The
scenario of that event 481 years ago in Limasawa Island -
strange white people garbed in shining helmets, bronze armors
and swords against the equally ornate painted bodies and hand-made
costumes of Rajah Kulambo and his men- can only be relived
by the dances of ritual today. The sinugdan of yesterday didn't
have the media hype so pervasive in today's festivals. It
was a simple historical meeting between two distinct cultures
eventually brought together by one uniting faith- Christianity.
But simple as it is, that event made Limasawa an icon in Christian
religious history, but not without a debate that threatened
its very existence.
Long
after the dust of "war" finally settled down with
the Gancayco Commission submitting its verdict to the National
Historical Institute, Limasawa today is fast making its
mark both as a bustling island-municipality and a destination
for religious pilgrimage and ecotourism. This year's celebration
of the Sinugdan is expected to be graced by no less than
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Tourism Secretary
Richard Gordon.
For
its local leaders and the 4000 or so inhabitants,keeping
abreast with modern day development is foremost. After it
became a municipality, Limasawa's local leadership slowly
rose to this challenge of providing the basic necessities
to its people. Today, Limasawa enjoys the availablity of
a six-hour electric supply provided by the NAPOCOR Power
Plant in Cabulihan, the barangay where the municipal hall
is also situated. This power is enough, as of now, to light
up homes and streets and allow people to refrigerate their
food or chill water for the next day. National line agencies,
the provincial government and non-government organizations,
such as the Red Cross, and Kinderhilfe Philippinen, have
come to help Limasawa achieve its development objectives.
Water systems, solar lighting, evacuation centers as well
as assistance in health, agriculture, fisheries and roads
and infrastructure have been implemented to make this island
at par with what is happening in the mainland of the province.
What
is also most awaited, however, is the implementation of
the Limasawa Tourism Master Plan, which was initiated under
the auspices of the Department of Tourism, after President
Ramos approved Republic Act No. 7822 in 1994, declaring
Limasawa Island a tourist zone. The Regional Development
Council of Region VIII favorably endorsed the tourism master
plan following the presentation of Governor Rosette Lerias
in an RDC meeting at the NEDA Regional Office in Tacloban
City. The plan calls for the comprehensive development of
the island as a tourist destination.
One
major feature of the plan involves the development of a
First Mass Shrine and Magellan's Cross. Ambassador Enrique
Michel of Mexico, honored guest for the celebration in 2000
paved the way for talks of a joint effort among gevernments
of Spain, Mexico and Portugal to develop a shrine to commemorate
this historic event. This shrine and cross, which will feature
a statue of the Risen Christ, and those of Magellan,and
Rajah Kulambo, among others, will be a major attraction
for pilgrims and tourists. The provincial govenrment is
also scouting for a sculptor who will interpret the evolution
of Christianity and the First Mass in the Philippines in
sculpture.
Other
features of the plan includes the development of a port,
a very necessary infrastructure for facilitating tourist
arrivals, as well as the establishment of the dive/tourist
resort for accommodation.
The
present administration under Mayor Albert Esclamado is also
keen on constructing an interconnecting all-weather road
that will provide access to all six barangays in the island.
LIMASAWA
AS A DESTINATION
As
a pilgrimage site, Limasawa, with its unique historical
background as the site of the First Christian Mass in Philippine
soil, can proudly proclaim to the rest of the world this
distinction. But for the faithful, a trip to Limasawa is
an avowal of their Christian belief. Even today, first timers
in Limasawa cannot help but wonder how in the world could
Magellan have chosen this small island to celebrate a mass
after a long journey in the Pacific Ocean. Call it Divine
Providence or whatever, the village of Magallanes, remains
a simple, village of fishermen and small farmers at peace
with what the world has given them. The present shrine and
Magellan's Cross are graphic testimonies to the event marking
the Christianization of the Philippine archipelago.
But
underneath this six kilometer long island lie some of the
best reef areas and prolific marine life in the country
today. Four hundred eighty one years ago, people of Limasawa
first saw white men in full regalia. Today, most of these
foreigners now wear scuba equipment and wet suits. After
diving in Ojaja (Zach's Cove), divers usually take their
lunch or snacks in Magallanes where they will also have
the chance to explore this quaint village, or see the shrine
and learn about its history. Several dive sites,at par ,or
even better than the more popular dive sites in the country,
make this island a prime dive destination in Eastern Visayas
today. Diving in Limasawa, with its walls and drop-offs,
coral gardens and canyons, holes and cavelets, excellent
corals and marine life, is not just an underwater excursion
but a dive back in time.
The
island is also ideal for people who love to enjoy the real
tropical experience which the Philippines is known for .
Limasawa has its share of gin-clear water, isolated beaches,
hidden coves, beautiful rock formations, white sandy beaches,
springs, lush vegetation and wildlife.
For
those willing to spend the night at Limasawa, the municipal
government is maintaining a tourist lodge. But due to limited
accommodation facilities, visitors may opt to avail of home-stay
arrangement to let them experience what living in this island
is all about.
Today's
Limasawa has not only learned to cope with changes but also
survived to relive its past and preserve its natural attractions
for generations to appreciate and enjoy.
TRAVEL
ADVISORY
Recommended
jump-off point to Limasawa is Padre Burgos, about 25 kilometers
from Maasin, Southern Leyte's capital town. Motorized boats
and regular passenger pumpboats are available to ferry passengers
to the island at minimal fare. Travel time takes thirty
to forty-five minutes from P. Burgos to Triana. Boats can
also be hired direct to Magallanes. Arrangement for trip
to the island can be made through the local government of
Limasawa or the Office of the Governor.
Visitors
are advised to wear beach clothes, as there are good chances
of getting wet while getting in or out of the boat. Cameras,
sunblocks, water, and some extra food will come in handy.
FOR
INFORMATION ON PILGRIMAGE, ISLAND TOUR AND DIVING IN LIMASAWA,
PLEASE CALL:
OFFICE
OF THE GOVERNOR
Capitol Grounds
Maasin City, Southern Leyte, Philippines
E-mail:
ryl@synetwork.com
TEL: (053) 381-2389 | (053)570-901 | (053) 570-9016
FAX: (053) 570-9018
