of the 20^th century. This ended abruptly, however, since after three brief months of the independence, the American occupation forces took over and forthwith established civil government on May 15, 1901.

In December, 1941, war came to the Philippines and the country was over-run in less than a month. The Philippine Army capitulated by order but instead organized guerilla units in the province. Three of the well-known figures in the resistance movement were the late Jose Ozamiz who was executed at La Loma Cemetery, Lucas Naranjo, a former vice governor and Patricio L. Atay, Sr., also a former Vice Governor.

Except for the tragic Calamba Massacre, the province from 1942 to 1943 was relatively peaceful since only a few negligible contingents of Japanese soldiers were stationed in the area. After the war, Gideon Quijano was appointed governor by President Roxas. The incumbent governor is Hon. Herminia M. Ramiro, the first lady governor of the province.