Maasin City is widely known for its religious attractions that draw both local and international pilgrims, according to Atty. Piña Luz C. Abrea, the city tourism head.
She said that among the city’s most notable sites are the San Francisco Javier Chapel in Barangay Hanginan and the Monte Cueva Shrine.
Another major pilgrimage site is Our Lady of the Assumption at the Jalleca Hills in Barangay Mantahan, where a 36-ft statue stands 310 feet above sea level, symbolizing purity and faith. The Maasin Cathedral, a national shrine, and the Parish of Our Lady of the Assumption houses a 200-year-old statue of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción de Maasin.
For the year 2025, Maasin City’s tourism sector is preparing several developments focused on nature recreation to complement and boost its appeal. One of the major projects lined up is the facility improvement of Guinsuhotan Falls and Cave, popularly known as Cagnituan Falls, in Barangay Maria Clara, which includes plans for a rest area, cottages, and comfort rooms for visitors.
A Maasin City Service Center is now being constructed to cater to the local people and tourists, that will also serve as an information center.
Atty. Abrea mentioned that Maasin City will be one of the hosts of the Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) Meet 2025, featuring eight major sporting events. To support this, new sports facilities such as a table tennis court, a basketball court, and a track-and-field oval are being built. Furthermore, the Maasin City Convention Center is under development to accommodate large-scale events and conventions.
(Stephanie Payak/ St. Joseph Academy, Matalom, Leyte)
