ANSHA HUSNAIN READINGS IN PHILIPPINES 16/12/2023

HISTORY

Is it Masao, formally known as Butuan? or is it Limasawa? This controversy is one of

the major controversies in the Philippines. During Ferdinand Magellan's expedition, the

Philippines' first Catholic Mass was held on Easter Sunday, March 31, 1521. Father

Valderrama led the Mass at a location known as "Mazaua," according to Antonio Pigaffeta.

The exact location of this historical event was the topic of the debate. According to Bernad

(2002), some historians believed that the Mass was held in Butuan based on secondary

sources cited by Colins S.J. and Combes S.J., including Magellan's voyage. Some historians,

such as Francisco Albo and Antonio Pigafetta, believe that Limasawa was the actual site.

Their evidence is considered reliable since they were eyewitnesses to the Mass and were

part of Magellan's expedition. They documented the events of that day in their journals and

papers, making them the primary sources for the event. I'm not suggesting that primary

sources are better than secondary sources, but the fact that two members were present

during the event strengthens the claim. According to Gabieta (2020), The NHCP panel found

the evidence presented for Butuan inconclusive.

The National Historical Institute (NHI) was responsible for resolving the debate about

where the first Catholic Mass of 1521 took place. After two expert-led panels, one in 1995

under former Supreme Court Justice Emilio Gancayco and the other in 2008 led by historian

Benito Legarda, the NHI concluded that Limasawa Island was the actual site. Despite

challenges to this claim, the NHI insists that they have settled the dispute. NCCA chairman

Ambeth R. Ocampo confirmed this stance in favor of Limasawa, Southern Leyte, refuting De

Jesus' belief that it happened in "Mazaua." Dr. Benito Legarda led a panel that conducted a
ANSHA HUSNAIN READINGS IN PHILIPPINES 16/12/2023
HISTORY

forum at the National Museum, inviting involved parties to present evidence, but De Jesus,

who contests the outcome, did not attend. Ocampo questioned De Jesus' opposition,

considering his absence from the forum. De Jesus maintains that the first Mass occurred on

March 31, 1521, at Mazaua, citing accounts by Antonio Pigafetta and Antonio Herrera.

Additionally, he points out that "Misawa" is a term exclusively used by Butuanons and

Tausogs, meaning brilliant light and crystal clear. However, Ocampo referenced the panel

report and board resolution as evidence supporting Limasawa. He highlighted that these

records are publicly available for scrutiny through NHCP requests. (Limasawa First Mass Not

a 'Hoax' – Experts, n.d.)

After conducting a thorough analysis of the available documents and carrying out

comprehensive research of the historical evidence, I have concluded that the site of the First

Catholic Mass is indeed Limasawa. I have considered various sources, including eyewitness

accounts, historical records, and archaeological findings, all of which point towards the

same conclusion. After careful evaluation of all the data, I am convinced that Limasawa was

the location of this pivotal event in Philippine history, and this conclusion is well-supported

by the available evidence.