Ordinance approved for such branding
TACLOBAN CITY – Maasin City will now be officially known as the “City of Faith” as part of its new branding initiative.
This designation is based on Ordinance No. 241, which was passed by the city council on October 22, 2024, and approved by Mayor Nacional Mercado on November 5, 2024.
The ordinance emphasizes that identifying Maasin as the City of Faith is fitting, considering the numerous religious landmarks scattered across the city. These sites have long attracted pilgrims and tourists, not only from Southern Leyte and the rest of the country but also from abroad.
According to Councilor Rafael Cromwell Gerong, the ordinance’s principal author, one of the most significant religious landmarks in Maasin is the Maasin Cathedral, also known as the National Shrine of Our Lady of Assumption. This cathedral was officially elevated to national shrine status in August 2023.
“The cathedral houses century-old images of the patron saint, which were pontifically crowned in 2022. The declaration of the cathedral as a national shrine has significantly boosted the influx of pilgrims and tourists, showcasing our unique heritage and faith,” Gerong explained in his explanatory note.
In addition to the cathedral, Maasin City is home to several other pilgrimage sites, including the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Shrine in Monte Cueva, the 36-foot-tall image of the Our Lady of Assumption in the Jalleca Hills, and the St. Francis Xavier Chapel in Hanginan.
These destinations further cement Maasin’s identity as a spiritual and religious hub, Bantug added.
Incidentally, Maasin is considered the gateway to Limasawa Island, the site of the First Mass in the country on March 31, 1521.
While Maasin is predominantly Catholic, with a population of over 87,000, it also serves as a safe haven for other religions.
The city is home to a significant Muslim community and a major mosque often referred to as the “Mecca” for Muslims in the region. Other Christian denominations also practice their faith harmoniously within the community.
“Maasin City is not just about religious observance but also about inclusivity and unity. It reflects a vibrant spirit of cooperation, compassion, and hospitality that resonates with all its residents,” the ordinance highlighted.
With the ordinance’s approval, Maasin will adopt the tagline “Maasin City: The City of Faith – Home of the Ajonay,” encapsulating its rich cultural and spiritual heritage. The term “Ajonay” symbolizes the city’s collective spirit of unity, cooperation, and faith.
The Office of the City Investment Promotions and Tourism Office (CIPTO) has been tasked with promoting the new branding across various platforms.
This includes the installation of markers and coordination with other departments to disseminate the city’s new identity effectively.
The city government has allocated funds under its annual budget to support the promotion and implementation of the ordinance.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
