BARANGAY TRIANA:

THE RIGHT SITE

Of the first
mass in
limasawa in 1521
Background
of the
Author
Rolando O.
Borrinaga
 Born on July 25, 1957 in Naval, Biliran
Province (When this is still part of
Leyte)

*Son of Serapio Silvano and Gregoria

Banate Orbeta Borrinaga.

He graduated Bachelor of Science

in Agricultural, Silliman University,
1980, Master of Management,
University Philippines, 1987
A professor in School of Health
Sciences (SHS), University of the
Philippines Manila, in Palo, Leyte.

A local historian since

1996

Journalist who works in

community journalism.
Also a peace development
advocate

He has just been awarded a U.P.

Centennial Professorial Chair for
2008

Has been listed as a noteworthy

health sciences educator by
Marquis Who's Who
 Antonio
Pigafetta
He is also known by the name of
Antonio Lombardo or Francisco
Antonio Pigafetta

Born in 1940 in Vicenza,

Venice, Itay

Son of Giovanni Pigafetta to

second wife Angela Zoga.

Studied astronomy, geography and

cartography.
Worked in the ships owned by
Knights Of Rhodes
Well-Educated Young man
Joined delegation of Monsignor
Francesco Chieregati
Admitted as one of sobresalientes

One of the 18 survivor who

returned to Spain in September
6,1522 abroad the Victoria with
Juan Sebastian Elacano
He traveled with the Portuguese
explorer Ferdinand Magellan

He was wounded in the battle of

mactan where magellan was
killed.

He related his experiences in the

"Report on the First Voyage
Around the World"

Died in Somerime in 1534

Francisco
Albo
Francisco Also, born on the
Greek island Chios, but living in
Rhodes.
He was part of the 1519
expedition.
He began the voyage as
boatswain of the carrack
Trinidad, but had become pilot
of the Victoria by the time the
expedition returned in 1522.
Although he did not mention the first mass
but he writes that they erected a cross on
a mountain which overlooked three island,
the West and the Southwest.

But based on the latitude or the location

that stated in his logbook. Albo's account
would fit to the location of Limasawa island
and that was Southern tip of leyte. So
that's why albo's account would actually
tell us it was there in Limasawa the
southern tip of leyte
Immediate
History of
the
document
The Contested Site of the
First Mass in the Philippines
The saying "one past, but many histories"
highlights the controversies surrounding
history in the Philippines. The Easter Mass held
by Father Pedro de Valderrama in 1521 is
considered the first recorded Christian Mass in
the Philippines, marking the beginning of
Christianity during the Spanish expedition led by
Ferdinand Magellan.
This document presents the debates on where
the first Mass in the Philippines actually took
place. Was it held in Limasawa, Southern Leyte?
or Was it held in Masao, Butuan City? It has
been a subject of controversy for centuries,
with competing claims from two locations.
1. Limasawa, Southern Leyte
This panel recommended Limawasa, in today’s
southern leyte, as the site of the said event.
The NHCP's decision was influenced by the
historical record, including Pigafetta's
account, which refers to the island as
"Mazaua" believed to be Limasawa.
2. Masao, Butuan City, Mindanao
This location is supported by proponents who
argue that "Mazaua" is a different island,
located in the Butuan region. They believe that
Pigafetta's description of Mazaua aligns with
the geographical features of Masao,
particularly the Masao Estuary and the
Pinamanculan-Bancasi hill.
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines
(NHCP) is mandated to "actively engage in the
settlement or resolution of controversies or issues
relative to historical personages, places, dates and
events" based on Republic Act No. 10086 or Strengthening
People's Nationalism Act of 2009.
This issue was earlier resolved by the National
Historical Institute (NHI), the forerunner of the NHCP,
through two panels of experts: the first led by
former Supreme Court Justice Emilio Gancayco in 1995
and the second by historian Benito Legarda in 2008. The
panel's findings and recommendations were ultimately
adopted by the NHCP, affirming the historicity of
Limasawa Island as the site of the said event.
The Mojares Panel's report about the site of the 1521
Easter Sunday Mass in the Philippines was not signed by
the President but the Board of Commissioners members
of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines
(NHCP) signed on 15 July 2020 Resolution No. 2, adopting
the report submitted by the panel that reviewed the
issues surrounding the site of the 1521 Easter Sunday
Mass in the Philippines.
Despite the official declaration, the debate continues.
Proponents for both Limasawa and Masao continue to
present their arguments and evidence.The Spanish
tradition maintains that Butuan is the site of the First
Mass.

In 2021, as we mark the 500th years of Christianity in

our country. It behooves now upon the Church to
finally decree on the place upon which the seed of
Christianity was first planted in this archipelago.
Content
and Rival
Claims
Content
The two documents present opposing claims regarding
the location of the First Mass in the Philippines. On
one side is Limasawa, a town located in Southern
Leyte, and on the other side is Masao, which is part of
Butuan City in Mindanao. Both locations assert that
they are the site where this First Mass in the
Philippines took place. The debate over the actual
site of the First Mass has been a long-standing
controversy, with passionate advocates for each
location.
However, the National Historical Institute (NHI) took
action to resolve this disagreement. Later, NHI officially
determined that the First Mass occurred in Limasawa on
March 31, 1521 rather than Masao. Their decision was
backed by thorough documentary evidence and careful
analysis. Specifically, the NHI pointed out that the true
site of the recorded First Mass is near Barangay Triana
in Limasawa and not at Barangay Magallanes in Butuan
City. This conclusion has helped to clarify an important
event in Philippine history.
 rival
claims
Limasawa and masao distance
limasawa
Barangay: Triana, Limasawa, Southern Leyte

National Historical commission of the Philippines

(NHCP) officially recognized Limasawa in
Southern Leyte as the site of the first mass in
the Philippines based on a panel review in 2020.

The community newspapers in Leyte naturally

favored the Limasawa claim
The articles that came out in the inquirer
seemed to side with Limasawa( Arnaiz 1999; Labro
1999, 2000; Borrinaga 2003, 2007; Esguerra 2005)

The Easter Mass officiated by Father Pedro de

Valderrama

National Historical Institute (NHI) favored in

Limasawa
The issue of the exact location of the Mass was
resolved by the NHI, through two panels, first led
by former Supreme Justice Emilio Gancaygo in 1995
and second by historian Benito Legarda in 2008.
Both panels ruled that the site of the 1521 Easter
Sunday Mass was Limasawa Island.
masao
Masao, Butuan City, Mindanao

The Spanish tradition maintained that, Butuan is

the site of the first mass on March 31, 1521
In 1986, the Intra-ASEAN Archaeological Conference
represented by 27 scientists from Thailand, Malaysia,
Brunei, Indonesia, and the Philippines undertook
archaeological discoveries in the locale with an
accompanying geological perspective making sense of
its historical role.
Mindanao newspapers favored the Masao
claim
Mayor Democrito Plaza the 2nd in
Butuan City quoted as saying, “For over
300 years, In 2021 as we mark the 500”
year of Christianity in our country.
Another study in 2002, led by Dr. Ricarte Javelosa,
focused on the geomorphological development of the
Butuan Delta. These scientific studies proving that
“During the regression of the Butuan Bay towards
the North, the Masao-Butuan Plain Pro-graded in a
North-northwest direction” were confirmed in 2004
by Dr. Roberto de Ocampo of the geology Division of
the National Museum.
At the dawn of the 16th century, with the decline
of the ancient trading harbor, the Masao Estuary
and the Pinamanculan Hills as its immediate
environs has once more been blessed by the
coming of Christianity to our shores through its
first recorded manifestation - the First Mass.
Implication
to the
historical
Narrative
The controversy surrounding the location of the first
Catholic mass in the Philippines, either Butuan or Limasawa,
has significant implications for historical interpretation,
regional pride, and national identity. The Limasawa story
identifies Limasawa Island in Leyte, while the Butuan claim
highlights regional pride and historical significance for
Mindanao. Diverse interpretations can affect collective
memory, heritage preservation, tourism, and regional
identities, reflecting how society creates historical
narratives to indicate importance.
The Limasawa vs. Masao controversy highlights the
importance of community involvement in advocating
historical narratives and guiding future
generations. The 1996 articles contrasting Masao's
and Limasawa's interpretations emphasized the
influence of media on community opinions. The 500th
anniversary of the First Mass in the Philippines in
2021 made the site even more meaningful,
remembrance of the nation's historical origins.
In 1986, the Intra-ASEAN Archaeological Conference
undertook an archaeological excavation within
Butuan, in which the discovery of geomorphological
studies took place. It indicates that Butuan plays a
crucial role as the place represents the foundation
of Butuan's trading system and cultural
transactions. The discovered archeological
information or evidence further accommodates the
presence of historical narratives and its complete
importance
In conclusion, the site of the First Mass does not
remain a controversy overtime but also becomes a
study and serves as an eye-opener of other
Philippine issues to deepen our understanding, to
value the interpretations of others, and guide
future generations. It serves as a message to come
up with solutions to foster unity, and to recognize
both of the country's religious and cultural
legacy.
 Relevance to
Contemporary
Times
The First Mass in Limasawa played a significant role in
shaping the Philippines' Christianity, making it a
predominantly Christian country. Christianity has
significantly influenced Philippine cultures, traditions,
and values, becoming the dominant religion and deeply
influencing the country's identity. Christians believe
that God sent his Son to earth to save humanity from
the consequences of its sins.
Today, the legacy of the first Mass is remembered
as the beginning of the spread of Catholicism and
influenced by Spanish colonization.

The Philippines is known for its hospitality, as one

of the teachings of Christianity is to love one's
neighbors. It is crucial to remember the origin of
Christianity and pass it on to future generations.
Underlying
Values
The First Mass in the Philippines is significant as it
introduced Christianity, central to Filipino identity.
Despite debates over its exact location, it holds
value in Philippine history. Both Limasawa, Southern
Leyte, and Butuan City in Mindanao claim this honor,
reflecting the expanded value of Christianity in
national identity, especially given the Philippines'
Catholic status.
The first mass in the Philippines marked the
start of Spanish colonization and the spread
of Catholicism, highlighting the intersection of
religion, colonization, and Filipino identity.
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines
(NHCP) has identified Limasawa as the site of the first
Mass, demonstrating a commitment to evidence-based
historical preservation. This location enhances the
spiritual importance of these sites in Filipino
collective memory.
By accurately identifying the location of the first
Mass, we can ensure their preservation and protection
as part of our national legacy. This will ensure future
generations have a sense of responsibility and honor
its significance, contributing to our cultural legacy
and national identity.
Reference:
Delgado, B. L. (n.d.). CS1 FIRST CATHOLIC MASS IN PH. Scribd. https://www.scribd.com/presentation/483423606/CS1-
FIRST-CATHOLIC-MASS-IN
PH#:~:text=in%20Butuan%20City.-,It%20provides%20evidence%20from%20primary%20sources%20like%20Pigafetta's
%20journal%20and,Congress%20and%20National%20Historical%20Institute.:

Rolando Orbeta Borrinaga. (n.d.). https://prabook.com/web/rolando_orbeta.borrinaga/260688#google_vignette

https://nhcp.gov.ph/official-position-of-the-national-historical-commission-of-the- philippines-on-the-site-of-the-
1521-easter-sunday-mass- 2/?fbclid=IwAR0mppGGLBxoK2tlkm7mqPn9jZgYy2r15WEWvW99YrGGOKISZD-NJ_3PPjQQ
group 1 members:
Aguanta, Roella May S.
Aquiatan, Wesley H.
Daluraya, Janina Gilan M.
Demin, Honey Grace S.
Ellaga, Mhiggylla V.
Fernandez, Keila V.
Jader, Lou Antonelle M.
Luna, Jassen L.
Marasigan, Izeia Nicole M.
Olveda, Zyreign R.
Reyes, Kyla C.
Tabarina, Jonalyn S.
Zorilla, Lizette U.