Misamis Occidental Province

Misamis Occidental is a province of the Philippines in the Northern Mindanao Region.

BRIEF PROFILE
Founded:	November 8, 1929
Capital:	Oroquieta City
Land Area:	2,055.22 km2 (793.52 sq mi)
Population:	567,642 (2010)
Cities:	Oroquieta City, Ozamiz City, Tangub City
Munacipalities:	14
Barangays:	490
Districts:	1st and 2nd Districts of Misamis Occidental
Languages:	Cebuano, Subanen,English, Tagalog, Maranao

The land_______________________________

The land is shaped like a collapsible fan. It is bounded by the Mindanao Sea on the northeast, Iligan Bay on the east, Panuil Bay on the southeast, and Zamboanga del Norte and Sur on the western side of the province.

Three of its boundaries are bodies of water which gives away water life as on of its natural resources and fishins as one of its livelihood means.

The provincia terrain is characterized by hilly and rolling land except the coastal area. The terrain towards the western boarder is particularly rugged.

A Brief History___________________________

It is believed that Subanen was the first to occupy the area of what is now known as Misamis Occidental and the coastal area was then occupied by Visayans. The name of the province was derived from the Subanen word "Kuyamis" which means a variety of coconut.

In 1818, Mindanao was devided into five politico-military districts, one of which was Segundo Distrito de Misamis, the largest district. This district was composed of what is known today as Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Camiguin, Bukidnon, Lanao, Zamboanga del Norte and northern part of Cotabato.

In 1850, the town of Misamis became the capital of the district of Misamis until February 27, 1872. In that same year the Spanish Governor General Carlos Maria de la Torre issued a decree which declares Cagayan the permanent capital of Segundo Distrito de Misamis. It was when the town was known as Cagayan de Misamis.

In November 2, 1929, a legislative act (No.3537) was passed dividing the old province of Misamis into Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental, this took effect on January 1, 1930. Misamis Occidental was composed of nine original town namely Baliangao, Lopez Jaena, Tudela, Clarin, Plaridel, Oroquieta, Aloran, Jimenez, and Misamis.

In January 6, 1930, the provincial council of Misamis Occidental, selected Oroquita to be the capital town.

Economy___________________________

The economy of the province depends highly on fishing, secondly on coconuts, and lastly on ice.