write conflicting versions/claims of the different groups regarding the geographical area of the First Easter Mass in 1521 and the final decision/position of the Philippines resolving the issue.

 

Answer:

According to some church historians in the Philippines, the First Easter Mass in 1521 was held on the Limasawa Island in the Southern City upon the discovery of the Philippines by Ferdinard Magellan. However, Ching Plaza, the former Agusan del Norte Representative claims that the first mass was held in Butuan City.

The final decision on the issue was made on August 2019, when the National Historical Commission of Philippines declared that the First Easter Sunday Mass was Held on the Island of Limasawa, the present province of Southern Leyte which is in the central Philippines. President Rodrigo Duterte then declared the 31 ^st of March every year as a special day to celebrate the historic mass in Limasawa Island.