Before Ozamiz is known as the city it is today. It was part of Misamis, developed because of the presence of the Spanish garrison stationed at the stone fort named Nuestra Señora de la Conception del Triunfo. In 1948, Misamis was renamed Ozamiz to honor a WW-II hero José Ozámiz who hailed from the province of Misamis Occidental and who at one time also served as its governor. Ozamiz City is agricultural by resources, but it has become the center for Commerce, Health, Transportation and Education in this part of Mindanao, considering its strategic location and its peaceful atmosphere.

Best time to fly from Laoag to Ozamiz City

July and December are considered as the best times to visit Ozamiz City as two of their major festivals are held during these months. The feast of Our Lady of Triumph at Cotta Shrine is celebrated every July 16 which is also the Charter City’s anniversary. Sibayan Keg Subanon festival is also held on the same day. The Cotta entertainment area has free live band concerts and other musical variety shows each weekend. Fireworks displays are held at Cotta during Fiesta and holidays. It can be seen across Panguil bay as far as Lanao del Norte. The feast of Immaculate Conception is celebrated every December 8 while every 4th Sunday of January is the Sr. Sto. Niño Fluvial Parade held at Panguil Bay. The Balanghoy Festival is held annually at Cotta area.

Main airports available in Laoag to Ozamiz City

Laoag International Airport (LAO) - Laoag International Airport (LAO) is the main airport serving the general area of Laoag, the capital city of the province of Ilocos Norte in the Philippines. It is the only airport in Ilocos Norte and is the northernmost international airport in the Philippines by geographical location. The airport is a popular charter destination for tourists from China. It has one 2,420-meter runway and is designated as a secondary/alternate international airport by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, a body of the Department of Transportation that is responsible for the operations of not only this airport but also of all other airports in the Philippines except the major international airports.

Ozamiz-Labo Airport (OZC) - The Ozamiz-Labo Airport is also known as Ozamiz Airport, is an airport serving the general area of the city of Ozamiz in the Philippines. It is the only airport in the province of Misamis Occidental. The airport takes its name from its location, the barangay of Labo in Ozamiz. Ozamiz-Labo Airport also serves the cities of Oroquieta and Tangub, some municipalities of Zamboanga del Sur, Lanao del Norte and some parts of Lanao del Sur. The airlines serving this airport are Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines.

Climate pattern in Laoag to Ozamiz City

In terms of climate, the best time to visit Ozamiz would be from February to April. The average temperature in February to April would be around 25 °C to 27 °C. Average temperatures will increase from April to November as these months are considered as the dry season whereas the rainy season is usually from October to November.

Highlights attractions in Ozamiz City

• Cotta Fort - It can be argued that one of the reasons why Ozamiz city was established was because of Cotta Fort. Back in the Spanish era, pirates from the Lanao provinces attempted to enter the area through Panguil Bay. As such, the El Fuerte de la Concepcion del Triunfo, or simply Cotta Fort, was established as a garrison in 1755, with part of it also serving as a religious shrine for the Virgin of Immaculate Conception (Nuestra Señora de la Concepcion del Triunfo), much like Zamboanga City’s Fort Pilar. At the same time, it also served as a dock for the Spanish fleet. The fort has seen combat during both the Spanish and Japanese occupations in the Philippines. Climbing the fort wall will allow you to get a glimpse of the province of Lanao del Norte, which is roughly a 2-hour car journey from Ozamiz. There will be a PHP10 entrance fee imposed on all visitors.
• Bukagan Hill Bell Tower - The four bells – St. Peter, St. Marien, St. Joseph, and St. Michael – were originally bought for the Immaculate Conception Cathedral in the city, proper. However, when the bells were delivered to the church, they realized that they were too big and heavy for the belfry. They eventually decided to construct a new structure in Bukagan Hill, one that would be able to support the bells’ combined weight. One will need to ride a habal-habal (passenger motorcycle) in order to reach Bukagan Hill Bell Tower. The fare rates are not standardized, so expect to pay between PHP 100 to 300 to get there. Given the distance of this location to the city, it would be a good idea to go to and from here visit before it gets dark as the area is poorly lit in the evenings.
• Mount Malindang Range Natural Park - Mount Malindang Range Natural Park has been declared by the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity as an ASEAN Heritage Park in 2011 after it was discovered to be the home of several endemic and endangered species of animals in the Philippines. Most of its 53,262 hectares remain as unexplored territories. Mount Malindang is also an extinct volcano. Part of the Mount Malindang Range is the Lala Eco-Park. It is here where you can find Cobra Falls, which has just recently been discovered. The falling waters, which feed the Bati-Bati River, are framed by lush green plants, giving it an otherworldly look.