LIMASAWA, Southern Leyte (PIA) -- The celebration of the 502nd First Easter Sunday Mass on March 31 in barangay Magallanes in this island municipality once again brought to the fore a renewed sense of community involvement in preserving its historical value and, at the same time, developing its tourism potential. 

“The island is considered as the cradle of Christianity not only in the entire country but of entire Asia.  Limasawa is undeniably a place of historical and religious significance. What a privilege for us to be part of the celebration today,” said Regional Director Maximo Aljibe of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the guest speaker.

In his short talk, Director Aljibe dwelt more on the spiritual side of the celebration as he noted that the event that happened 502 years ago, on March 31, 1521, coincided with Christ’s resurrection, a moment of triumph over evil, a time when people build closer relationship with God.

“May the celebration today remind us to remain humble and forgiving, kind and compassionate,” he added.

Tourism Secretary Ma. Esperanza Christina Garcia-Frasco, in a message read by Rodel Balierbare, senior tourism operations officer of DOT-8, also underscored the influence of Christianity into the nation’s consciousness.

The fabric of Christianity, its traditions and culture, as introduced through Limasawa, coupled with the island’s stunning natural wonders of pristine waters, beaches, and forests that are worth exploring, have a lot to offer for tourism, Frasco pointed out.

“We work together to promote tourism industry in the island, for its success is on deep collaboration with community, LGUs, and other partner agencies," she added, even as she commended the Diocese of Maasin and the local government units of Limasawa and the provincial government for keeping the memory of history alive.

For her part, Representative Luz Mercado recalled that there was already a law passed in 1994 by her husband, former Rep. Roger Mercado, declaring the island a tourism zone.

Meanwhile, Vice President and Education Secretary Sarah Duterte, in a video message, acknowledged the cultural significance of the event, stressing that in the education sector, she saw to it that national identity and the infusion of positive influences in Filipino values are not lost in the first contact with foreigners in our shores.  (LDL/MMP/PIA Southern Leyte)