AS COUNCILOR AND VICE MAYOR

AS COUNCILOR AND VICE MAYOR    

Dedicated public service is a fulfillment of our duty to other people. 

I was with the municipality and the city government as an elected official for quite a long time.  I had served Maasin, then a municipality, as a Sangguniang Bayan Member for two terms, 1992-1995 and 1995-1998.  Then became a Municipal Vice Mayor in 1998-2000 and the First City Vice Mayor in 2000-2001.  My last two terms as City Vice Mayor occurred in 2001-2004 and 2004-2007.

There was only one Samaco politician in the history of Maasin.  It was my uncle Eudaldo "Dandin" Samaco, the brother of my father.  He was a physician and practiced his profession "pro bono" when he was elected.

Politics was never been in my blood in my childhood.  Though in the College Students Supreme Council at Saint Joseph College, I ran as vice president and won by a landslide.  But I never joined the Kabataang Barangay, which was the stepping stone of some of my contemporary politicians. 

The lure of public service attracted me when some friends prodded me to join the race for the then municipal council.  I was a dean of the engineering department of my alma mater Saint Joseph College.  I felt there were no more challenges for me when we raised the percentage passing to a consistent rate of more than the national passing and had produced placers in the board examinations.

When the Local Government Code was passed in 1991 and was about to be implemented, local governments needed competent men and women to sit in the council.  Aside from being an academician I was also active in the environment protection advocacy, sports promotions and human rights. Then there was a very tempting offer for me to join the Sangguniang Bayan which I could not refuse.  As I thought I could do more for my advocacies if I would join the Council.  

I was elected No. 3 Councilor when I ran with the ticket of then incumbent Mayor Gerardo Dator in 1992.  Ruel Sibi, former DSWD and DILG employee of the municipality ranked No. 1 while the ever popular abaca and copra businessman Mauro Borres emerged No. 2.  Our party was Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP) and our presidential bet was Speaker Ramon Mitra who lost to General Fidel Ramos of Lakas-NUCD.  Mayor Dator was not as lucky as I was.  There were two LDP bets for mayor that time, the other was Board Member Helen Yusingco.  There was a third group of LDP candidates without a mayor.  There were 7 candidates for mayor, 6 for vice mayor, and 72 for councilors.  Mayor Antonio Amit won the race for the chief executive under the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC).  The Vice Mayor was my former teacher and director of student affairs at SJC, Corazon Duarte of NPC.  

As a Sangguniang Bayan Member I chaired the Committee on Infrastructure.  I was vigorously monitoring the projects in Maasin, roving around the barangays riding only on my Yamaha 50 or Honda 70 motorcycle.  There were no service vehicles for SB members.  We organized the so-called SB Project Monitoring Committee in the legislative.

I was also active in the Task Force Bantay Dagat where we conducted seaborne patrols especially at night time without sleep.  There were no government paid Bantay Dagat personnel that time and all were volunteers so we had to join them to inspire them to work.  We were working with the Diocesan Social Action Center which was also very vigilant about the abuses in the environment.  It was headed that time by Rev. Fr. Tony Ong.

We were able to apprehend large fishing boats most notable was that of Lourdes fishing vessel from Negros Occidental which we caught fishing within seven kilometres from the shore, which is illegal for fishing vessels of more than three tons.  We also captured Carmelina fishing boat from Cebu with the same violation.

We also captured several liba-liba or trawl fishers from Bohol.  We also caught buso or fishing using compressor which was illegal in our ordinance.

I also worked on law-making and passed ordinances, like the Ordinance Regulating the Use of Transformers in Electrical Installations, the Ordinance Regulating the Distances of the Buildings from the Sidewalks,  and the Ordinance Imposing Rentals on Municipal Heavy Equipments.  I also passed several resolutions mostly related to my Committee on Infrastructure.        

Mayor Amit and we the LDP councilors were brought by Congressman Roger “Oging” Mercado before President Ramos and we took oath as new members of the administration party Lakas-NUCD.  

In 1995, I ran for reelection under the lineup of then Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Atty. Teopisto Rojas, Jr.  Mayor Amit lost in a convention of barangays captains and Atty. Rojas became the municipal standard bearer.  Again our mayoral candidate was unlucky but I won as No. 1 Councilor.  The winning mayor was Dr. Arturo Bascug of the NPC.  Former Mayor Dator was second and Atty. Rojas placed third.  Vice Mayor Duarte was reelected under the same NPC party.  For the second consecutive term, the Mayor and Vice Mayor were from NPC.  

I continued with my exploits in the first term to my second term.  The Chairmanships of the Committees of Tourism and Education were added to my tasks as Infra chair.  I was able to pass landmark ordinances and the most notable were the Comprehensive Fishing and Fisheries Ordinance, Public Safety Ordinance, and Comprehensive Traffic Ordinance.

I was still active in the fishery laws implementation with the Bantay Dagat.  I monitored infra projects from one barangay to another riding only in my small motorcycle.  Later I purchased a Yamaha DT 125 to penetrate to the mountain barangays.    

Then the brother of Oging, Damian Mercado won handily as Barangay Captain of Abgao.  We helped him campaign as Liga ng mga Barangay President and he ran unopposed.      

In 1998, Mian decided to run as Mayor under the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD).  I was selected by the party to run as Vice Mayor.  He was then unknown to the people and his selling point was he was the Congressman’s brother.  

Mercado won as Mayor over incumbent Dr. Bascug by more than 2,000 votes.  Former Mayor Dator placed a distant third.  But my win over SB Member Eric Macabuhay was a slim margin of 156 votes in a hotly contested vice mayoralty election.

During that election I thought I would lose.  The winner was decided right on the last day of the canvassing with the last ballot box.  There was even false information that I lost already.  But in the end I emerged victorious by the slight margin.  It was my first taste of a very close electoral fight.

Our tandem with the Mayor resulted in the cityhood of Maasin on August 10, 2000.  The people of Maasin approved the cityhood of Maasin on that day by a landslide vote of 19,273 for and only 1,422 against, with an approval of 92%.

Then we were overwhelmingly reelected in 2001.  I won over former Mayor Atty. Dator by over 6,000 votes in the vice mayoralty election.  Mayor Mian Mercado won by landslide over then Board Member Corazon Duarte.

In the 2004 elections, I was unopposed as City Vice Mayor and was able to finish my third and last term in 2007.  There was a unity forged between the Mercado camp of the Lakas-NUCD and the Yñiguez-Lerias camps of the NPC which resulted in the landslide victories for all administration candidates.  Oging won by a landslide against incumbent congressman Atty. Anecito “Odong” Saludo, Jr.  Mian won by a wide margin over then Board Member Helen Yusingco.

As Vice Mayor I brought the sessions to the barangays to have a joint session with the barangay councils.  We granted financial assistance of P100,000.00 per barangay where we held our sessions.  When the Mayor was out of town, I was always designated as the Officer-in-Charge and when it was the fourth day, as Acting Mayor in accordance with the Local Government Code. 

I was also appointed by the Mayor as Chairman of the Maasin City Sports Council when it was created in 2001.  I was on the forefront of the sports activities and the participation of Maasin athletes in provincial, regional and national competitions.    

My most notable achievement was the ordinance I authored creating the Maasin City College during my last term of office.  I was appointed by Mayor Mercado as the first College President upon the approval of the Board of Trustees.

THE FAMILY THAT STAYS TOGETHER

THE FAMILY THAT STAYS TOGETHER

Birthday is the most significant day in the life of a person.  It is the day you come out of this world from your mother's womb crying as if you know already as a newborn baby that life is full of problems and challenges.

I was born May 24, 1963 at the Valentina "Ma'am Valen" Demeterio Maternity House in Maasin, Southern Leyte.  It was a Friday, considered an unlucky day by many because it was the day Jesus Christ died, but for me I always regarded it as a fortunate day.  Workers, especially those in the government, usually feel happy during Friday since it's the last day of work.  Thus the expression "Thank God it's Friday."

My birthstone is emerald which symbolizes "love and success."  I have lots of achievements in my life and I'm grateful to God.  True love begets triumph.

Parents mold their children according to what they want them to be.  But it has to undergo several challenges and sacrifices.  Without them, we children are nothing in this world.

My father is Marcelo Mercado Samaco and my mother is Esperanza Mañago Labatos-Samaco.  My full name is Marcelo Maloney Labatos Samaco. Papa is from Maasin while Mama is from Ormoc City. 

Papa was the sixth of seven children of Elias Sibi Samaco of Gawisan and Visitacion Matondo Mercado of Tunga-tunga all of Maasin.  While Mama was the youngest of five children of Gregorio Labatos of Merida and Candelaria Gomez Mañago of Ormoc all of Leyte.

According to Wikipedia, the name “Maloney” is said to be derived from a surname of Irish origin and is from the old Irish family name “Ua Maol Dhómhnaigh.” Their family motto is “In Domino Et Non In Arcu Sperabo” which is translated as “In God and not in my bow I will hope.”

The surname "Samaco" originated from the root word "Maco," which is of Hebrew origin but is the popular Hungarian version of "Manuel," meaning "God is with us."

My first name and family name "Maloney Samaco" has a total of 13 letters which I also considered as lucky.  Thus I have nothing to fear since both my first name and family name have religious connotations.

My father was a businessman and tailor who owned Marcel de Manille, the top tailoring shop in Maasin that time.  My mother is a civil engineer and was the first lady district engineer of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Eastern Visayas.

Papa's business slogan goes this way:  " Go with the winners. Marcel de Manille.  A flair for sartorial elegance.  Gives you the look of a winner."  His shop promoted winning as part of its marketing strategy.  His customers came from all over Southern Leyte,  some parts of Leyte and other neighboring provinces.

Marcel comes from his name Marcelo.  Manille because he learned his trade in Manila under the very popular RM Manlapat Tailor and Haberdashery.

Mama came to Maasin to work in the newly established Bureau of Public Works of the new Southern Leyte province.  Papa met her and they got married in September 29, 1962.

Mama taught as part time instructor of Saint Joseph College Civil Engineering Department.  They produced the pioneer licensed civil engineers educated in the province.  From the same mentoring, several professional builders followed later including myself.

Papa died on May 18, 1994 at the age of 60 due to liver cancer, though he would not drink liquor but dud smoke.  He also suffered from diabetes.  All of Papa's brothers and sisters had diabetes with different complications.  It came at a time when all of us siblings were finished with our college education and passed the board examinations.  I was a municipal councilor of Maasin at that time and he still saw me got elected for the first time.

We were three siblings bearing the names of our parents with my sister Esperanza Mabel and brother Marcelo Michael nicknamed Milko.  "Marcelo" is taken from the Latin "Marcellus" meaning "Hammer."  It has the tenor of being a "worker and builder."  While the meaning of "Esperanza" in Spanish is "Hope."  Its overtone is "aspiration, plan and design."  The meaning of the two names has a close relation to each other.

The three of us siblings are all registered civil engineers. I am the eldest with Mabel second and Milko third.  We all completed our civil engineering courses at Saint Joseph College in Maasin.  Milko placed 11th in the November 1990 CE Board Exams.

I am married to Maria Chona Cano Maraon.  She is the daughter of Antonio Justiniani Maraon and Luz Gloria Cano all of Ichon, Macrohon, Southern Leyte.  Tatay who worked at the DPWH was also the driver of Speaker Nicanor Yñiguez whenever he was in Southern Leyte.  

The name Chona means "cheerful and friendly" which she truly is.  We were wedded at the Saint Joseph College Extension Chapel by Father Norbert Hessling, a German priest, on June 18, 1988.  Our reception was held at the Drawing Room which served as the social hall of the Engineering Department of the SJC Extension Chapel.  I was then a full-time civil engineering instructor of the school.

We are blessed with three sons.  Mallory, the eldest was born on December 22, 1988 while the second and third were twins Marton and Marlon who were born on March 6, 1992.  It is a coincidence of my zodiac sign "Gemini" the twins.  All of them were delivered at the Southern Leyte Integrated Provincial Health Office (Southern Leyte Provincial Hospital). 

The name Mallory is thought to be derived from a French word which means “beautiful.” It rhymes of course with my name Maloney.  His nickname is Macho after Maloney and Chona.  "Macho" refers to  a person who tends to display masculine characteristics, such as "domineering, fierceness, and bravado," according to Wiktionary.

The name Marton was derived from Marcelo and Antonio, Chona’s father, while Marlon was from Marcelo Maloney.   The meaning of Marton is "dedicated to Mars" while that of Marlon is "little hawk."

Mars is a red planet named after the Roman god of war.  While in ancient Egypt, the hawk is the symbol of the head of god Horus, the guardian of the pharaoh.

A son is considered to bring luck to the family in some countries, especially among the Chinese. Among the ancient Mayans and Romans, twin brothers are considered to bring more luck.  We were married in the Year of the Dragon on the date with four 8’s and Mallory was born on the same year.  Number 8 is always considered a lucky number.

Though I sometimes believed on these things which brought fortune, but I primarily consider performing acts of our religious obligations as Roman Catholics as the main reason for all the blessings we received in our family.  Good luck is grace and blessing showered on us through prayers.

I was educated in Saint Joseph College, a Catholic-run institution in Maasin from Kindergarten up to graduate school.  I graduated second honorable mention in the elementary.  But in the high school graduation, I was not among the honor students which were all female.  High school was the time when we male classmates started to indulge in vices.    

I finished the course Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering cum laude in 1984 and the Master in Business Administration in 1998.  I also earned units in Master of Science in Management Engineering at the University of San Jose Recoletos in Cebu City before I shifted to MBA.  I already passed the comprehensive examination in Doctor of Education at the University of Southern Philippines Foundation.  

Chona graduated Bachelor of Science in Commerce at the University of the Visayas.  We met at the Department of Public Works and Highways where we worked together in 1983.  We became lovers on April 27, 1983 after a short courtship and the relationship lasted for five years before we got married. She is the niece of Clarita Maraon-Abiera who is married to my uncle Alberto Abiera.  She stayed in their residence while working at the office when we were still sweehearts. 

There was a time when she worked as a contractual employee at a rubber plant in Bayugan, Agusan del Sur for several months. I was still studying my civil engineering course in my fifth year that time.  There were no cellular phones in the 1980's and long distance through landline telephone was very rare. Our mode of communication was only through letters and telegrams.

But fate favored our relationship that Chona was able to come back to Maasin and worked again at the DPWH.  Our relationship blossomed once again we were really meant for each other.

Chona later became a permanent employee at the Bureau of Internal Revenue.  She worked as a collection agent and she was detailed at Sogod. Then there was a time when she was assigned in Ormoc City.  That was right after we got married.  We even had our honeymoon at the Don Felipe Hotel in Ormoc at that time.

She was later transferred to Southern Leyte where she assumed as collection agent in Bontoc and Tomas Oppus.  After giving birth to our twins she was appointed as administrative officer where she worked permanently at the revenue district office in Maasin.

My three sons were educated in Maasin City. Mallory finished Bachelor of Science in Nursing at The College of Maasin on 2010.  Marton was schooled at the same college taking the same course where he graduated in 2013. Marlon studied Veterinary Medicine at Visayas State University but only for one semester because he was homesick.  He transferred to Saint Joseph College and took up Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.  He graduated from his course on 2014.

I made it a point to let my sons patronize the colleges in Maasin to show an example that our schools have good quality education capable of competing nationwide.  Many of our people kept asking us why our sons were enrolled only in Maasin schools where we could afford to let them study in Cebu City.  We have competent courses in the city that could be at par with those in the big cities.

My three sons trained for the sport of swimming.  It was Mallory who joined the Maasin City Sports Council swimming team when he was in the third year.  He learned his basics at the Cebu City Sportd Center.  Marton followed and Marlon joined later when they were in grade six.  In the First Maasin City Division Meet, Mallory won seven gold medals.  He would later brag himself of doing a Mark Spitz (1972 Munich Olympic seven gold medalist in swimming) in the city level.

But in the Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) hosted by Maasin City in 2005, it was Marton who took the gold medal in 200-m freestyle elementary boys.  Mallory only got the bronze in 200-m individual medley.  

Both of them were brought to the Palarong Pambansa 2005 in Iloilo City.  But Mallory got injured when he slipped and broke his wrist and was not able to swim.

In the EVRAA 2006, hosted by Ormoc City, Mallory finally won the gold medal in 100-m freestyle.  The race is the fastest among all the events in swimming.  The twins were still in the first year secondary that time so they were not so successful in their events.  Mallory was brought to the Palarong Pambansa 2006 at Naga City. 

In the EVRAA 2007, hosted by Baybay, Leyte, both Marton and Marlon won medals.  They were second year secondary students that time.  But they were not able to win the gold so they were not able to go with the Palarong Pambansa 2007 at Koronadal City, South Cotabato.

In the EVRAA 2008, hosted by Catarman, Northern Samar, Marlon and Marton won the gold in the 200-m freestyle relay.  They were third year secondary students that time.  Marlon also won the silver in the 400-m freestyle so he qualified for the Palarong Pambansa 2008 at Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. 

In the EVRAA 2009, hosted by Tacloban City, both were not so successful for they had faltered in their practices and won silver and bronze medals only. Both were in their senior year in high school.  They were not able to join the Palarong Pambansa 2009 at Tacloban City. 

They put up a good showing in the national level contests because of the high standards of competition.  Nevertheless it was an unforgettable experience for them having reached the Palarong Pambansa and swam with the best of the country.  They were also able to race in the Visayas Inter-School Swimming Association in Dumanjug, Cebu and the Milo Olympics Visayas tournaments at the Cebu City Sports Center.

My sons are all boy scouts.  They started joining scouting when they were in the Kab Scouts and together underwent advancement training when they became boy scouts.  Their advancements were done at the City Forest Park, at Congressman Mercado’s Tree Park at Bogo, at Camijares Island at Mahayahay, at Hermie Guirit’s Farm at Dongon, and at our own Farmhouse at Manhilo.  

Mallory first joined the 12th National Jamboree at Palo, Leyte in 2001.  The three of them later joined the 2nd National Scout Venture at Sorsogon City in 2002, the 12th Eastern Visayas Regional Jamborette at Cebu in 2004, the 13th National Jamboree at Mt. Makiling in 2004, the 3rd National Scout Venture at Cebu in 2005, the 2nd BIMP-EAGA Urban Jamboree at Davao City in 2006, and the 14th National Diamond Jamboree at Mt. Makiling in 2011. 

During the Scout Venture in Sorsogon City, Marton and Marlon joined the 24-hour survival for sea scouts at an island going there traversing the breast-deep seawater.  They had to fish for their food.  Mallory joined the jungle exploration for land scouts.

 I accompanied them to these scouting activities.  These bonded us together especially sleeping outdoors and joining other scouts in the camps.

They also passed the survival for Eagle Scouts advancement at Camp Danao, Maasin City Forest Park for 24 hours.  They were supplied rice in a can and they have to eat and cook searching for chicken as food.  This was the last phase of their advancement.

The three of them were awarded as the first Eagle Scouts of Southern Leyte Council on October 2007 together with Karl Pete Carayo and Jefferson Dances.    

I finished my BSP woodbadge training in May 2009 at the Maasin City Forest Park.  Chona also underwent woodbadge training at the City Forest Park on April 2012.  This makes us one scouting family. 

Scouting and sports inculcated discipline in the family.  They would be afraid to be absent in their classes. They stayed away from smoking, alcoholism and illegal drugs.

We considered going to church together as an important task to keep the family intact.  We as parents always urged the three of them to tag along with us during Sundays and holy days of obligations.  Usually sons won't accompany their parents anymore as they reach adolescent and adulthood.  But we see to it that they would come along with us to parties and religious activities.

There were times when we participated fun runs together like that of Talisay City and in Maasin City.  I had a Facebook album entitled "The Family That Runs Together Stays Together."

We traveled together to Manila, Boracay Island, Bantayan Island, Palawan, Baguio, Northern and Central Luzon and other prominent places in the country.

We celebrated our Silver (25th) Wedding Anniversary with a renewal of marital vows at the Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Cathedral on June 18, 2013. The main celebrant was Msgr. Antonio Gaviola assisted by Msgr. Oscar Cadayona, Rev. Fr. Lito Narit, Rev. Fr. Samuel Papa, Rev. Fr. Johnrey Sibi and Rev. Fr. Amiel Vallinas.  

There were 45 pairs of principal witnesses.  Our three sons were the groomsmen.  The reception was held at the Maasin City Gym attended by city employees, barangay captains, friends and relatives.

CITYHOOD OF MAASIN

CITYHOOD OF MAASIN

The cityhood of Maasin was first proposed by Congressman Roger “Oging” Mercado when
 he filed House Bill No. 10001 at the House of Representatives in 1997.  I was a Councilor at that time and we gathered the resolutions of all 70 barangays supporting the cityhood move.  Our own Sangguniang Bayan also passed our resolution of support to the said bill in Congress. 

Other requirements were satisfied.  A land area of not less than 100 sq. km. was fulfilled since the actual area of Maasin is 211.70 sq. km. as certified by the Land Management Bureau.  It also passed the requirements for government center site, market site, plaza, school site and cemetery site which shall not be less than 10,000 square meters or one hectare each.  There was enough potable water supply as certified by the Maasin Water District.  Sewerage, garbage and waste disposal sites were also available.  There were several business and commercial establishments as certified by the National Statistics Office.    

But the problem was the income of the municipality.  The present income exceeded the required P 20 million per annum.  But if it were based on 1991 price index, the income of Maasin would be short by more than one million pesos. Thus the passage of the cityhood bill was put to a standstill until the adjournment of the 10th Congress.  It was put to archive in June 1998. 

Then Congressman Aniceto Saludo became the Representative of the Lone District of Southern Leyte.  Then Mayor Damian Mercado approached Cong. Saludo to refile the said cityhood bill in Congress.  At first Mayor Mercado was reluctant to approach the new Congressman because he was the political opponent of his brother Oging.  But when they talked about the cityhood and its advantages to Maasin, the new congressman readily agreed to the sponsorship of the cityhood bill.

Cong. Saludo filed HB 7201 in the House of Representatives in the 11th Congress.  The same documents that were used during the time of Cong. Mercado were once again submitted to the House Committee on Local Governments under Congressman Romeo Candazo.  This time, the Bureau of Local Government Finance certified that Maasin had satisfied the P 20 million income requirements based on 1991 index prices.  Maasin was ready to undergo a series of congressional committee hearings.

The first committee hearing was done at the Sulu Hotel in Quezon City where all municipal officials attended the said inquiry.  We were heard together with the cityhood of Ligao, Albay which was already for the second reading and the cityhood of Sorsogon, Sorsogon which was also intended for the first reading like Maasin.

The bill passed the approval of the committee and passed the approval of the plenary on the first reading.  A public hearing was set on October 1, 1999 at the Maasin Gymnasium.  It was attended by about 10,000 Maasinhons from all walks of life. There were government employees, teachers, students, businessmen, socio-civic club members, religious organization members, and the general public.  

The hearing started with a diana early morning to announce to the people that there was such a big event in Maasin.  Then there was a motorcade around the poblacion where the guests were greeted by flag-waving residents.  

Senator Serge Osmeña III and 24 congressmen graced the occasion.  Sen. Osmeña filed a similar bill in the Senate.  Among the members of the House of Representatives who attended was Deputy Speaker Eduardo Gullas of Cebu, who traced his roots from Barangay Laboon, who was the co-author of the bill.  The other co-authors who were also present were Cong. Alex Bascug of Agusan del Sur, also a Maasinhon from Barangay San Jose and Cong. Catalina Loreto-Go of Leyte who was married to a Maasinhon.  

The hearing was presided by Cong. Candazo with Cong. Saludo the principal author.  Gov. Rosette Lerias was present together with Mayor Mercado on stage.  She was a critic of the cityhood
 but did not speak of her objection during the said hearing with thousands of people in attendance.  

Speakers from all sectors presented their stand on the cityhood.  The Southern Leyte Chamber of Commerce showed up and expressed their support on condition that taxes would not rise abruptly. There was a provision that a moratorium of five years was imposed so that taxes would not increase during that period.

The religious sector is also afraid of rising criminality and increasing prostitution if Maasin would become a city.  But they did not express their fears during the public hearing.  The Provincial Government had qualms of decreased income because real property taxes, franchise taxes and other taxes would now be collected by the city which were paid to the province before cityhood. 

All the members of the committee were overwhelmed by the magnificent show of support by Maasinhons during the hearing that they offered themselves to become co-authors of the bill.  It was the first time in the history of the Committee on Local Government that all members became co-authors of the cityhood bill.  Thus, the Committee Chairman Cong. Candazo banged the gavel for approval of the cityhood of Maasin.  Thunderous applause was heard all over the Gymnasium.  At last the second most critical phase of the cityhood process was over.    

Then the officials went back to Congress in Manila for the formal approval on the committee level.  The Maasinhons sa Metro Manila was with us during the hearing to show their support.  We already displayed the streamer “YES TO THE CITYHOOD OF MAASIN” in preparation for the plebiscite.  Finally the cityhood bill was approved in the plenary in the third and final reading.

Over at the Senate, another committee hearing was scheduled, this time at the Senate Committee on Local Government chaired by Senator Aquilino Pimentel, Jr.  It was my first experience of speaking before a senate hearing testifying the importance of cityhood for Maasin to progress.  It was then approved at the committee level.  Then it was later passed at the Senate plenary for third and final reading.

Mayor Mercado had it signed by Senate President Franklin Drilon as soon as possible.  We had to catch up its approval and ratification in time for the Maasin fiesta.  It was our target to make Maasin a full pledge city before August 15, 2000.  

Then League of Municipalities President Jinggoy Estrada, Mayor of San Juan, hand carried the bill to his father President Joseph Estrada who signed it into a law on July 11, 2000.  It became Republic Act No. 8796, the conversion of the Municipality of Maasin into a component city of the Province of Southern Leyte.                      

It was the fastest passage of a cityhood bill in the history of Congress.  In just less than a year when it was filed, its approval was signed by the President. The plebiscite was then scheduled by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) on August 10, 2000, just five days before fiesta.

We campaigned painstakingly in all 70 barangays of Maasin, explaining to the people the importance of cityhood.  At that time issues on rising taxes and increasing criminalities were hurled by those who were against it.  Most of these people who were vocal opposition to the cityhood measure belong to the Lerias-Yñiguez camp. 

Since the first time the cityhood bill was filed in Congress, we made a media blitz on radio, newspaper and television.  Our Wednesdays, Maasin Cable TV program Aksyon Solusyon Inisyatibo focused on the advantages of Maasin becoming a city.  The day before the plebiscite, we had a motorcade joined by majority of the motorcabs, some private vehicles and our government vehicles.

We had a meting de avance at the Gym with Congressman Constantino Jaraula of Cagayan de Oro City as guest.  He explained the impact of cityhood citing the progress of CDO City.  Gov. Lerias attended the program showing her support to the cityhood movement.  Though late, we welcomed her support.    

The fiesta activities were stopped for two days, on the 9th and on the 10th to give way for the plebiscite.  All expenses were shouldered by the municipal government.  Polling precincts opened at 7:00 A.M. and closed at 3:00 P.M.    

One ballot box from of one of the precincts of Barangay Asuncion arrived very late in the evening and it caused the delay in the counting of the official tally.  The poll chairman was said to be viewing the popular television soap opera that time Rosalinda bringing home the ballot box before delivering it to the municipal hall.

The official results were tallied and the Yes votes were 19,273 for an overwhelming 92 % approval, while only 1,422 voted No for about 8 % disapproval.  The total number of votes cast was 68% of the total 33,467 voters of Maasin.

Provincial COMELEC supervisor Pastor Mendoza, chairman of the board of canvassers, formally announced the results and officially proclaimed the cityhood of Maasin at 11:25 P.M. before huge crowd at the front of the city hall.  Cheers erupted simultaneously with the fireworks display signalling that finally Maasin is now a city!

Maasin became the First City of the Philippines in the New Millennium.  Eleven municipalities later followed Maasin in the conversion to cities in 2000. They were San Jose del Monte (Bulacan), Balanga (Bataan), Munoz (Nueva Ecija), Masbate (Masbate), Sorsogon (Sorsogon), Talisay (Cebu), Bayawan (Negros Oriental), Digos (Davao del Sur), Koronadal (South Cotabato), Tacurong (Sultan Kudarat) and Bislig (Surigao del Sur).  

SYMBOLS OF THE CITY

SYMBOLS OF THE CITY

The Official Seal of the City of Maasin was adopted by the city government as approved by the City Council as soon as Maasin was converted into a component city.    It is placed in official communications, correspondents, and documents.  

The seal is also reflected in the city banner and used during flag raising and other formal ceremonies. 

A contest was held right after the cityhood of Maasin and the winning design was submitted by Ronnie Rallos of Barangay Combado. 

The meaning of the features of the Seal of Maasin City:

Rising Sun:  It shows the rise of the city amidst challenges.  It is the emblem of progress and development.  The sun illustrates the leadership of the City Mayor while the rays are those of the City Council.  The color red is a symbol of passion, courage and leadership.      

Shield:  It symbolizes protection from calamities, disasters, terrors, disorders, and crimes.  The color blue is a symbol of royalty and loyalty.

Millennium Cross:  It signifies that Maasin is the First City of the New Millennium.  The cross is a common symbol in heraldry or coat of arms.  The cross also represents that religious outlook of the people.  

August 10, 2000:  It is the date when the people of Maasin overwhelmingly ratified the cityhood during the plebiscite.  Every year thereafter, the City Charter Day is celebrated.    

Greenfields:  It indicates that Maasin is basically an agricultural city.  The color green is also the mark of our concern for health and environment.    

Rope:  It encircles the seal and it is the icon of strength and unity of the city and its people.  It also symbolizes the major product which is abaca. 

Two Stars:  They stand for the mountain and the sea.  Maasin is divided into coastal barangays and mountain barangays.  

SIDLAKAN SA BAG-ONG PAGLAUM
(MAASIN HYMN)

Lungsod ka nga kaulohan
Ning atong lalawigan
Mutya ka niining dughan
Kay ikaw among lamdaman

Kapatagan, bukid, dagat mo
Nga nag-ulbo sa katahom
Namulak sa mga damgo
Sidlakan sa bag-ong paglaom

Ipataas ang imong bandila
Sa kalangitan sa gugma
Mahalon tang pagsinabtanay
Aron maangkon nato ang kalipay

Lungsod nga tugob sa pagbati
Kwentas ka ning kinabuhi
Pakatam-ison namong kamatayon
Aron dili ka mapaulipon

Ipataas ang imong bandila
Sa kalangitan sa gugma
Mahalon tang
 pagsinabtanay
Aron maangkon nato ang kalipay

Maasin, Maasin
Lawas kinabuhi among gihalad
Katarong kaligdong
Sarang ug takos ikaalagad

Maasin, Maasin
Lungsod sa kinabuhi ko.

Translation:

RISING OF NEW HOPE

You’re the capital city
Of our province
You’re the pearl of this heart
Coz you’re our feeling

Your plains, hills and seas
Oozing with beauty
Flowering with dreams
Rising of new hope

Raise your banner
In the skies of love
Adore our understanding
To embrace happiness

City full of sensations
You’re the jewel of this life
It’s sweeter for us to die
Than seeing you enslaved

Raise your banner
In the skies of love
Adore our understanding
To embrace happiness

Maasin, Maasin
Body and life we offer
Truth and good 
Skill and brilliance we tender

Maasin, Maasin
City of my life


The Official Maasin Hymn entitled Sidlakan sa Bag-ong Paglaum, was the first prize winner during the Maasin Songwriting Festival during the Employees Day of 1993.  The winning piece was composed by Nereo Angub for the melody and former Anahawan Mayor Gerardo Vestal for the lyrics.      

AKSYON SOLUSYON INISYATIBO.  It is the motto of the city during the incumbency of the first City Mayor Damian Mercado.  I was the City Vice Mayor at that time and it was our battlecry at the height of the campaign.  ASI, as it is fondly called for short, also serves as our driving force to perform well during our administration. The slogan reflects action, feat and accomplishment manifested by tangible projects.  Solution to problems in time of crisis is needed to serve the constituents well. Initiative makes innovativeness in our plans and programs.      

MAASIN ATONG SIYUDAD ATONG MAHALON.  For short it means MASAM the acronym of Maloney Samaco.  It signifies “Maasin Our City Our Love.”  It was launched as a complement of ASI. All our plans, programs, and projects are geared towards loving and caring for our beloved city.  It means overall development of the city and its people in all 70 barangays. 

Other meanings of MASAM:
Maasin Anti-Smoking Advocacy Movement
Moving Ahead thru Sustainable Agriculture in Maasin
Maasin Academic, Science, and Arts Management
Mayor Against Shabu and Marijuana

PROFILE OF THE CITY

PROFILE OF THE CITY

More than 90% of Maasin City’s land area is considered agricultural and forest lands while the remaining portion is considered open grasslands and built-up areas. The southwestern side of the city is a coastal plain area while the rest is hilly and mountainous with some natural limestone caves.

The city can be accessed by land through major arterial highways of the province and by sea through its own seaport.  From Tacloban City where there are flights from Manila, travel by land is three hours.  From Ormoc City, the trip is two hours. From Hilongos, Leyte where there are boats from Cebu, thirty minutes travel by land could be reached.  

In Maasin port owned by the Philippine Ports Authority, it will take six hours voyage by boat. From Ubay, Bohol,  pumpboats and bancas usually take two hours to traverse to Maasin. 

Maasin’s climate is generally considered as Type IV or the rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year. Temperature ranges from 22-32°C while the average humidity is about 77%.

The people of Maasin called Maasinhons speak Cebuano dialect with the Boholano accent.  Most of them are farmers and fishermen. 

Maasin City is politically subdivided into 70 barangays.  They are the following: 

Abgao – Home of Cong. Mercado and Gov. Mercado; Where the port of Maasin is located; Extension of the commercial hub;  First barangay covered court constructed.  
Acasia - Famous for lanzones; Barangay covered court constructed.    
Asuncion – Second most populous barangays with most people relying on fishing; The location of the Provincial Capitol, Sunken Garden and most national offices; Place of the Asuncion Parish Church; Site of the Bishop’s Palace and Chancery and the Seminary;  Barangay covered court constructed.      
Bactul II – Third site for the Gawad Kalinga village; Barangay covered court constructed.
Bactul I – Site of the Eco-Park;  Barangay covered court constructed.
Badiang – Irrigated rice fields are found; Sitio Bonbon accessed through the rice fields; Barangay covered court constructed. 
Bagtican - Rain-fed and irrigated rice fields are found. 
Basak - Accessible through three bridges with a long winding river; Footbridge across the river to Sitio Lipayhan. 
Bato II - Famous for lanzones; Accessed through two bridges; Barangay covered court constructed.  
Bato I – Accessed through two bridges. 
Batuan – Where most of the male adults are carpenters and masons; Barangay covered court constructed. 
Baugo – Site of Baugo National High School; Famous for lanzones; Barangay covered court constructed.    
Bilibol – A fishing village; Famous for its white beach; Site of Little Denmark Resort at Sitio Panas; Barangay covered court constructed.
Bogo – Site of Cong. Oging Mercado’s rest house and forest park; Barangay covered court constructed.
Cabadiangan – Highest mountain barangay in terms of elevation;  Barangay covered court constructed.
Cabulihan – A fishing village; Location of submarine cable for power to Bohol; Barangay covered court constructed.  
Cagnituan – Where the Guinsohotan Falls and Cave is situated; Biggest barangay in terms of land area; Barangay covered court constructed.
Cambooc -  Famous for its tuba; Barangay covered court constructed.
Cansirong – Sitio San Vicente adjacent to Matalom boundary; Famous for lanzones; Barangay covered court constructed. 
Canturing – Where the Army Reserve Command Headquarters and a portion of the Camp Alfredo Bantug (PNP Provincial Office) are situated.    
Canyuom – Location of Canyuom Cave; Barangay covered court constructed. 
Combado – Largest barangays in terms of population; Part of the terminal and new market area are found in this barangay; Site of the Maasin City National High School and Maasin City Division: Second site for the Gawad Kalinga village; Nice scenic view of Maasin at the Telecom tower site; Barangay covered court constructed.    
Dongon – Site of the new Provincial Hospital; Location of Dongon National High School; Barangay covered court constructed.
Gawisan – Famous for its sweet lanzones and durian.    
Guadalupe - Nearest point to Bohol; Home of several overseas workers; Barangay covered court constructed.  
Hanginan – Famous site of the San Francisco Javier Shrine; Scenic mountain view.
Hantag – Place of the famous Hantag Multi-Purpose Cooperative; Sitio Coloquinia is a part of the barangay; Barangay covered court constructed. 
Hinapu Daku – Accessed through a bridge; Big sitio called Tagpaayao is situated; Barangay covered court constructed.
Hinapu Gamay -  Divided into two big sitios Kaiire and Kairma; Barangay covered court constructed.  
Ibarra – Location of the Ibarra Parish Church; Site of Ibarra National High School; Millionaires’ row of residences; Famous for bocarillo; Several beach resorts like Lola Edad, Mercado Beach and Coconut Groove; Barangay covered court constructed.      
Isagani – Famous for Pugaling Beach with a big rock or dakung bato; Barangay covered court constructed.
Laboon – Where the fathers of Cong. Eddie Gullas and Mayor Rudy Duterte were born; Place of several rain-fed rice fields; Barangay
 covered court constructed.    
Lanao - Gov. Mian Mercado’s rest house is found;  Barangay covered court constructed.
Libertad – Farthest barangay and already adjacent to the town of Tomas Oppus. 
Lib-og – Where the candle factories are situated; Location of the Materials Recovery Facility site.    
Libhu – Site of Libhu National High School; Site of several rain-fed rice fields; Barangay covered court constructed.  
Lonoy – Site of the Tinubdan spring; PLDT-Smart tower is located.  
Lunas – It has five sitios Lagnason, Central, Campo, Caiyanohan and Canlugok each with different fiestas. 
Mahayahay – A fishing village; Famous for its mangrove island called Camijares; Site of the big Sto. Nino image at the sea; Barangay covered court constructed.
Malapoc Norte – Site of the City Forest Park and City Zoo at Sitio Danao; Barangay covered court constructed.
Malapoc Sur – Site of Malapoc Sur National High School; Barangay covered court constructed.
Mambajao – Huge population on the fishing village, mostly coming from Cebu and settled down in the place; Site of the Maasin cemetery.  
Manhilo – Famous for its Hapitan Beach; Center of District III of the Department of Education; Barangay covered court constructed.  
Mantahan – Where the Tomas Oppus Pilot School and Southern Leyte Sports Complex is situated; Center for the District II of the DepEd; Site of the Jalleca Hills Shrine of Our Lady of Assumption.
Maria Clara – Site of Bulok-bulok Spring; Place of several irrigated rice fields; Famous for anchovy or bolinaw, sortidos, salbaro and rosquillos; Barangay covered court constructed.  
Matin-ao – A portion of the City Forest Park belongs to this barangay; Famous for durian; Barangay covered court constructed.  
Nasaug – Site of the Southern Leyte Electric Cooperative (SOLECO).
Nati – Famous for lanzones.
Nonok Norte – Famous for vegetable growing; Site of Nonok Norte National High School.
Nonok Sur – Village separated by a river and connected by a bridge. 
Panan-awan – Where the Maasin Airport is situated; Last barangay located at the boundary of Matalom along the national road; Barangay covered court constructed.  
Pansaan - Consisting of Upper and Lower Pansaan; Shrine of the Divine Mercy was situated; Barangay covered court constructed.
Pasay- Located at the boundary and last barangays leading to Macrohon; Place of several irrigated rice fields; Millionaires’ row of residences; Barangay covered court constructed.    
Pinascohan – Famous for Christmas festivities dating back the olden times; Barangay covered court constructed. 
Rizal – Site of the Montecueva Diocesan Shrine; Place of the City Nursery; Sitio Basak located near the poblacion is more populated than the main barangay;    Barangay covered court constructed.
San Agustin - Farming village with crops; Barangay covered court constructed.
San Isidro – Farming village suited to corn and crops. 
San Jose – Site of the San Jose Cemetery; Footbridge across the river; Nicely built barangay site; Barangay covered court constructed.  
San Rafael – Commercial hub in the mountain areas; Center of District IV of the Department of Education: Site of the San Rafael National High School; Location of the San Rafael Parish Church; PNP Sub-station is situated; Footbridge across the river; Barangay covered court constructed.            
Santa Cruz – Village by the river accessible through a bridge; School and barangay sites are one; Barangay covered court constructed.
Santa Rosa – Smallest barangay of Maasin; First site of the Gawad Kalinga village. 
Santo Niño – Sitios Lanipga and Loblobon are separated by a river now joined by a foot bridge; Barangay covered court constructed. 
Santo Rosario – A fishing village; Famous for its beach; Site of the Looc Cemetery; Barangay covered court constructed. 
Soro-soro -  Image of the Divine Mercy is found.  
Tagnipa – Site of the terminal and new market area; New commercial hub of Maasin; Barangay covered court constructed.  
Tam-is – Consisting of Upper and Lower Tam-is; Site of the National Power Corporation transmission plant; Barangay covered court constructed.
Tawid – PNP Sub-station is situated; Barangay covered court constructed. 
Tigbawan -  Situated near the boundary of Malitbog; Big sitio is Tubli; Barangay covered court constructed.
Tomoy-tomoy -  Farming village with crops.  
Tunga-tunga – My home barangay where the city hall, other city offices,  City Gym, plaza, and cathedral is situated; Site of the old public market and Maasin City College; Old commercial hub of Maasin; Site of Saint Joseph College and College of Maasin; Location of Maasin Central School and Center for District I of the DepEd.  

MAASIN FESTIVALS

MAASIN FESTIVALS

Since the time of our great-grandparents, fluvial procession or sakay-sakay has been a tradition every January as part of the festivities of the Holy Child Sto. Niño.  The Sinulog celebration in Cebu welded its influence to Maasin since the original Sto. Niño image was brought by Ferdinand Magellan as a gift to Rajah Humabon and Queen Juana.  The sinulog festivities spread to the different parts of the Visayas and the whole country, including Maasin.

Sinulog celebrations called Sinoog in Maasin at the start were only limited to drum beats and dances at the church premises.  Then families began to celebrate the occasion in their respective homes. Then clans organized panaaran or devotion to the Holy Child whom they believe to shower graces and blessings.

The Knighthawks organized street dancing contests along the streets of Maasin which culminate in dance presentations at the Anatalio Gaviola Plaza.  But due to financial constraints it was stopped.  Without the Sinulog dance contests the fluvial processions continued to grace the seas of Maasin every third Sunday of the year.  It was the official church declared feast day for Senor Sto. Niño and no longer the original January 15. 

Then came the time when the city government revived the contests for Sakay-sakay with pumpboat and banca categories, icon decoration, and higante contests and later on street dancing presentations.

There was a time when Maasin became a new city and it sent contingents to the Cebu Sinulog Grand Parade.  That was during the Mardi Gras in 2001, 2002 and 2003.  However, there were clamors for improving the Sto. Niño festivities in Maasin rather than spending millions to Cebu City.  Thus the Sakay-sakay Festival was institutionalized as the premier religious festival in the city.  In fact, it is now the number one Holy Child Fluvial Festival in Region 8. 

Held every Charter Day and Fiesta Celebration, Pabulhon Festival showcases the agricultural and aqua-marine products of the different barangays in Maasin.  The term pabulhon comes from the original Maasinhon word bulhon meaning cooperation, volunteerism, unity and helping one another.  In Tagalog it means bayanihan.

The farmers of the olden times had no modern tractors or farm implements.  So they had to resort to grouping themselves and take turns in working as a cluster to ease up the effort in cleaning and planting in a member’s farm.  They did this until all the farms of the colleagues had been worked at. 

Thus the essence of the Pabulhon Festival is the teamwork done in promoting agri-aqua products.  During the fair, booths were being set up by cluster of barangays, they display their agricultural produce for viewing and selling.  There were contests on the biggest, longest, heaviest crops or fruits called pinaka contest.  To add color and glamor to the fair, garden shows are also set up to showcase the plant and flower industry of the city.

Usually the fair opens on the 9th of August or the day before the Charter Day Celebration at the Anatalio Gaviola Plaza.  In 2008, the guest of honor in the first day was Senator Manny Villar.  In 2009, the ribbon was cut by no less than President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during its opening.

On the 10th of August, the Pabulhon games are conducted in the afternoon.  It usually consists of coconut husking, abaca stripping, cooking, tuba drinking, regatta, piglet catching carabao racing, among other contests. It is participated in by farmers, fisherfolks, rural improvement club members and barangay officials.                

On the 14th of August, the awarding ceremony is held.  Contest winners of the Pabulhon Games are awarded usually with cash prizes.  Booth champions including the pinaka contest winners are also recognized.  The garden show winners are also identified.  

On the 15th of August, the feast day of Our Lady of Assumption, the Pabulhon Street Dancing entertains the thousands of visitors, pilgrims and tourists along the streets of the poblacion.  It culminates at the City Gym where they present their dance festivals.  All are considered winners as they were given uniform sums of money to finance their expenses. 

Every December, all the 70 barangays of Maasin participate in the Inter-Barangay Parol Festival which started in 2002.  Parol is the traditional Filipino symbol of the star of Bethlehem which shone brightly indicating the birth of the Messiah as promised by God to His chosen people.  The same star also guided the Three Wise Men in their search for the Baby Jesus.  The star actually was a comet.

Parols made up of native and indigenous materials are displayed every year at the Anatalio Gaviola Plaza.  The contest officially begins on the first day of the Christmas novena every December 16, the start of the Misa de Gallo or midnight mass.  The festival ends up during the feast of the Senior Sto. Niño or the sinulog.  Cash prizes await the winners and all non-winners are also given consolation prizes.  

Different materials mostly local to the barangays like abaca, coconut, seashells, cogon, nipa, among others, were the stuff made to assemble the parol. The primary rule is that it must form an encircled five pointed star with a specified diameter.  And it should be lighted so as to be attractive during night time. 

Added attractions to the parols are the Christmas decorations of the trees at the plaza usually lighted by the commercial establishments and non-government organizations.  Then a Santa Claus effigy riding a mechanized moving sleigh attracts children from all parts of the city and the neighboring towns.  A belen or Christmas nativity scene is also assembled consisting of characters with moving parts. 

The Christmas parols, decors and figures all add gaiety and color to the most joyous time of the year in Maasin City.          

SPECTACULAR RELIGIOUS CITY

SPECTACULAR RELIGIOUS CITY

Maasin City is a major religious pilgrimage hub in this part of the Visayas region.  Three major pilgrimage shrines are found in the city.  They are Montecueva Shrine, Our Lady of Assumption Shrine and Saint Francis Xavier Shrine.  Thousands of devotees all over the diocese and even all over Eastern Visayas Region and other parts of the country come to the shrines of Maasin to ask for blessings.

The Montecueva Shrine offers 550 plus steps if you ascent through the Stations of the Cross stations.  Your stamina is really tested in climbing the 172-meter-above-sea- level ascent to the chapel built inside the cave.  Thus it was called Montecueva or Cave in a Mountain.  It is officially called the Shrine of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus.  

Those who had difficulty going up the stairs, a winding concrete ramp with less inclination takes you to the top, but with a longer route, with just more than 300 steps.  The Diocese of Maasin put together the different features of the shrine.  It was under the supervision of Rev. Fr. Garnet John Quirong.  

These include the statue of the Patroness Our Lady of Assumption overlooking the vast Camiguin Sea erected in 1992 by lot owner Atty. Joaquin Chung, the statue of the Pieta, a multi-purpose hall, a chapel for masses held outside the cave, a canteen, the Stations of the Cross, among others.  Bishop Precioso D. Cantillas grants indulgence to the pilgrims of Montecueva, with corresponding sacraments to take. 

It was said that Atty. Chung had a dream that the Patroness asked him to build a shrine.  He later turned it over to the diocese. 

The Our Lady of Assumption Shrine at Jalleca Hills is a 36-foot giant statue of Mama Mary. Construction started in 1994 and was inspired by its founder Mrs. Milagros Castro.  It was said that the Patroness appeared before her in a dream and told her to construct a shrine atop a mountain overlooking the coastal areas of Maasin.

The mountain in her dream was identified to be somewhere in Barangay Mantahan and the lot was owned by the Jarabe, Leyson, Llevares and Cadavos familes who donated the site for the shrine, thus the name Jalleca Hills.  The construction had the blessings and support of then Bishop Vicente Ataviado. 

It was my mother Engr. Esperanza Samaco, the first lady district engineer in Eastern Visayas, who helped Mrs. Castro in the initial stages of the planning and construction of the shrine.  It was former Councilor Salvador Abiera who supervised the construction and former Councilor Lupo Kirong who sculpted the giant statue of the Blessed Mother. 

According to Kirong, my former colleague in the Municipal Council, the erection of the 36-foot statue was a miracle in itself.  For he himself could not believe if the giant structure could be assembled successfully.  

The Our Lady of Assumption Shrine Association was organized in 1992 to raise funds and manage the affairs of the shrine.  A chapel was constructed later at the back of the statue and the Stations of the Cross along its 235 steps.  There is also a rectory and a prayer room at the back of the chapel. 

The chapel’s altar features the coronation of Mama Mary with the Blessed Trinity and the seven archangels.  The giant image of Christ the King is also built.  

Since the shrine was built, Maasin was never hit by a typhoon.  Unlike the previous years, when almost every year, typhoons would devastate the town, being situated in a typhoon belt.  There were several instances when PAG-ASA would forecast that a typhoon would pass by Maasin, but suddenly it would change course. 

From Jalleca Hills on the shrine, one can catch a good view of the whole city, the picturesque Maasin by the sea.  Both Marian shrines were flocked by pilgrims and devotees especially during Holy Week and Mama Mary’s Birthday every September 8.         

The third popular shrine in Maasin is the Saint Francis Xavier Shrine, locally known as San Francisco Javier or Dagkutanan, at Barangay Hanginan.  One can reach the chapel where the icon was housed by trekking the two-kilometer route from the highway at Barangay Isagani.  Or one can reach it through the road from Barangay Soro-soro by vehicle through the uphill access road until the junction.  Then the climb through the concrete stairs will now be shorter.  There are more than 300 of these steps leading to the village where the chapel is situated. 

The scenic mountain views greet every visitor.  You can also get a relaxing sight of the sea and the surrounding islands of Bohol, Limasawa and during very fair weather Camiguin.  The air is soothing amidst the heat of the sun, thus the place is called Hanginan.  

The miraculous icon was privately owned by a big family from the time of the Spanish Jesuits then handed over through generations.  Sometimes the icon would be brought to Isagani chapel along the highway.  But still people would climb to Hanginan for sacrifice. 

The saint is a favorite of soldiers and students.  Most of them are soldiers who are going to combat and students who are about to take the Board examinations.  Many testified that their prayers were answered by Saint Francis Xavier when they prayed in Hanginan.

During Good Fridays, the shrine is full of thousands of pilgrims.  It is the peak season for pilgrimage. Usually San Francisco followers would flock Hanginan on Fridays.  But today, everyday of the week, we see pilgrims climbing the steps to the chapel for blessings.  The feast of the saint is held every December 3.  Many devotees would offer food for other visitors during fiestas and Good Fridays.    

There was even a story that the icon was originally intended for San Francisco at Panaon Island in Southern Leyte and the image of San Isidro Labrador was aimed for Hanginan.  But fate had it that they were interchanged and the patron saint of San Francisco is now San Isidro, while the San Francisco Javier went to Hanginan.      

There are several eateries leading to the chapel. The most favorite food there is the native chicken soup which soothes your tiredness and replaces fluids lost by sweat.  The special delicacy sold is rice cake called bibingka.

The original image of the Our Lady of Assumption at the Maasin Cathedral is believed to be miraculous.  During Her fiesta every August 15 thousands of devotees would flock to the church to pay homage to the Blessed Mother.  

Stories of our great grandparents had it that a beautiful lady believed to be the Patroness would be standing by the sea when a typhoon hit Maasin. She was said to pacify the storm and the big waves.  
There was also a story of thieves trying to steal the icon of the Blessed Mother to be sold as an antique for a bigger price.  But they could not lift the sack where they placed the wooden statue because it became very heavy.  So they just left it behind the fence of the church just across Saint Joseph College.  When it was picked up to be returned back to its location in the cathedral, its weight became normal.  

Processions during Good Fridays are joined by tens of thousands of devotees.  There are several saint images or caro which were owned by religious families in Maasin.  Our own Abiera-Samaco-Narit clan had the San Pedro, Salome and Agony in the Garden images.  Other icons during the procession are San Juan Evangelista, Maria Magdalena, Veronica, Jesus Nazareno, Santo Intiero, and Dolorosa.