REGION 9

REGION 9: ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA

Designated as Region IX, Zamboanga Peninsula consists of three provinces, namely, Zamboanga del
Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay, and the chartered city of Zamboanga City at the south-western
tip. The Zamboanga Peninsula was previously known as Western Mindanao before the enactment of Executive
Order No. 36 on September 19, 2001. Between 1975 to 1989 the old Region IX (Western Mindanao) was divided into
two sub-regions by Presidential Decree No. 773 dated August 21, 1975. Sub-Region IX-A consisted of Basilan, Sulu
and Tawi-Tawi with Jolo, Sulu as the sub-regional center. Sub-Region IX-B consisted of the provinces of Zamboanga
del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur, with the chartered city of Zamboanga City as the sub-regional center. Zamboanga
Sibugay did not exist at the time.
Zamboanga Peninsula has five cities: Dipolog City, Dapitan City, Isabela City, Pagadian City, and the lone
chartered city of Zamboanga City. Isabela City is actually part of the island-province of Basilan to the south of the
peninsula, and is that province's capital. The residents of Basilan opted to join the Autonomous Region in Muslim
Mindanao (ARMM) in a recent plebiscite. However, the citizens of Isabela City did not want to join ARMM and so the
city was made a part of the Zamboanga Peninsula region with the enactment of Executive Order No. 36 (the same
E.O. that renamed the region).
Jolo, Sulu was the original regional center but Presidential Decree No. 1555, dated June 11, 1978, moved
the regional center to Zamboanga City. Executive Order No. 429, dated October 12, 1990, moved the regional center
again but this time to Pagadian City. Executive Order No. 429 was never executed (possibly due to lack of
government funds) however, Memorandum Circular No. 75 dated November 12, 2004, confirmed Pagadian City as
the regional center, meaning national government offices are preferred to be operating there.
Isabela City is part of Basilan province which is part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, but
Isabela City itself part of the Zamboanga Peninsula Region. Component cities: Dapitan City (Zamboanga del Norte),
Dipolog City (Zamboanga del Norte), Isabela City (Basilan), Pagadian City (Zamboanga del Sur).
GEOGRAPHY 
Zamboanga Peninsula consists of the territory of the three Zamboanga provinces and its lone
chartered city of Zamboanga City, plus Misamis Occidental. The Zamboanga Peninsula is
connected to the main part of Mindanao Island through an isthmus situated between Panquil
Bay and Pagadian Bay. The boundary between the peninsula and the mainland is artificially
marked by the border between the provinces of Zamboanga del Sur and Lanao del Norte. 

Zamboanga Peninsula lies between the Moro Gulf, part of the Celebes Sea, and the Sulu Sea.
Along the shores of the peninsula are numerous bays and islands.
location 

Zamboanga Peninsula (Western Mindanao), also known as Region IX, is in the southernmost
portion of the country. It is the smallest region of Mindanao with a total land area of 18.730.1
square kilometers (18.35% of Mindanao's land mass). Its vast expanse of water is speckled with
a chain of 958 islands and islets. 

COMPOSITION
The Zamboanga Peninsula region, as it is known now, was formerly Western Mindanao. It now
has three provinces and five cities - the provinces of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga
Sibugay, and Zamboanga del Sur and as well as the cities of Dapitan, Dipolog, Pagadian,
Zamboanga, and Isabela. 

The creation of Zamboanga Sibugay last year and the realignment of Basilan with the
Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with the exception of Isabela which likewise
became a city together formed the major change in the region's composition in 2001.
The region has 67 municipalities. 

Population: 
In the year 2000, Region IX's total population stood 3,352,000. 

Zamboanga del Norte 805,000 

Zamboanga del Sur 863,860 
Zamboanga Sibugay 450,340 
Isabela City 73,032 
Pagadian City 145,000 
Zamboanga City 600,000 

Zamboanga del Sur continued to have the largest population though its primacy in numbers is
no longer as pronounced as it used to be. 

AIRPORTS AND SEAPORTS 

A total of 11 airports are located in the region. One is classified as an international airport - the
Zamboanga International Airport. Of the 11, two are secondary airports and nine are feeder
airports. 

Zamboanga Peninsula has 8 national ports. The major port of entry is located in Zamboanga
City which is the region's Freeport and Special Economic Zone. 
There are 14 fishing ports and 58 municipal ports. All told, there are 80 public ports. 
Added to these are 14 private ports in the region - 8 in Zamboanga City, plus 2 each in
Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, and nearby Basilan. 

About a third of the region's population is composed of ethnic people. These groups, usually
erroneously classified under the general heading of Muslims, are actually distinct from each
other in culture. They are generally divided into Tausugs, Yakans, Badjaos, Samals, and
Subanons of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay. 

Subanens. The Subanens are considered the aborigines of Zamboanga, settling in the city
before the Spaniards occupied it. The term Subanen, derived from Suba (river), means People
of the River. The Subanens form a single distinctive cultural and linguistic group and are mostly
farmers who grow upland rice, root and tree crops. 
Subanen settlements today are thinly spread over southern Zamboanga del Norte and
Zamboanga del Sur, stretching northward, then eastward to hinterlands of the neighboring
province of Misamis Occidental. 

Badjaos. Often referred to as the Philippine "sea gypsies" the Badjaos, until recently, spent
their lives on their small boats which frequent the waters around the numerous islands of the
Sulu Archipelago
 

Today, about two-thirds of the Tawi-TawiBadjaos still use boats as permanent living quarters.
Some of their villages are in fact flotillas. 

The Badjaos are of two groups: the southern Badjaos of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, who call
themselves a sing "bangsa" or ethnic group; and the northern Badjaos (the Basilan and
Zamboanga groups). Though water people, they go on land and are buried on land. They make
frequent trips to their cemeteries to seek favors from spirits of the deceased ancestors and
relatives. 

Samas. The Samas are a grouping of tribes that generally inhabit the shorelines of northern and
southern Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, as well as the Zamboanga Peninsula and nearby islands. 

They are peace-loving people whose means of livelihood is fishing. Their staple food is cassava
or puto as it is locally called. They also eat fruits and vegetables, showing a partiality to
mangoes. Their principal musical instrument is gabbang or nose flute. Seven Sama groups
inhabit Zamboanga City: the SamaBanguingui, SamaLaminusa, SamaUbian, SamaSiasi,
SamaDaungug, SamaKaunlunga, and SamaBitali. 

Tausugs. The Tausugs, considered the most politically dominant group in the Sulu Archipelago,
inhabit the island of Jolo and are dispersed into several communities in the smaller islands of
Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, and Southern Palawan. 

They have rich culture, an amalgam of different cultures and foreign influence that dates back to
as early as 13th century, when Sulu was trading with China, India the East Indies, Arabia, and
Japan. 

They form the Sultanate of Sulu in the 15th century. Jolo, which has been the seat of power, is
predominantly Tausug. 

Fishing is one occupation many Tausugs are engaged in. They also plant upland rice inter-
cropped with cassava, coconut, abaca and coffee. 

Yakans. YakansLamitan, the biggest district in Basilan province, is the home base of the
Yakans. Yakan enclaves are however, also found in Isabela City and nearby Zamboanga City.
They are peace-loving people originally pagans until the spread of islam in the island. Yakan
men and women are distinguished by their skin-tight trousers and bulky waist sashes which
serve as protection from bladed weapons or as hummocks in the hills at night. 

These days, Yakans are engaged in both dry and wet agriculture. They grow upland rice, corn,
coconut and root crops. Hunting continues but is mainly for amusement. 

They boast of their intricately designed hand-woven cloth which no other tribe in the country can
imitate. The loom that they use, being the type normally used in Indonesia, has no end fastened
to the wall and the other, ending in a cord, is worn around the waist of the weaver. 
 ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE: FROM ORCHID CITY TO SHRINE CITY
The island of Mindanao is marked by a peninsulas and the largest of all is the ZAMBOANGA Peninsula. It is a
semi circular peninsula extending southwesterly towards the Sulu Archipelago and Borneo. The peninsula has an
area of 14,500 sq. km. (5,600 sq. mile).
The ZAMBOANGA Peninsula was known as Sibugay or Sibuguey during the coming of the Spanish
conquistadors. And later on was changed into Zamboanga from the capital town of the province which derived it's
name from the Malay word Jambangan meaning a place where wild flowers grow. The Spanish colonization of
Mindanao was done by sending missionaries and one of the sites was Jambangan. As the years went by, the
mispronunciation of Bisaya (North Borneo dialect) and Spanish words turned into what is now today Zamboanga. On
June 23, 1635 the town was officially called Zamboanga. The boundary of the town of Zamboanga comprised half of
the peninsula then. The entire peninsula was later called Zamboanga Peninsula although the easternmost part of the
peninsula belong to the Province of Misamis.
Dubbed as the Twin-City Province, Zamboanga del Norte has been made famous by the
beauty and charm of the Orchid City of Dipolog and the historical, rustic quaintness of the
Shrine City of Dapitan. 

Decrying Spanish authority over his beloved country, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, Philippine National
Hero, lived in exile in faraway Dapitan City, then only a sleepy town in Mindanao. Here, he
spent fruitfully his last four years in exile, from 1892 to 1896, to practice medicine, pursue
scientific studies, keep with his artistic and literary endeavors, and widen his knowledge of
languages. In Dapitan, Dr. Rizal found a school and a hospital, and became a farmer to prove to
the people that farming is as good a profession as medicine. 

The original estate of Dr. Rizal in Dapitan has been declared a national shrine and is being
administered by the National Historical Institute. Hence, the city monicker, Shrine City of the
Philippines. By the year 2020, Dapitan is poised to become the Dr. Jose Rizal Heritage Center
of the Philippines, owing to the wealth of Rizal memorabilia and memorable places associated
with the country beloved hero. 

Zamboanga del Norte today is equally famous for Dakak Park and Beach Resort, the province
foremost natural attraction. The very popular Dakak Beach is most known for its beautifully
shaped cove and powdery white sand, and as a diving mecca in Mindanao. Pristine blue waters,
excellent dive sites with an abundance of coral reefs, and a magnificent sunset horizon
characterize this tropical eden. Dakak Park and Beach Resort boasts 15 hectares of wooded
land, a natural reservoir for native plants and animals, and a 750-meter private white-sand
beach. 

Geography 
Zamboanga del Norte is situated in Northern Mindanao. It is bounded on the north and west by
the Sulu Sea, on the east by Misamis Occidental, and on the south by Zamboanga del Sur. 

The province occupies a total land area of 6,618 square kilometers. It has an average elevation
of 243.8 meters, with Mt. Dabiak in Katipunan as the highest peak at 2,600 meters. Other parts,
near the coastlines, are plains. The province irregular coastline runs 400 kilometers from north
to south.

Political Subdivisions 
The province has 25 towns and twin city (Dipolog and Dapitan), which are clustered into three
districts. 

Climate 
Zamboanga del Norte has a mild and moderate climate due to evenly distributed rainfall
throughout the year. Its southern portion has a longer dry season. 

Languages/Dialects 
The main dialect is Cebuano/Visayan. English and Filipino (Tagalog) are also spoken, indicative
of a high level of literacy. The original and native Subanen dialect lives on, especially in the
highlands. 

Population 
As of 2007 census count, the province of Zamboanga del Norte had a total population of
907,238, the second largest in the region, after Zamboanga del Sur. 

Major Industries 
About half of the province land area is devoted to agriculture. Corn, coconut, and rice
are major crops. The province being rich in marine and mineral sources, its fish production has
accelerated through the development of fishponds. Commercial fishing has likewise steadily
increased through the years, with the yellow fin tuna as the primary species
DIPOLOG CITY
Dipolog's earliest recorded history started in 1834 when a civil government was organized by
the Spanish Provincial Government of Misamis, under whose jurisdiction Dipolog belonged with
the appointment of a "Captain" as town executive, a "Teniente" and an "Aguacil" to maintain law
and order. Don Domingo Ruiz, a native, was the town executive that year when the townsite
was transferred to Tulwanan to where it is now. 

History says that in that year a Spanish Recollect Missionary arrived in Tulwanan believing that
that the townsite was still there. Upon meeting a native, asked; "Dondeesta el Capitan?". Our
unknown hero understanding only the word "Capitan" pointed to the west and said in Subano
“Di-pag" meaning across the river. Guided by his Muchacho a Tagalog boy named Antonio
Subido, the Padre proceeded down river and upon reaching the townsite named the place
";Dipag". Though the years, this was corrupted by mispronunciation and intermingling of
Visayan and Subano words into what it is today DIPOLOG. 

But many years before Christian and unchristian settlers, Boholanos had already settled and
mingled with the Pagan Subanos. For safety sake against Marauding Moro pirates, they
established a town in what is now Barrio Sianib, now of municipality of Polanco, some twenty
kilometers from the coast at Barrio Punta (Barangay Punta, Dipolog City). When danger from
piracy subsided, they transferred the settlement to Isab, Nipaan and constructed a church on a
hilltop overlooking a wide plain and the mouth of the Isab creek. 

The Spanish colonization of Dipolog and northwestern Mindanao was done with the Cross of
Catholicis and the Missionaries, with over zealous bordering on fanaticism, demanded that the
pagan natives attend mass and church services morning and afternoon. The inconvenience of
ramping up and down that hill to appease the priest, compelled the people to move down the
river to Tulwanan(a sitio in Barangay Lugdungan, Dipolog City) were they built another Capilla.
In 1834, as stated earlier, they transferred to the present site at the mouth of Dipolog river. 

Political History: 

Its political date with history began in 1834 when the Spaniards organized a civil government in
Misamis Province and appointed Capitan, Dapitan native Don Domingo Ruiz. 

From Ruiz administration had change hands in stable succession: Martino Belarmino, who was
popular by the name Maglinte. Francisco Magallanes, VictorioGobune; another man whose
name history record had as Toribio, followed by Venancio Narvaez, Francisco Orbita, Bautista
Narvaez, MartencioYebes and SabinoBengua. 

The colonial government later changed tact, substituting "Capitan" with "Governadorcillo" and
political subalterns known as TenientePrimeros, Segundos, Terceros and three Aguacillas for
assistants. A Juez de Policia with the Cuerpo de Policia or Quarilleros accountable directly to
the Governadorcillo was formed, along with the Juez de Ganados, which had jurisdiction over
agricultural estates and large cattle. 

The Governadorcillos who had served the town were Andres Velasco, Juan Abendano, Juan
Baez, Andres Yebanes, Martillano Barrios, Pedro Ruiz, Pablo Narvaez, TiburcioSorronda,
Matias Velasco, MarcelinoZorilla, Cirilo Sorronda, GabinaOrbita, Santos Yebanes and Bonifacio
Posadas. 
As the socio-political storm gathered strength for the Philippine Revolution, the clergy
established Dipolog as a regular parish in 1896 and installed Father Esteban Yepes its first
administrator in 1897. Earlier in February 1894, the Catholic Chapel was renovated for the first
time, on an altar designed by former Dapitan exile, Dr. Jose Rizal. 

Around January 1889, the administrative designations reverted to Capitanes, and those
appointed were Martin Fernandez, Tomas Narvacan, EustaquioCajocon, SimplicioLacaya,
BasilioTabiliran, Maximiano Ruiz and Bruno Ordinaria, in the run up to General Emilio
Aguinaldo's campaign for national independence and the short-lived Philippine Republic in
1898. 

During the two years, Aguinaldo led the country in afragile arrangement with US occupation
forces, the Capitan was renamed Presidente Local, who had administrative support from a Vice
Presidente Local, a Delegado de Justicia and a Delegado de Policia. 

Martin Fernandez was appointed Presidente Local in the year 1900, followed by Diosdado
Mercado, Gaudencio Zorilla and Isidro Patangan as Presidente Municipal between 1901 and
March 1904. 

Dipolog's chance for the better came around 1910 when the US government recalled the
militarist leaders from the Mindanao pacification campaign and appointed a 25 year-old civilian
and Zamboanga-based John Helper, Secretary of Zamboanga Province. Helper visited Dipolog
for two days and visited its principalia and members of the Centro Catolico de Dipolog who later
agreed to escort him to Dapitan on horseback. On their way to Dapitan via the old duct in Barra,
they took a few minutes rest at the home of Don Jose Aguirre where Governor Helper was
introduced to Pascual Martinez, Helper offered the job of Municipal President to the young
Martinez, who at first reluctant to take it. 

Martinez went down from the Aguirre home and consulted the Centro Catolico, at the time the
most influential organization in the Dipolog enclave over whether he should accept. After being
encouraged to accept on condition he should work for the upgrade of the barrio status, Martinez
went upstairs and shakes the hand of the smiling Helper. 

Two years later, the Governor of the Department of Mindanao and Sulu, US General John
Pershing, granted the petition seeking the conversion of Dipolog into a regular town on condition
that an administrative building be constructed within six months and an elaborate inauguration
arrangements be made. Two of the enclaves prominent residents and influential members of the
Centro Catolico de Dipolog, IsabeloEchavez and EleuterioBarinaga volunteered to raise P3,000
and mobilize the needed materials for the project. With the help of the association's members
and clergy, gangs of carpenters, lumberjacks and bricklayers from the nearby provinces of
Negros, Cebu and Bohol were organized and a tight construction schedule was laid out. 

Dipolog City Hall: 

he center facade was the original Municipal Hall constructed in 1912.The left and right wings
used to be a balcony where John J. Pershing declared Dipolog as a Municipality, the wings
were extended and a roof was added to accommodate more offices. 

On a full moon on a Holy Saturday in 1913, Fr. Gaudencio Bendijo officiated the cornerstone
laying ceremony while a brass band played the Marcha Real. The first Molave post was erected
on the very spot when the main City Hall stands today, and the work gangs supervised by
engineer-architect Francisco Garcia. The building tailored to the Western taste of elegance, had
concrete for foundation and ground flooring with space more than enough for four offices, two
storerooms and a jail. The second floor, with a social hall at its center, housed six executive
offices. 

The inauguration was the milestone the town ever needs to inspire its own constituency, and the
years thereafter saw it growing leaps and bounds. 

On July 1, 1913 General John "Black Jack" J. Pershing, then Governor of the Department of
Mindanao and Sulu, declared Dipolog as a Municipality a public corporation possessing
corporate powers and juridical personality at the porch of the newly constructed Casa Municipal.
The pronouncement was immediately followed by the playing of the Stars Spangled Banner and
the Philippine National Anthem played by the town's band. General Pershing also appointed
Pascual T. Martinez as the first Municipal Mayor of Dipolog, under the American Regime. He
was later elected twice. Two years later, the first special local election of Dipolog was held from
Municipal Vice-President down to the five Municipal Councilors. Elected were: VeronicoOlvis,
Municipal Vice President, Feliciano Ordinaria, MarcelinoAdriatico, Paciano Ortega, Lorenzo
Regencia and Romualdo Gonzales as Councilor. Other elected officials were, Julian Garcia,
Justice of Peace, Manuel Adriatico, Municipal Treasurer, Dalmacio Cruz, Chief of Police; and
Dr. Patricio Saldariega, President of Sanitary Division. 

Overview: 
The name and the story behind it 
Dipolog began as a tribal settlement of Subanons who were part of the second wave of Malay
migrants to ihe Philippines. Earliest recorded historical entries date back to 1834 when a civil
government was organized by the Spanish Provincial Government of Misamis with the
appointment of a Capitan as town executive, a Teniente and an Aguacil to maintain law and
order. 

"Dondeesta el Capitan?" was the question posed by a Spanish Recollect Missionary that same
year of a native, upon arriving at sitioTulwanan, Barangay Lugdungan, asking where he could
find the Capitan. Baffled by the question and recognizing only the word Capitan, the native
pointed to the west and in the Subano tongue, said "Di . . . Pag" (i.e., across the river). Guided
by his muchacho, the padre proceeded down river and upon reaching the town-site, named the
place Dipag. Through the years, Dipag, rolling through the intermingling Visayan and Subanon
tongues became Dipolog, as the place is known today. 

Dipolog was formally declared a municipality by then Mindanao Governor-General John J.

Pershing on July 1, 1913. It became a city, and the capital of Zamboanga del Norte, on January
1, 1970 after Republic Act No. 5520 was signed by President Ferdinand E. Marcos on July 21,
1969. 

Geography: 
Dipolog City is 13,628 hectares of rolling hills with wide lowlands in northwestern Zamboanga
del Norte. It faces the provinces of Cebu and Negros in the Visayas. It sits at the tip of the
Zamboanga Peninsula and is known as the "Gateway to Western Mindanao". It has 21
barangays, including the four districts in the poblacion. 

When you are in Manila, Dipolog City is situated in the south. It can be reached in about an hour
via direct air flight or about 31 hours via sea transportation. It is a 40-minute flight or a 10-hour
sea cruise from Cebu City. 

Population/Languages & Dialects Spoken: 

The city has 113,118 residents 2007census. About 49% are urban residents while 51% resides
in the rural area, speaking mainly Cebuano/Visayan. English and Filipino (Tagalog) are also
readily spoken. The original Subanon dialect lives on in the highlands. Christian Catholics make
up 95% of the population. The remaining 5% are Christians of different denominations. 

Climate: 
Dipolog has mild and moderate climate with rainfall more or less evenly 4 distributed throughout
the year. It has a distinct dry and rainy season. February to April are sunny months while rain-
showers punctuate the days from May to January. Its generally pleasant climate is seasoned by
cool tangy air of the eastern highlands mingling with breezes of the Sulu Sea. 

Basic Industries: 
Dipolog is basically an agricultural city. 

A few large agro-industrial establishments deal in rubber and feed processing, lumber, and
such. 

Most of the small manufacturing establishments are also agro-industrial in nature , saw mills,
rice/corn mills, small to medium cottage industries engaged in metalcraft, wood &rattancraft,
ceramics, and food processing (sardines, corned beef, dried fish, etc.) 

TOURIST ATTRACTION
CASA REDONDA. This is an octagonal dwelling which served as quarters for Rizal's pupils. It was later converted to
a clinic and it was here where George Tauter, the foster father of Josephine Bracken, was operated on his eye.
CASA REDONDA PEQUENA. A hexagonal structure situated at the right side of the main house which served as a
chicken house.
CASITAS HOSPITALES. There are two of these structures which were originally intended as tea houses which Rizal
converted into clinics to accommodate patients from far-flung municipalities.
CASA QUADRADA. Rizal built this hut as a dormitory to accommodate the growing number of his pupils in Talisay
School. The area underneath served as workshop of the pupils.
CASITAS DE SALUD. Originally, these were teahouses. When his fame as a physician spread to the entire
Philippines and other countries, these were converted in to wards to accommodate his patients from far flung places.
THE RIZALIANA. A modern concrete building constructed in 1972 which houses all Rizaliana books, periodicals, and
other historical exhibits. Part of it also serves as the office of the Rizal Shrine curator.
THE AMPHITHEATER. An open-air auditorium with a seating capacity of 500 which was constructed beyond the
MiRetiro Rock.
GLORIA DE DAPITAN. Which is situated at Sunset Boulevard, is a one-of-its kind three hectare commercial
complex. Right at the very heart of Gloria de Dapitan is Gallera de Dapitan which architects Fernando Mirasol
designed.
RELIEF MAP OF MINDANAO. Across St. James Church is a giant map of Mindanao on a total area of roughly 900
-square meters done by Dr. Jose Rizal with the help of Fr. Francisco de Paula Sanchez, S.J.
ILIHAN HILL. To protect settlements from foreign invaders, the Spaniards constructed military fortresses, among
them, Fort de Dapitan in 1762. The fort was strategically placed atop Ilihan Hill in the poblacion overlooking Dapitan
Bay.
ALIGUAY&SILINOG ISLANDS. These are island barangays located roughly 10 to 14 kilometers, respectively from
Tag-olo Point. Both islands have white sand beaches and rich aquatic resources. Both are accessible by pumpboats.
STA. CRUZ BEACH. Two significant dates in history claim this beach as the point of debarkation. When Fr.
PascualAcufia, S.J., arrived in Dapitan in 1607 and baptized the natives, he brought with him the Cross, the symbol
of Christianity, and first touched land at Sta. Cruz Beach.
SAINT JAMES CHURCH. A lasting heritage and symbol of Christianization of the region and locality, Saint James
Church and the Catholic Rectory are two edifices that have with stood the test of time and the elements.
OUR LOURDES GROTTO. Rocky hillock located almost at the Southwest foot of Ilihan Hill.
DAPITAN CITY HALL. Is the old “municipio” in 1890’s. its structural and architectural features were patterned after
those of the Casa Real, its interior had undergone several changes but the exterior remained through the years thus,
adding antique ambiance to the city plaza.
DAPITAN CITY PLAZA. The plaza which was designed, develop and beautified by Dr. Jose P. Rizal with the
assistance of Governandor Ricardo Carnicero during his stay in Dapitan.
ACACIA TREES. Dr. Jose P. Rizal used to plant acacia trees to add beautification to the plaza of poblacion during
his stay in Dapitan. Some of these acacia trees are still standing in the plaza of the city.
DAPITAN BAY. A stretch of clean beach on the northern section of the poblacion, with sunsets more beautiful than
the fabled ones at Manila Bay. Perfectly safe for swimming (water depth is gradual with no undertow).
BARANGAY DARO. From here, one gets a breathtaking view of the Sulu Sea north and east of the city stretching as
far as the municipality of Sibutad, Zamboanga del Norte and Balingao in Misamis Occidental.
HOLY ROSARY CATHEDRAL. Erected by the Spanish friars sometime in 1895, records show that the original altar
was designed by Dr. Jose Rlzal, the sketch of the altar was patterned after that of San Ignacio Church in Manila,
STA. CRUZ MARKER. Spot where migrating Boholanos from the Visayas landed on and planted the cross for
Christianity on May 3, 1905.
CITY HALL BUILDING. The same edifice which was erected and inaugurated by then Governor General of Mindanao
John J. Pershing on July 1, 1913 wherein Dipolog was formerly declared as a municipality.
SUNGKILAW FALLS. This splendid gift of nature gives one a wonderful view of the clear foamy water that gushes
down from a seemingly dry formation of huge pockmarked rocks.
ZN ECO PARK & PLANT TISSUE CULTURE. An ecological mini-park and Plant Tissue laboratory managed by the
provincial government of Zamboanga del Norte located at Upper Turno, Dipolog City.
COGON ECOTOURISM COMPLEX. Dipolog City's premier ecological destination and a favorite site of visiting local
and foreign nature enthusiasts.
COGON ECOTOURISM PARK. So named after its entrance location in the hinterlands of Barangay Cogon, this
environmental rest area park and forest preserve stretches into the neighboring Municipality of Polanco and covers a
total land area of 344 hectares.
ALLURING ALIGUAY ISLAND. Explore the mysterious yet fascinating coral reefs surrounding Aliguay Island and be
astound by the rich underwater habitat. The perfect hideaway from the city’s busy life. Enjoy the cool sand under the
sun.
TANTALIZING PIÑAHON ISLAND. A haven of natural beauty you can truly relax and enjoy. Then bask under the sun
and enjoy the white sand beach of piñahon island.
OVERHWELMING CAVE CONQUEST. Have that once in a lifetime adventure inside the Libuton Caves and discover
on e of the complete cave formations of the country.
TOWERING SITUBO FALLS. One of the many still unspoiled waterfalls in the Philippines, resplendent, mighty, and
powerful as it thunders down to a refreshing cool pool, waiting for you to be discovered.
RIVER TREKKING TO SUNGKILAW FALLS. For a nature lover who wishes to experience outdoor adventure as an
alternative to caving, discover RIVER TREKKING.
DAPITAN CITY HERITAGE. Dapitan’s century old houses and church , the aged fire trees and the 200 year old
baluno tree, and the indigenous teaching aid carabao grass – made map of Mindanao of Jose P. Rizal.
I. ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR: THE COLORS OF ETHNIC ZAMBOANGA
HISTORY
Zamboanga del Sur was, for the most part, built slowly upon the foundations of various migrants and
settlers; it wasn’t a settlement built by one tribe which later expanded. The name Zamboanga itself came from the
Malayan word “Jambangan”, meaning a place of flowers. The very first settlers of the area which would ultimately be
known as Zamboanga del Sur were known as the Subanons or Subanens, whose name literally means “river folks”.
They settled on the riverbanks and almost all were farmers who practiced the “slash and burn” method of agriculture.
It wasn’t long afterwards, though, that they were joined by the Muslim immigrants who came in from neighboring
towns, with some coming from as far away as Malaysia. The Muslims were broken down into groups depending from
where they came, and their professions were also different: the Maguindanaoans and Kalibugans were mostly
farmers by trade; the Tausugs, Badjaos, and Samals were fishermen, and finally, the Maranaos were traders and
artisans.
When the Moro Province was established, composing of five districts (Cotabato, Davao, Sulu,
Zamboanga, and Lanao), Zamboanga became its capital. When the five districts became
individual provinces in 1940, Zamboanga City became the capital of Zamboanga province. After
World War II, the capital was transferred to Dipolog and Molave became the provincial capital of
Zamboanga when Republic Act 286 was passed on June 16, 1948. 

On June 6, 1952, by virtue of Republic Act 711, Zamboanga province, which encompassed the
entire peninsula in the southwestern Mindanao, was split into two, with Zamboanga del Sur
being one of the half. Zamboanga del Sur became the 52nd province in the Philippines,
originally having 11 towns which were later broken down into 42 municipalities and one city,
Pagadian. Pagadian City also became Zamboanga del Sur’s capital. 

Geography 
Zamboanga del Sur occupies the southern section of the Zamboanga peninsula that forms the
western part of the Island of Mindanao. It is located within a longitude of 122º 30"" and latitude
of 7º 15"" north. It has a total land area of 473, 491hectares or 4,734.91 sq. m. 

Stretching northward from Sibugay in the southwest and running along the northern boundary to
Salug Valley in the east is the province mountainous countryside. The coastal plains are
extending regularly from south to west then spreading into wide flat lands when reaching the
coastal plains of the Baganian peninsula in the southeast. 

Political Subdivision 
Zamboanga del Sur consists of two congressional districts with 26 municipalities and one city,
with a total of 681 barangays. 

Language / Dialect 

The major dialect is Cebuano, spoken by 61.31% of the population. Also spoken are Tagalog,
Subanon, Chavacano, Ilonggo, Maguindanao, Tausug, Boholano, and Ilocano. 

Population 
As of the year 2007 census, Zamboanga del Sur had reached a population of 914,278. 

Climate 
The province has a relatively high mean annual rainfall that varies from 1,599 millimeters in drier
areas to 3,500 millimeters in the wettest portion. Temperature is relatively warm and constant
throughout the year ranging from the minimum temperature of 22 to 35 degrees Celsius. 

Trade And Industry 

Agri-based manufacture of coco oil, livestock feed milling, rice/ corn milling, including the
processing of fruits; gifts and housewares made from indigenous materials like handmade
paper, roots, rattan, buri, and bamboo; wood-based manufacture of furniture and furniture
components from wood, rattan, and bamboo; marine and aquaculture including support
services; construction services and manufacture of marble, concrete, and wooden construction
materials. 

Overview 
The early history of Zamboanga del Sur is similar to that of Zamboanga del Norte, inevitably
linked with that of Zamboanga City, the center of Mindanao then, specially during the American
Era. 

When Zamboanga City became a chartered city on October 12, 1936, it included the
Zamboanga Peninsula and the island of Basilan, making it the largest city in the world in terms
of land area. 

This changed in 1948 when Basilan became a separate province and when Republic Act
No.711 on June 6,1952 created two more provinces out of the Zamboanga City area. 

One of these provinces was the Province of Zamboanga del Sur. 

The status quo prevailed un til February 2001 when Zamboanga Sibugayand 16 of del Sur's
southern towns came into its own. 

Geography/Political Subdivision 
Zamboanga del Sur is in northwestern Mindanao. It is bounded on the north by Zamboanga del
Norte, to the west by Zamboanga Sibugay, on the east by Misamis Occidental, Panguil Bay,
and Lanao del Norte, and on the south by the Moro Gulf and the Basilan Strait. 

Zamboanga del Sur has an aggregate land area of 4,694.78 square kilometers with an irregular
coastline. 
The landscape consists of a flat coastal plain giving way to mountains in the interior. The
biggest bays are Dumanquilas, Maligay, and Pagadian Bay. A small peninsula extends into the
Moro Gulf. 

Four rivers cross the plain to deltas where major towns are located. These are the Kumalarang,
Sibuguey, Dinas, and Labangan Rivers. Zamboanga del Sur now has 27 towns. 

Ethnic Distinction 
Pagadian City is a melting pot that includes the Tiruray, Manobo, Maranao, and Maguindanao
ethnic groups. The dominant ethnic group in Zamboanga del Sur is the Subanen whose
enclaves are in tne towns of Kmnaiarang, and Lapuyan. 

Major Industries 
Zamboanga del Sur's Land is highly fertile, where rice, corn, coconut and rubber are
consistently produced. Rich and teeming waters mark fishing as a major industry. Its dense
forests also contribute to a thriving wood industry. With valuable mineral deposits, manganese,
copper, and nickel and mined in Kumalarang. 

TOURIST ATTRACTION
LOURDES HOT AND COLD SPRINGS. Which is only 32 kilometers away from the city. The springs are all natural,
so it is assured that they are soothing and perfectly safe.
PULACAN FALLS.Is located some 12 kilometers from Pagadian City, in the town of Labangan. It covers an area of
400 square meters and is the source of water for the Labangan irrigation system.
LISON VALLEY WATERFALLS. On the other hand, is still relatively untouched. Located 42 kilometers northwest of
pagadian, the falls have a height of about 20-25 meters.
LOURDES WATERFALLS. Located in barangay Lourdes, is another great waterfalls attraction. Like the hot springs,
Lourdes Waterfalls is also located some 32 kilometers away from the urban area.
MANGA FALLS.Can be found 7 kilometers away from Pagadian and it is a two-layered waterfall, surrounded by huge
trees that are home to white monkeys.
DITORAY WATERFALLS.Is located a bit further — 14 kilometers away — and it is worth the trip. Large stones ring
the falls, making for a grandiose spectacle.
MT.SUSONG DALAGA. Which means “Maiden’s Breast”. Is has a semi-perfect cone with lush forest cover. It is
found in barangay Lourdes, some 32 kilometers from the city proper.
MT. PINOKIS.Is two kilometers away, also found in Lison Valley. The mountain features forests inhabited by
monkeys and gorillas. It is currently under consideration for development.
MT. PALPALAN.At 684 feet above seal level, the mountain gives the visitor a sweeping vista of urban Pagadian City,
as well as the neighboring municipalities and the deep sapphire waters of Pagadian Bay.
DUMAGOC HILL.Is a former military reservation that, some say, follows the contours of a heart.

BULATOC HILL. On the other hand, provides a breathtaking view of the whole city and is currently the site of a
flourishing subdivision. It is also very accessible from bulatoc, as well, located just 2.6 kilometers away.
BOGO HILL. At Barangay Bogo, some 4 kilometers away from the city proper. The hill is particularly good for
agriculture, as well as a good area for viewing Pagadian’s beauty.
KENDIS CAVE. And it is situated 14 kilometers away from Pagadian, and 5 kilometers away from Ditoray. It is an
open-end cave spattered with plants and vegetation with large overhead crevices and two interior chambers.
MANGA CAVES.On the other hand, are twin caves located along the equally beautiful Manga Waterfalls.
LA SUERTE HANGING BRIDGE.Is located in barangay Lourdes. It looks just like what one would see in movies, with
wooden planks suspended by cables.
LOWER SIBATANG HANGING BRIDGE.Is 27 meters in length, again, with wooden planks suspended by support
cables.
BAGALUPA HANGING BRIDGE.Stands as the longest at 80 meters in length. All three bridges are safe and fully
functional.
AGRO-TOURISM AND HERITAGE COMPLEX (AHC).Located a mere 5 minutes away from the center of Pagadian,
the AHC is an adventure lover’s delight with its variety of thrills, from the quaint charm of the Cultural village, the
soothing serenity of the Butterfly Park, to the breathtaking excitement of the Canopy Walk and Zipline. It is truly a
feast for the senses.
LAKEWOOD.An adventure to Lakewood is best if one reaches the site shortly before the sun sets. When night falls,
the serenity is disturbed only by the croaking of crickets.
DIVE SITES. The dive sites of zambosur are among the best in the country. The water quality and coral formations
have been proclaimed by diver-tourist as world class.
MAHAYAG SPRING.Mahayag is located in the eastern part of the province. It is richly endowed by nature with rich
tourism potentials. The Eriberta Springs and Mt. Malindang Resort will undoubtedly cool each excursionist from the
tropical heat with inviting gush^of spring water cascading down the rocks.
BAYOG. Bayog is approximately 82 kilometers off pagadian city. Among the major attractions of bayog are the hot
springs in segacad, the loperzan waterfalls, buco waterfalls and the subterranean river in balumbonan.
DUMINGAG. Be completely attuned with nature as Dumingag mini-forest and herons' sanctuary offer visitors with
serenity that soothes jaded souls .
TUKURAN. Tukuran boasts of Fort Military and a 70-hectare marine sanctuary that is a haven of colorful and large
corals as well as other forms of marine life.
PANIKIAN ISLAND.A 30-minute banca ride from Pitogo will bring you to Panikian Island where long stretches of fine
white sand and clear blue waters beckon both, swimmers and scuba divers.
LAPUYAN. Lapuyan takes pride in lapuyan falls and its cultural village where the rich and unique subanens can be
revisited.
SOMINOT. Sominot is an excellent example of divine engineering. In some caves, it is said that it will take an
adventurer from sunrise to sunset to walk and crawl from one cave to another.
II. ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY: THE ISLANDS' SEASNAKE SANCTUARY
Tantanan Bay is the largest fish sanctuary found in the province, encompassing an area of five hectares.
Sibuguey Bay bounds the southern peripheries. Endowed with several coral formations that function naturally as fish
sanctuaries, it is ideal for snorkeling and diving. Another notable fish sanctuary, situated within the municipality of
Talusan, is Takushari. Within the island of PuloLaum is a sanctuary for the propagation of sea snakes.
Zamboanga Sibugay is endowed with several islets that are ideal for beach resort development. Notable are
Pandilusan Island in the municipality of Payao and Litayon Island in the municipality of Alicia. One characteristic that
they have in common is their white sand beaches. In addition to these islets, there are also white sand atolls in both
municipalities that are submerged during high tides. Leading the province inland tourist attractions are the large
caves found in the municipalities of Tungawan and Talusan as well as the Moalboal Cave in the municipality of Titay.
Among the majestic waterfalls are Tagbilat, Dalisay, Tugop Muslim, Cobacob, Go-otoc, Malagandis, Basay, and
Palina Falls in Ipil.
Leading the province inland tourist attractions are the large caves found in the municipalities of
Tungawan and Talusan as well as the Moalboal Cave in the municipality of Titay. Among the
majestic waterfalls are Tagbilat, Dalisay, Tugop Muslim, Cobacob, Go-otoc, Malagandis, Basay,
and Palina Falls in Ipil. 
Political Subdivision 
There are 16 municipalities comprising the province: Tungawan, R.T. Lim, Ipil, Titay, Naga,
Siay, Kabasalan, Imelda, Diplahan, Buug, Malangas, Alicia, Payao, Mabuhay, Talusan and
Olutanga. It has a total of 389 barangays under one Congressional District. 
Geography 
Zamboanga Sibugay has an approximate total land area of 322,830 hectares accounting for
about 37.82 percent of the mother province of Zamboanga del Sur. It is geographically located
at 123o 04 49.75 longitude and at 7o 42 14.89 latitude. To the north it intersects the common
municipal boundaries of Kalawit, Tampilisan, and Godod in Zamboanga del Norte. In the west, it
is bounded by the municipalities of Siraway, Siocon, and Balinguian, and the province of
Zamboanga del Norte. On the south it is bounded by Sibuguey Bay. In the east, the
municipalities of Bayog and Kumalarang both in the province of Zamboanga del Sur bound it. It
is further bounded on the southwest by Zamboanga City. 
Climate 
The climatic condition of the province is moderately normal (climate type III). Annual rainfall
varies from 1,599 mm to 3,500 mm. Temperature is relatively warm and constant throughout the
year ranging from 22o C to 35o C. The province is situated outside the typhoon belt. 

Industries 
The leading industries are in the areas of bakery, rice and corn milling, food processing, and
rattan and wood furniture production. The new players in the field are concrete products,
garments, wax and candle factory, and other cottage industries. 
Major crops produced include rice, corn, coconuts, rubber, fruit trees, vegetables, tobacco,
coffee, cacao, and root crops. Livestock and poultry productions are predominantly small-scale
backyard operations. 
Population 
The 2007 census reported a total population of 546,186. 
Dialects 
The major dialects are Cebuano and Ilonggo. Tagalog, Ilocano, and other ethnic tongues are
spoken as well. 

III. CITY OF ISABELA

Isabela City is the seat of the Provincial Government and the capital of the island province, which with its
islets lies in the waters of the Celebes Sea, the Moro Gulf and the Sulu Sea, situated at the tip of the Zamboanga
Peninsula.
In ancient times, the island province was called "Taguima", while Isabela was referred to by its ethnic
groups (the Yakans, SamalBanguinguis, Badjaos, and Tausugs) as "Pasangan", a name that still holds among the
natives. In 1844, the Spaniards occupied "Pasangan", and in July of the following year, the place was named Isabela,
in honor of Queen Isabel II of Spain by Don Ramon Lubo, Marine Chief of Zamboanga and Don Cayetano Suarez de
Figueroa, Governor of the District.
TOURIST ATTRACTION
WHITE BEACH. A fine beach found in Malamawi Island. Good for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.
MALAMAWI ISLAND. The gateway to Basilan. Here, the parola of the lighthouse guides ships and vintas to the
channel. Here can also be found the traditional resting place of the nomad sea-faring Badjaos and Sama-Luans-
Banguingui.
TABIAWAN&BUSAY WATERFALLS. Located in Isabela and good for picnics and bathing.
BALAGTASAN WATERFALLS. The biggest waterfalls in the province where the Basilan hydroelectric plant is
located.
KUMALARANG RIVER. This has a 14-meter waterfall and is a proposed site for a hydroelectric plant. Ideal for
picnics and photo shoots.
CHAPEL OF PEACE, CALVARIO PEAK. A project of the religious sector 400 meters above sea level; an excellent
site for photo enthusiasts. It is 15 kms. from Isabela proper but is only a 15-18 minute ride by bus or jeepney.
STA. ISABEL CATHEDRAL. Named in honor of the patron saint of Isabela City. Located in the heart of the town, this
pet project of former Bishop Jose Ma.Querexetajs of modem architectural design. Beside the cathedral is Claretcraft,
a display center for native handicraft such as bags, mats, all fashioned from buri and the unique Yakan cloth.
KAUMPURNAH MOSQUE. An old and imposing mosque, the sight of which greets visitors aboard ferries as they sail
the channel into Isabela.
SUMAGDANG BEACH. A natural site for swimming, passing through coconut plantations, small rice fields, and fish
ponds. Only 4 kms.from Isabela proper and easily accessible by jeepney, tricycle, or bus.
BLOCK 35 FALLS. This is found inside the Menzi Plantation.
BALAS BEACH. A cove-shaped beach about 25 minutes away from the town hall; ideal for swimming, boating,
fishing, water skiing, and snorkeling.
ISABELA FISH MARKET. If a yearning for the sweet succulent flesh of fresh fish tickles the visitor's palate, then this
is the place to be. Fishermen catches for the day are amply displayed for sale in this market and the variety of marine
delicacies (as well as the prices) entices.
MENZI AGRICULTURAL PLANTATION. See the actual processing of rubber, coffee, black pepper, and African palm
oil in this plantation now owned and run by a local cooperative.
HOUSES ON STILTS AT MALAMAWI AND KAUN PURNA. Rising from the waters at the shorelines are
communities that seem to float houses on stilts and home to those whose closeness to the sea is a philosophy of life
itself.