Mission guide

Philippines Ozamiz Mission

The Philippines Ozamiz Mission connects missionaries with the history, people, and languages of western Mindanao.

  • Tagalog
  • Cebuano
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Philippines Ozamiz Mission Heart Map design

Philippines Ozamiz Mission shirts

Every style made for this mission, printed when you order.

About the mission

The Philippines Ozamiz Mission is associated with Ozamiz, a chartered city in Misamis Occidental on the island of Mindanao. Ozamiz grew from the old Spanish town of Misamis and is known for its historic fort and coastal setting.

Tagalog and Cebuano are spoken in the mission area. Cebuano is also known as Bisaya in many parts of the Philippines.

At a glance

Country
Philippines
Main city
Ozamiz, 143,620 people (2024)
Languages
Tagalog and Cebuano
Time zone
Philippine Standard Time (UTC+8)
Climate
Tropical, with warm temperatures year-round and rain on about 221 days annually
Church in the Philippines
882,461 members, 131 stakes, 1,324 congregations

A short history of the area

Ozamiz grew out of the old Spanish town of Misamis, which was originally settled by the Subanon people. Spanish Jesuit missionary José Ducos commanded a flotilla created to protect coastal communities from pirates. The Fuerte de la Concepcion y del Triunfo was built at the mouth of Panguil Bay in 1756.

Misamis became the capital of the District of Misamis in 1850. On July 16, 1948, it became a chartered city and was renamed Ozamiz after José Ozámiz. The city is now the most populous city in Misamis Occidental.

The Church here

  1. 1940s–1950sA few Filipinos joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
  2. 1961Missionary work began in earnest in the Philippines, and the Church received official recognition from the Philippine government.
  3. 1968The Church had a presence in Mindanao by this time.
  4. Late 1960s–early 1970sMissionaries were assigned and branches were established in most major cities in Mindanao.
  5. 1973The first stake in the Philippines was organized.
  6. 1977The Church created its first mission in Mindanao, headquartered in Davao.
  7. 1981The first stake in Mindanao was organized in Davao.
  8. 1984The country's first temple was dedicated.
  9. 1990sChurch membership in the Philippines grew to more than a quarter of a million members.

Temples nearby

Cagayan de Oro Philippines Temple

Under construction · About 60 miles from Ozamiz

Davao Philippines Temple

Dedicated May 3, 2026 · About 140 miles from Ozamiz

The Book of Mormon here

Missionaries in this mission share the Book of Mormon in these languages. Tap a cover to read it free.

Cover art is an illustration. Links open the free edition on ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

Before you go

Phrases to learn

  • Maayong buntagGood morning
  • Kumusta ka?How are you?
  • SalamatThank you
  • PalihugPlease

Foods to try

  • Lechon (roasted pork served at celebrations)
  • Adobo (meat or vegetables cooked with vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices)
  • Sinigang (a savory sour soup often made with meat or seafood)
  • Pancit (Filipino noodle dishes often served with vegetables and meat or seafood)

Fun facts

  • The Immaculate Conception Pipe Organ was completed in 1967 and is described as the only existing pipe organ in Mindanao.
  • Bukagan Hill has four large bells named St. Peter, St. Marien, St. Joseph, and St. Michael. Together, they weigh 7 tons.
  • Ozamiz is 52 kilometers from Maria Cristina Falls, the main source of hydroelectric power in Mindanao.

Just got the call?

Turn the opening into a game: family and friends guess where the missionary is going before the reveal.