Scientific wise, it should also be noted that the cross is not found anywhere near

Butuan but on the separate island of Mazzau. Also, geographical evidences are
showing that the place or island where the mass took place was in Limasawa.

WHY LIMASAWA?
Of the 3 accounts of Pigafetta, one shows the location of the island Mazaua which is
the exact position of the Limasawa today.

EVIDENCES:
1) In a log book of Francisco Albo and Pigafetta’s account, the geographical
evidences were showing that Mazaua is roughly equivalent to the actual position of
Limasawa.
2) The two kings (Zuluan and Calagan) when Magellan visited the island, the king of
Mazaua and of Butuan.
3) The fact known, that the latter is a visitor of Mazaua and his territory is on
Butuan which is another island, so it can be said that Mazaua is not Butuan.
4) Butuan is situated in Agusan river, and near the delta of the river where a beach
is called “Masao” where it is argued that the first mass occurred.
 The evidence that there is no river mentioned in Pigafetta’s account and that
Mazau is an island, proves that it is surrounded by sea and not a river delta.

5) Lastly, The Republic Act 2733 states that; An act to Declare the Site in
Magallanes, Limasawa Island in the Province of Leyte, Where the First Mass in the
Philippines was Held as a National Shrine, to Provide for the Preservation of
Historical Monuments and Landmarks Threat, and for other Purposes.

Section 1. The site Magallanes, Limasawa Island in the Province of Leyte, where the
First Mass in the Philippines was held is hereby declared a national shrine to
commemorate the birth of Christianity in the Philippines.
Section 2. All historical monuments and landmarks in said site shall be preserved
and/or reconstructed as much as possible in their original form and are hereby
declared national historical monuments and landmarks.
Section 3. The National Planning Commission shall exercise supervision and control
over the reconstructions and/or preservation of the aforesaid site and monuments,
and shall issue rules and regulations to effectuate the preceding sections of this Act.
Section 4. Necessary funds for the purposes of this Act shall be provided for in the
annual appropriations for public works and disbursements shall be made by the
National Planning Commission under such rules and regulations as the Auditor
General may prescribe.
Section 5. This Act shall tale effect upon its approval.
Approved: June 19, 1960.

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