Magsaysay Drive

Overview

Magsaysay Drive is an uphill site covering approximately 6 hectares in Sitio Kampuko, Barangay Genonocan, in the interior of Tubigon municipality, northwestern Bohol. From the summit, views extend over neighboring towns, Tubigon’s island barangays, and on clear days to Cebu Province across the strait.

The site takes its name from President Ramon Magsaysay. The previous Tubigon mayor, Salustiano Baura, prepared the area in Sitio Kampuko as a designated helicopter landing point for a planned presidential visit. President Magsaysay did not complete the visit, but the prepared area was named in his honor regardless.

Following the 7.2 magnitude earthquake of October 15, 2013, Magsaysay Drive served as an emergency gathering point — townspeople evacuated to the elevated site out of concern over a potential tsunami.

In December 2018, religious structures were erected: the Krus Daku (large cross), an image of Our Lady of All Nations, and an open chapel referred to as the Prayer Mount. The site is now managed by the St. Isidore the Farmer Parish Church, and Catholic devotees use the Stations of the Cross path during the Lenten season.

Location

Sitio Kampuko, Barangay Genonocan, Tubigon, Bohol. Tubigon is on the northwestern coast of Bohol, approximately 50 km from Tagbilaran City and the main port for fast craft ferry service to Cebu City.

Getting There

From Tagbilaran, travel northwest toward Tubigon by bus (approximately 1–1.5 hours). From Tubigon town proper, proceed into the interior toward Barangay Genonocan. The site is uphill from the coastal town.

[TO ENRICH: distance from Tubigon poblacion, road condition to Genonocan, tricycle availability]

Practical Info

Managed by St. Isidore the Farmer Parish Church. No entrance fee reported. Religious structures including the Krus Daku, open chapel (Prayer Mount), and Stations of the Cross are present. The Lenten season (February–April) sees the highest visitor traffic for the religious observance.

[TO ENRICH: operating hours, parking, whether non-Catholic visitors are welcome outside religious events]

What to Expect

A 6-hectare hilltop with panoramic views of Tubigon’s municipal waters, island barangays, and the Cebu coastline across the strait. The site has dual character: a natural viewpoint with wide skies and sea views, and a religious site with the 2018 prayer structures integrated into the landscape.

The Krus Daku (large cross) functions as a landmark visible from lower ground.

Notes

Tubigon is the northwestern gateway to Bohol, served by OceanJet and other fast craft from Cebu City — a 1-hour sea crossing. The port makes Tubigon the first point of entry for visitors coming from Cebu. Magsaysay Drive is in the interior, away from the port action.

Tubigon also has Dumog Sandbar, Mundong Sandbar, Bateria River, and Ilijan Hill among its recorded tourism assets.