Oroquieta City
Encyclopedia
Oroquieta City is a 3rd class city in the province of Misamis Occidental, Philippines
. It is the capital city of Misamis Occidental. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 65,349 people.
Another version is that Oroquieta had derived its name from the word ‘ORO’ and ‘KITA’. The early inhabitants then had found gold along the river. Thus, the name ‘ORO’ which means Gold and ‘QUITA’ or ‘KITA’ which means to find.
Layawan river
Many years had passed; Oroquieta progressed by leaps and bounces until finally it became the capital town (cabecera) on January 6, 1930. As capital town, people of various neighboring provinces came and inhabited in the place where they earn their living through fishing, farming, merchandising and other forms of businesses. Soon afterwards its income increased simultaneously with increase in population.
It is worthy to note that sometime in 1942, Oroquieta was made the capital of the free Philippines by the guerillas. (Personal interview with the late Atty. Vicente Blanco, Municipal Mayor during the Japanese Occupation)
It must be remembered that during this time the late President Manuel L. Quezon together with the late Sergio Osmeña, Sr., a bodyguard and Major Manuel Nieto, Sr. landed in Oroquieta after their evacuation from Corregidor to Australia.
The seat of government of the Free Philippines then was the Capitol. The Free Philippine Government was then issuing Misamis Occidental emergency notes. Late President Quezon, upon knowing that Oroquieta was made a capital of the Free Philippines and that the town was issuing emergency notes, authorized the Printing of the Mindanao emergency note.
Another noteworthy incident during the Japanese occupation was the visit of the former President of the Philippines, Ferdinand E. Marcos and Major Manzano to Oroquieta. That time, the Commanding General of Mindanao was the late Col Wendell Fertig.
Oroquieta was created a City under R.A. 5518 and inaugurated as a chartered city on January 1, 1970. The charter converting the municipality of Oroquieta into a city are signed by President Marcos on June 25, 1969 in the presence of the then City Mayor, the late Ciriaco C. Pastrano, with the newly elected councilors and other city officials.
Cultural
Natural/Man Made
Delicacies / Specialties
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Cultural
Natural/Man Made
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
. It is the capital city of Misamis Occidental. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 65,349 people.
Etymology
Some sources revealed that the town got its name from a famous barrio in Spain where Father Toas Tomas Casado, the first parish priest here and General Domingo Mariones y Murillo, a hero in the battle of Oroquieta, were born.History
Layawan was the oldest name of Oroquieta, which was the barrio in the province of Misamis since 1861 until 1879. The early settlers then of the barrio were Boholano peddlers. They found so many stray animals along the river, thus they named the place Layawan, which means a place of stray animals. A little later, Misamis was divided into two provinces, Misamis Occidental and Oriental. Then in 1880, Layawan changed its name into Oroquieta when it became a town. Some sources revealed that the town got its name from a famous barrio in Spain where Father Toas Tomas Casado, the first parish priest here and General Domingo Mariones y Murillo, a hero in the battle of Oroquieta, were born.Another version is that Oroquieta had derived its name from the word ‘ORO’ and ‘KITA’. The early inhabitants then had found gold along the river. Thus, the name ‘ORO’ which means Gold and ‘QUITA’ or ‘KITA’ which means to find.
Layawan river
Many years had passed; Oroquieta progressed by leaps and bounces until finally it became the capital town (cabecera) on January 6, 1930. As capital town, people of various neighboring provinces came and inhabited in the place where they earn their living through fishing, farming, merchandising and other forms of businesses. Soon afterwards its income increased simultaneously with increase in population.
It is worthy to note that sometime in 1942, Oroquieta was made the capital of the free Philippines by the guerillas. (Personal interview with the late Atty. Vicente Blanco, Municipal Mayor during the Japanese Occupation)
It must be remembered that during this time the late President Manuel L. Quezon together with the late Sergio Osmeña, Sr., a bodyguard and Major Manuel Nieto, Sr. landed in Oroquieta after their evacuation from Corregidor to Australia.
The seat of government of the Free Philippines then was the Capitol. The Free Philippine Government was then issuing Misamis Occidental emergency notes. Late President Quezon, upon knowing that Oroquieta was made a capital of the Free Philippines and that the town was issuing emergency notes, authorized the Printing of the Mindanao emergency note.
Another noteworthy incident during the Japanese occupation was the visit of the former President of the Philippines, Ferdinand E. Marcos and Major Manzano to Oroquieta. That time, the Commanding General of Mindanao was the late Col Wendell Fertig.
Oroquieta was created a City under R.A. 5518 and inaugurated as a chartered city on January 1, 1970. The charter converting the municipality of Oroquieta into a city are signed by President Marcos on June 25, 1969 in the presence of the then City Mayor, the late Ciriaco C. Pastrano, with the newly elected councilors and other city officials.
Geography
Oroquieta City is bounded on the south by Aloran and the north of Lopez Jaena. On the eastern side is Iligan Bay, with Concepcion on the southwest and Sapang Dalaga on the northwest. Lowland plains and coastal lowlands are located in the City’s eastern side while highlands and mountains tower over its western side. The City occupies roughly 26,393 hectares, the majority of which comprises the mountain barangays of Mialen, Toliyok and Sebucal, averaging less than a thousand hectares per Barangay, the 47 barangays of the City outsize its urbanized counterparts.City Tourism/Attractions
'Historical- Misamis Occidental Provincial Capitol Building - Capitol Grounds Capitol Drive. The Misamis Occidental Provincial Capitol building was built in 1935. It was adjudged as one of the most beautiful capitol buildings in the Philippines in 1973.
- City Kiosk - City Plaza Poblacion I. Often referred to by the locals as the “kiosko”, It was built in 1912 as a municipal bandstand. At present, the Kiosko is the meeting place of various NGO's in the Cities especially Greek Fraternities and Sorrorities like the Alpha Kappa Rho gang every Wednesday Beta Sigma Phi every Friday and Alpha Tau Omega every monday. Serves also as a emergency operation center during City Fiesta Celebration.
- Oroquieta City Public Plaza - Poblacion I. A unique park by the sea, its beautiful landscape is ideal for early morning jogs and afternoon strolls. Known to be one of the best plazas in Northern Mindanao, it provides a beautiful view of the Iligan Bay seascape.
Cultural
- Oroquieta City Museum - 3rd Floor City Hall Annex Building Independence Street. Attractions: The city museum showcases a collection of various antique pieces loaned or donated by some pioneering families of Oroquieta. The museum’s priceless collections offer a glimpse of the “Oroquietanian Heritage.”
Natural/Man Made
- Layawan River - A consistent awardee of the Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran as the Cleanest Inland body of Water in the Philippines. Layawan River’s pristine water flows directly from the bosom of Mt. Malindang and is ideal for fishing, swimming and other water sports such as water tubing.
- Libadatama Dam`- Barangay Dolipos Bajo. Located a few kilometers from the city proper. What was originally constructed for irrigation purposes, the dam area soon became a favorite picnic destination. Experiencing the strong rushing current of the water is quite a thrill in itself. The clear and cool water of the Layawan River provides a soothing relief from the summer heat.
- Ciriaco H. Pastrano Hanging Foot Bridge - Poblacion II/Barangay Taboc Norte. Crossing this hanging footbridge provides a scenic view of the Layawan River below.
- Peace Resort - Poblacion I , This seaside resort provides a refreshing haven for picnic lovers as they enjoy swimming in the cool waters of Iligan Bay.
- Sebucal Hot Spring - Barangay Sibucal. It’s steaming water springs out from the heart of Mount Malindang. It is one of the favorite destinations for mountaineers.
- Marine Sanctuary - Barangay Mobod. A facility maintained for the protection and preservation of our rich marine resources. It is also a great site for diving
Festivals
- Inug-og Festival - An annual October event in honor of the Feast of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary (“Birhen sa Santo Rosaryo”). The festival is celebrated with street dancing and ritual presentations by contingents of dancers, props men and instrumentalists in colorful indigenous costumes.
- Light A Tree for Christmas - This annual Light A Tree activity kicks off with the transportation of the city plaza into a Christmas Wonderland.
- Dayan-Dayan Festival - The Dayan-Dayan Festival is an inter-barangay competition for the Most Festive and Most Lighted Barangay during the entire of the Christmas Season.
Delicacies / Specialties
- Banana Chips
- Suzette Broas
- Lumayagan (Local Squids)
- Suman Tinambiran
- Virgin Coconut Oil
- Various Tropical Fruits
Barangays
Oroquieta City is politically subdivided into 47 barangayBarangay
A barangay is the smallest administrative division in the Philippines and is the native Filipino term for a village, district or ward...
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City Tourism/Attractions
'Historical- Misamis Occidental Provincial Capitol Building - Capitol Grounds Capitol Drive. The Misamis Occidental Provincial Capitol building was built in 1935. It was adjudged as one of the most beautiful capitol buildings in the Philippines in 1973.
- City Kiosk - City Plaza Poblacion I. Often referred to by the locals as the “kiosko”, It was built in 1912 as a municipal bandstand. At present, the Kiosko is the meeting place of various NGO's in the Cities especially Greek Fraternities and Sorrorities like the Alpha Kappa Rho gang a group of young criminals every Wednesday and Beta Sigma Phi every Friday. Serves also as a emergency operation center during City Fiesta Celebration.
- Oroquieta City Public Plaza - Poblacion I. A unique park by the sea, its beautiful landscape is ideal for early morning jogs and afternoon strolls. Known to be one of the best plazas in Northern Mindanao, it provides a beautiful view of the Iligan Bay seascape.
Cultural
- Oroquieta City Museum - 3rd Floor City Hall Annex Building Independence Street. Attractions: The city museum showcases a collection of various antique pieces loaned or donated by some pioneering families of Oroquieta. The museum’s priceless collections offer a glimpse of the “Oroquietanian Heritage.”
Natural/Man Made
- Layawan River - A consistent awardee of the Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran as the Cleanest Inland body of Water in the Philippines. Layawan River’s pristine water flows directly from the bosom of Mt. Malindang and is ideal for fishing, swimming and other water sports such as water tubing.
- Libadatama Dam`- Barangay Dolipos Bajo. Located a few kilometers from the city proper. What was originally constructed for irrigation purposes, the dam area soon became a favorite picnic destination. Experiencing the strong rushing current of the water is quite a thrill in itself. The clear and cool water of the Layawan River provides a soothing relief from the summer heat.
- Ciriaco H. Pastrano Hanging Foot Bridge - Poblacion II/Barangay Taboc Norte. Crossing this hanging footbridge provides a scenic view of the Layawan River below.
- Peace Resort - Poblacion I , This seaside resort provides a refreshing haven for picnic lovers as they enjoy swimming in the cool waters of Iligan Bay.
- Sebucal Hot Spring - Barangay Sibucal. It’s steaming water springs out from the heart of Mount Malindang. It is one of the favorite destinations for mountaineers.
- Marine Sanctuary - Barangay Mobod. A facility maintained for the protection and preservation of our rich marine resources. It is also a great site for diving and snorkeling.
Education
The presence of Colleges and Universities make a premier education center in Oroquieta City. Students coming from Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, and Misamis Occidental come to Oroquieta to pursue their college education. Notable schools include:- Misamis UniversityMisamis UniversityMisamis University is a privately owned, non-sectarian, non-profit educational institution that advocates a progressive and dynamic education that upholds the principle that God is the center of its existence and that education its service offering to God and country.MU is the only university in...
Oroquieta Unit - Mindanao University of Science and TechnologyMindanao University of Science and TechnologyMindanao University of Science and Technology commonly known as MUST is a higher education institution in the Philippines...
Oroquieta Unit - Southern Capital College
- Oroquieta Agro Industrial School
- Dr. Solomon U. Molina College (formerly Solomon Molina School & Development Center)
- Stella Maris College
- Misamis Occidental Technological Institute
- C-Lan Institute of Technology
Hospitals and Health Centers
- St. Therese Hospital
- Dignum Foundation Hospital
- Misamis Occidental Provincial Hospital
- Oroquieta Community Hospital
- Tamola-Tan Medical Center
Banks and financial institutions
- United Coconut Planters BankUnited Coconut Planters BankThe United Coconut Planters Bank, more popularly known by its initials, UCPB, or by its old name, Cocobank, is one of the largest banks in the Philippines, ranking within the top twenty banks in the Philippines in terms of assets. The bank, owing to its name, caters heavily to coconut farmers, but...
(UCPB) - along Enerio St. - One Network BankOne Network BankOne Network Bank, also known as ONB, is a rural bank based in Davao City in the Philippines. Formed in 2004 through the consolidation of Network Rural Bank of Davao del Sur, the Rural Bank of Panabo of Davao del Norte and the Provident Rural Bank of Cotabato, ONB is the largest rural bank in the...
(ONB) - Banco de Oro (BDO)
- Land Bank of the PhilippinesLand Bank of the PhilippinesLand Bank of the Philippines , also known as LANDBANK or by its initials, LBP, is a bank in the Philippines owned by the Philippine government with a special focus on serving the needs of farmers and fishermen...
- located at 1st floor of Dajao Bldg. - First Valley Bank - along 1st floor of E.Lim Building
- Katipunan Bank
- People's Bank of Caraga
- Rural Bank of Oroquieta City (RBO)
- First Integrated Community Cooperative (FICCO)
- Misamis Occidental Cooperative Bank (MOCB)
- Philippine National Bank (PNB)
- Paglaum Multi-Purpose Cooperative (Paglaum MPC)
- Lorenzo Tan Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LTMPC)
- Aurora Integrated Multi-Purpose Cooperative (AIMCOOP)
- Misamis Occidental Employees' Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MOEMCO)
Media
- RMA Cable TV
- Misamis Cable TV
- Radio One FM 91.3 (DXNA-FM)
- Pec Broadcasting Corporation - Real Radio FM 103.9
- Manila Broadcasting Company - Radyo Natin FM 106.1 (DXRQ-FM)
- Smart Communications
- PLDT
Hotels & Inns
- Rhovic's Place Hotel & Restaurant
- Sheena's Hotel & Resto Bar
- Circle N Lodging House
- St. Gerard Lodging House
- Emily's Lodging House
- Chopstick Pension House
- Tatong's Beach Resort
- Daminar Riverside Garden
Restaurants, Bars, & Eateries
- JollibeeJollibeeJollibee Foods Corporation is the parent company of Jollibee, a fast-food restaurant chain based in the Philippines. Among JFC's popular brands are Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Caffe Ti-amo, Mang Inasal and Burger King...
- Rhovic's Place Hotel & Restaurant
- Chicken Ati-Atihan
- Arenaza Resto Bar & Noodle House (formerly DDC Cake Shop & Noodle House)
- Chopstick Resto Bar
- Sa Likuran Restaurant
- Kamayan sa Oro
- Ogis Lechon Manok
- Kirby's Resto Bar
- JC Cuisine
- Baszo Resto Bar
- Sheena's Hotel & Resto Bar
- Daminar Riverside Garden
- Chika-An sa Oroquieta
- Sugbahan sa Rhovic's
- Our Town Cafe
- Mister Donut
- Chip-in Lechon Manok
- 3G Rose Eatery
- Tatong's Beach Resort
One Stop Shopping Centers/Establishments
- Unite General Merchandise - Novo Jeans and Shirts
- Nam Kinh General Merchandise
- JL Shopping Center
- TopShoppe
- Aiko Shopping Home
- Amil General Merchandise
- Crisky Fashion Collection
- Happy Homes General Merchandise
- Uptown Square General Merchandise
- GoldKing General Merchandise & Cellphone Store
Proposed Projects
Oroquieta City will continue to progress with the implementation of proposed various infrastructures projects.- ZIPLine- The longest Zipline in Southeast Asia to rise in Oroquieta City
- The OROQUIETA CITY SEA PORT- San Vicente Bajo
- OROQUIETA CITY FISH PORT- Canubay
- OROQUIETA CITY TOWN CENTER/ CITY CENTER COMPLEX - Bunotex Area in Canubay
- OROQUIETA CITY BYPASS ROAD - diversion highway traversing the upper barangays from Mobod through San Vicente Alto.