OZAMIZ – Ozamiz City takes great pride in its rich cultural heritage, with the local government’s efforts to preserve and showcase historical treasures for future generations to appreciate.
One such gem is the Fuerte de la Concepcion y del Triunfo, more commonly known as Cotta Fort, standing tall as a testament to the city’s Spanish colonial past.
As visitors step ashore at the Ozamiz port, their gaze is immediately drawn to the majestic ancient trees that have silently witnessed the fort’s enduring presence throughout the years.
Commissioned during the Spanish rule in the Philippines, Cotta Fort served as a strategic outpost against the constant threat of pirates and invaders.
Cotta Fort has now become an integral part of the city’s religious tourism, drawing tourists who are captivated by its proximity to the revered Church of Our Lady of Cotta.
Built in 1756 by Spanish architects, the fort’s sturdy walls are composed of intricately crafted coral stones.
Emblazoned on its walls, the Coat of Arms, symbolizing the Jesuit Society (Fortes in Fide), further adds to the historical significance of Cotta Fort.
Overlooking the picturesque Panguil Bay, the fort has been repurposed as the Port of Ozamiz, becoming a focal point of the city’s maritime activities.
According to Michael Fuentes, a tourism staff member, “The Fuerte de la Concepcion y del Triunfo, locally known as Cotta, was constructed in 1756 as a defense against the rampant piracy and slave trading prevalent during that era.”
Inside the fort, remnants of an ancient arsenal can still be found, providing a glimpse into the weapons and ammunition utilized during the Spanish occupation.
Perched atop the fort’s weathered ramparts, a cannon and a lighthouse offer visitors a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding Lanao del Norte.
Michael Fuentes adds, “The people of Ozamiz, together with Spanish colonizers and under the guidance of Father Jose Ducos, erected this fort, or ‘cotta,’ as a stronghold against attacks. The name ‘Cottabato’ originates from the fort’s commanding position overlooking the area.”
Within Cotta Fort, a modest museum houses a collection of artifacts and historical relics. Visitors can check out the ancient sewing machines, vintage televisions, charcoal irons, radios, traditional utensils, pottery, and even an antique chest.
Throughout the American and Japanese occupations, Cotta Fort served as a vital headquarters for the constabulary, further emphasizing its historical significance.
Despite enduring significant damage from a powerful earthquake in 1955, the fort underwent extensive restoration in 2002.
On March 13, 2002, Cotta Fort was officially recognized as a symbol of Ozamiz City’s rich history and the broader heritage of Misamis Occidental.
As one of the oldest structures in Ozamiz City, Cotta Fort continues to attract large number of visitors, with an estimated daily footfall ranging from 800 to over 1,000 individuals.
Michael Fuentes shares his observations, stating, “During the days when a P5 entrance fee was implemented, we welcomed around 1,500 to 3,000 visitors per day. Many visitors also include a visit to the nearby Birhen sa Cotta for prayer before exploring the fort. The breathtaking view from the fort’s vantage point truly transports visitors to a bygone era of historical significance and the realities of war.”
The local government of Ozamiz City remains dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Cotta Fort, ensuring that it stands as a prominent attraction and a gateway to the city’s captivating Spanish heritage.
