REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

SANTA MARIA BULACAN CAMPUS

A NARRATIVE REPORT FOR

TMHM001 PHILIPPINE CULTURE AND TOURISM GEOGRAPHY:

REGION 10 ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA

Submitted by:

Janna Marie Geronimo

Joyce Missielle Ignacio
Justine Cedric Ignacio

Submitted to:

Prof. Ma. Vanessa Mendoza

Zamboanga Peninsula

COMPOSITION

Through Executive Order No. 36 signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on September 2001 which provides for the
reorganization of the administrative regions in Mindanao, Region IX presently consists of the three (3) provinces of
Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay. The region also has five (5) cities namely: Dapitan,
Dipolog, Isabela, Pagadian and Zamboanga. The province of Basilan, on the other hand, opted to join the Autonomous Region
in Muslim Mindanao.

Zamboanga Peninsula is a peninsula and an administrative region in the Philippines. Designated as Region IX, the region
consists of three provinces, namely, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay, and the chartered
and Independent city of Zamboanga City at the south-eastern tip, with Pagadian City as its new regional center. The region
was previously known as Western Mindanao before the enactment of Executive Order No.
After the United States annexed the Spanish East Indies in 1898, Zamboanga was briefly independent as the Republic of
Zamboanga. It became a part of the Moro Province, which consisted of Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago. The name and
status of Moro province soon changed to the Department of Mindanao and Sulu on August 16, 1916, that caused Zamboanga
to become a province.
On 1942, the occupied by the Japanese Imperial forces taken in Zamboanga Peninsula
On 1945, the liberation at Zamboanga Peninsula by defenders of the Philippine and United States forces against the Japanese
Imperial forces during the World War II.
On June 6, 1952, the province was divided into two provinces, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur, while the
chartered City of Zamboanga became an independent city.

REGION

Together with the Sulu Archipelago, the provinces that formerly made up Zamboanga province were organized into Region
IX by order of Presidential Decree No. 1 as part of the Integrated Reorganization Plan of President Ferdinand Marcos.
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.

THE PRESENT

In 2001, Zamboanga Sibugay, was created from the province of Zamboanga del Sur with Ipil as the seat of government.
In the same year, the residents of Basilan opted to join the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in a plebiscite.
However, the citizens of the capital, Isabela, did not want to join so the city remained a part of this region with the as a result
of Executive Order No. 36.
In 2004, Pagadian officially became the Regional Center for Region IX- Zamboanga Peninsula, despite opposition from
Zamboanga City, the former Regional Center.

GEOGRAPHY

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. Its territory consists of the three Zamboanga provinces and Zamboanga City, as well as the
Northern Mindanao province of Misamis Occidental. The peninsula is connected to the main part of Mindanao through an
isthmus situated between Panguil 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.

RESOURCES

The region has vast forest resources and previously used to export logs, lumber, veneer and plywood. Mineral deposits include
gold, chromite, coal, iron, lead, and manganese. Among its non-metallic reserves are coal, silica, salt, marble, silica sand,
and gravel. Its fishing grounds are devoted to commercial and municipal fishing. It has also aqua farms for brackish water
and freshwater fishes.
POLITICAL DIVISIONS

PROVINCE

ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE

ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR
ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY

CITIES

Zamboanga Peninsula has five cities: Dipolog City, Dapitan City, Isabela City, Pagadian City, and the highly-urbanized city
of Zamboanga. Isabela City is a part of the island-province of Basilan to the south of the peninsula.
The city of Zamboanga serve as the centers of trade, commerce, industry and education in the region. while the cities of
Dipolog and Pagadian are on the list.
Zamboanga City, known for its old Spanish fort, Fort Pilar. A tourist destination besides being considered as Highly
Urbanized and Independent city in the region. It is also known as the third older charter city in the Philippines.
In 2006, Zamboanga City was re-labeled from "City of Flowers" to "Asia's Latin City". The new label is the brainchild of
Mayor. Celso L. Lobregat believing that this was a more relevant and significant label given the fact that the people of
Zamboanga speak Chavacano, a local dialect composed of Eighty percent (80%) Spanish words and the remaining Twenty
percent (20%) a mixture of other local dialects such as Visayan, Ilonggo, Subanon, Yakan and Tausug.
The City of Dapitan is also known as the "Shrine City in the Philippines" because the place where Jose Rizal, the National
Hero, was exiled. It is also known for the old St. James Parish and the beautiful beach resort of Dakak. The city continues to
exude an atmosphere of primeval charm amidst a growing presence of modern-day sophistication.
The City of Dipolog is also known as the "Gateway to Western Mindanao" and "Orchid City" of the Philippines and the
"Bottled Sardines Capital of the Philippines." Peace-loving and genial Dipolognons proudly celebrate their rich culture and
colorful history. It is a city whose rich natural wonders beckon everyone to its natural shores.
The City of Pagadian is also known as the "Little Hongkong of the South"[1] because of its topographical feature that is
reminiscent of Hongkong, China. It also has an affluent Chinese community that officially celebrates the Chinese Lunar New
Year. The city of Pagadian is the regional center of Zamboanga Peninsula.
Isabela City is a component city and capital of the province of Basilan. Isabela City continues be under the jurisdiction of
Basilan for the administration of provincially-devolved services and functions. But for the administration of regional services,
the city is part of the Zamboanga Peninsula Region despite the rest of Basilan being under the authority of the Autonomous
Region in Muslim Mindanao.
ECONOMY

It has the first export-processing zone in Mindanao. Farming and fishing are the main economic activities of the region. It
also has rice and corn mills, oil processing, coffee berry processing and processing of latex from rubber. Its home industries
include rattan and furniture craft, basket making, weaving and brass work.
Size and Population
Zamboanga Peninsula has a total land area of 14,138 square kilometers and has a population size of 2,831,412 in 2000
with a population growth rate of 1.97%.

MAJOR PRODUCTS

The Region is Mindanao's front door to EAGA with Zamboanga City serving as main portal to and from EAGA member-
countries. Due to this, the city could well become one of EAGA's major trading centers. Zamboanga Peninsula's coastline
measures an estimated 700 kilometers or about 43 percent of Mindanao's total coastline. Major sea products of the region
include tuna, herring sardines, anchovies and mackerel. Shrimps, prawns, lobsters, crabs, squid and cuttlefish also abound.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

The region is blessed with numerous tourist attractions. Besides many enchanting islands and islets, there are cultural and
historical shrines as well as exotic scenic spots and pristine beaches. Among these are Santa Cruz Island, Vista del Mar,
Zamboanga Golf and Country Club, and Dakak Beach Resort. Vintas (slim boats) with colorful sails and a number of beautiful
mosques are just a few of its ethnic attractions. Fort Pilar in Zamboanga City, a walled fortification built by the Spaniards
and the Shrine of Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the Philippine national hero, in Dapitan City, are a must-see for historical buffs. Another
well-known visitors' haven is the Barter Trade Center where goods from neighboring countries Indonesia, Singapore,
Malaysia, China and Japan can be bought at cheap prices.

Zamboanga Sibugay

Zamboanga Sibugay is the 79th province of the Republic of the Philippines. This was created through Republic
Act 8973 was signed into law by then President Joseph E. Estrada on November 7, 2000, and was later on ratified
through a plebiscite on February 22, 2001, and the results were announced on February 26, 2001, wherein the 3rd
District Representative Dr. George T. Hofer, “The Founding Father” was the first Governor in 2001.
History
Further information: Zamboanga (province) and 2001 Zamboanga Sibugay creation plebiscite
The earliest recorded mention of Sibugay was in Historia de las islas de Mindanao, Jolo y sus adyacentes (1667)
by the Spanish priest Francisco Combés, which describes the village of "Sibuguey" along the river Sibuguey.

Zamboanga Sibugay was formerly part of Zamboanga del Sur. Attempts to divide Zamboanga del Sur into two
separate provinces date as far back as the 1960s. Several bills were filed in the Philippine Congress, but remained
unacted. The new province was finally created by Republic Act No. 8973[4] signed into law by President Joseph
Estrada on November 7, 2000. On February 22, 2001, R.A. 8973 was ratified through a plebiscite conducted in
44 municipalities of Zamboanga del Sur and Pagadian City. Zamboanga del Sur Third District Representative
George Hofer was appointed, and later elected as its first governor in 2001.

Geography
Zamboanga Sibugay covers a total area of 3,607.75 square kilometres (1,392.96 sq mi)[5] occupying the south-
central section of the Zamboanga Peninsula in western Mindanao, at 7°48’N 122°40’E.

To the north it intersects the common municipal boundaries of Kalawit, Tampilisan, and Godod of Zamboanga del
Norte. It is bordered to the west by the municipalities of Sirawai, Siocon, and Baliguian, to the south by the
Sibuguey Bay, and to the east by the municipalities of Bayog and Kumalarang of Zamboanga del Sur. It is further
bordered on the southwest by Zamboanga City.

Climate
The climate of the province is moderately normal (climate type III). Annual rainfall varies from 1,599 to 3,500
millimeters (63.0 to 137.8 in). Temperature is relatively warm and constant throughout the year ranging from 22
to 35 °C (72 to 95 °F). The province is situated outside the country's typhoon belt.

Languages

The vast majority of the people of Zamboanga Sibugay speak Cebuano and Chavacano. Other languages such as
Subanen, Ilocano, Maguindanaon and Tausug, among others, are also spoken, followed by English and Filipino.
Location
Zamboanga Peninsula Region, Philippines

Capital
Ipil

Area
3,607.75 km2 (1,392.96 sq mi)

Major Products
Rice, Coconut, Corn, Fish

People/Language
Bisaya, Subanon, Badjao, Tausug, Yakan, and Maranao
The vast majority of the people of Zamboanga Sibugay speak Cebuano and Chavacano. Other languages such as
Subanen, Ilocano, Maguindanaon and Tausug, among others, are also spoken, followed by English and Filipino.

Festival in Zamboanga Sibugay

Sibug-Sibug Festival
is a cultural festival and founding anniversary in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines every
February 24. It also coincides with the Festival of Lights. A week-long fest, activities take place in Ipil, the
capital of the province.
Enter

Sibug-Sibug Festival comes from the name of the river Sibuguey, from which the name of the province is
also derived. During February 2004 celebration, organizers attempted to break the Guinness World Record
of the longest oyster grill.
The Pasalamat Festival

is one of the most colorful and grandest celebrations in Pagadian City, dubbed as the “Little Hongkong
of the South.” The event is the annual cultural and religious festival held on the third Sunday of January,
in honor of its patron Saint Santo Niño. It is fundamentally a dance ritual which remembers the Filipino
people’s recognition of Christianity, showcasing dances and rituals of the people of Pagadian thanking
God Almighty for all the blessings they received, giving them hope in spite of life’s struggles and
complexities. It features vibrant display of bright colored costumes and fluid movements of dancers
moving to the rhythm of drums and gongs, as they woo the judges with their excellent performances.
There were 15 dance troupes representing various public secondary schools in the city.

Kasadyaan Festival

is celebrated every December 15 to 19 in Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay. The Kasadyaan grand

celebration commemorates the founding an niversary of the Municipality of Diplahan. Highlights of the
festival include street dancing, parade and Miss Diplahan.

Zamboanga Sibugay celebrated their first Sibugsay sa Sibugay Festival last July 1, 2012 with the theme
“Our Sibugay, Our Tomorrow”, due to some pragmatic reasons, replaced their Sibug-Sibug fest
originally held every February.

This is another unique street dancing worth experiencing together with other number of new festivals in
the Philippines.
Attractions in Zamboanga Sibugay

Buluan Island

he capital town of Ipil, one need not to go far just to have a taste of what Zamboanga Sibugay has to
offer. Located some 7 kilometers from the port of Ipil, Buluan Island is a famous beach destination
among Sibugaynons and is now slowly gaining popularity in nearby towns and provinces. white sand
beach of Buluan Island in Zamboanga Sibugay white sand beach of Buluan Island Buluan Island features
white sand beach and clear blue waters. The uncombed sand may not be super powdery fine but Buluan
Island can offer seclusion and tranquility.

Malagandis Falls

Hidden amidst the verdant greens of Barangay Malagandis, Titay in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay,
a waterfall with a peculiar name is slowly getting popular among the locals. Neither established tours
nor DIY travel guides available to get to the waterfalls thus, it can still be considered a virgin destination.

Langub beach

This secluded beach, located in the town of Buug, is a hidden gem known for its calm waters and picturesque
scenery. It offers a peaceful retreat away from the crowds, with opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and
relaxation. Visitors can also explore the nearby mangrove forests and enjoy birdwatching. Address: Buug,
Zamboanga Sibugay.

Balintawak Falls

This picturesque waterfall, located in the town of Titay, is a popular destination for nature lovers and
photographers. It features a single cascading waterfall that drops into a natural pool, surrounded by lush
vegetation and rocky formations. Visitors can trek to the falls and take in the breathtaking scenery. Address:
Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Foods and Products

Lokot-lokot

Native Muslim sweets and pastries are typically served during special occasions or packaged as souvenir
items. One of the most popular ones you can try is lokot-lokot, biscuit rolls made with fried strands of
rice flour batter.

Taklobo Kilawin
It’s known to be an aphrodisiac and really rich in cholesterol. But never mind! When I saw the finished
Taklobo kilawin, I just want to eat more! It’s really delicious. It was my first time to eat such kilawin.
We had this kilawing Taklobo in Malangas municipality.

Talaba

Zamboanga Sibugay in the south is known as the Talaba Capital of the Philippines. They hold an oyster
festival and the world record for the longest oyster grill. There’s also a festival celebrating talaba in the
city of Alaminos in Pangasinan province.

Its top five agricultural products include coconut (the highest at 204,384 metric tons in an area of 67,772
hectares), rice, corn, banana and mango.
Handicrafts in Zamboanga Sibugay

IPIL, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY, July 18 (PIA) - In the realm where talent and opportunity intersect,
individuals blessed with remarkable ingenuity often find themselves hindered by a scarcity of resources.
Meet Evelyn Dela Torre, an exceptional resident of RT Lim town in the picturesque Zamboanga Sibugay
Province, nestled within the heart of Zamboanga Peninsula Region (Region 9).

Zamboanga Del Norte

History

Long before the Spanish colonizers came to the country, Zamboanga del Norte was already the “peaceful
paradi se” of the shy and timid Subanons who lived along river or “suba” banks in the province. They
fished, hunted and planted crops for food, and hand-wove their own clothing out of plant fibers.
The first recorded Visayan settlement came in 1563. Some 800 families from Bohol headed by Chieftain
Pagbuaya escaped from the “treacherous” ternatans and landed in Dapitan. Two years later, a Spanish
expedition led by Legaspi and Urdaneta landed in Dapitan and were received hospitably by Pagbuaya.
In due time, Dapitan became a Christian stronghold in Mindanao.

In 1607, some 200 natives became formal converts to Christianity. By 1631, a permanent Christian
Mission was established in Dapitan.

Like many other places in Mindanao, after the cross, came the sword. Zamboanga del Norte was
occupied by the Spaniards through Dapitan in the north and Siocon in the south, where an old Spanish
fort atop a hill beside the sea still stands today, Port Santa Maria, a natural harbor. This was established
to stop marauding pirates from proceeding farther north.

The late Dr. Jose P. Rizal, the country’s national hero, arrived in Dapitan on July 17, 1892, to begin his
four-year exile. He left the place on July 31, 1896. On December only to meet his death the same year
at Bagumbayan.

The arrival of the Americans created the new Provincia Mora in 1903. the northern area of Zamboanga
del Norte was separated from the sub-province with the municipality of Zamboanga (now a city) as
capital. Duringthe World War 11, the seat of Zamboanga provincial government was transferred from
Zamboanga to Dipolog.

Capital

Dipolog City is the capital of the Province of Zamboanga del Norte and it is situated in the northwestern
part of the province. It is facing Cebu and Negros provinces and sits of the tip of Western Mindanao and
is known as the “Gateway to Western Mindanao and Zamboanga Peninsula“.

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.

Language
Zamboanga del Norte is subdivided into 25 municipalities and 2 cities. These are further subdivided into
691 barangays, and clustered into 3 congressional districts. The main language spoken is Bisaya. Other
languages include Subanen, Tausug, Zamboangueño, Tagalog, Spanish, and English.
Geography

Zamboanga del Norte covers a total area of 7,301.00 square kilometres (2,818.93 sq mi)[10] occupying
the northern portion of the Zamboanga Peninsula in western Mindanao. The province is bordered on the
north and west by the Sulu Sea, on the northeast by Misamis Occidental, and on the south by Zamboanga
del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay.

It has an average elevation of 243.8 metres (800 ft), with Mount Dabiak in Katipunan as the highest peak
at 2,600 metres (8,500 ft). Other parts, near the coastlines, are plains. The province's irregular coastline
runs some 400 kilometres (250 mi) from north to south.

Major Products

Zamboanga del Norte's main crops are cocnut, corn, palay, banana, cassava, rubber, and vegetables. Its known
mineral deposits are gold, chromite, manganese, asbestos and silica. Fishing and farming are the primary
economic activities.

Culture

The Provincial Tourism of Zamboanga del Norte, in its pursuit of strengthening the culture and heritage tourism
of the province, has given its support to the City of Dapitan in its celebration of the Revisitamos Dapitan 1892.
The pale crescent moon shone like a silvery claw in the night sky at the Punto del Decembarco on the 17th of July
2022. Government officials and guests gathered at the landing site where the national hero took his first steps in
Dapitan to witness a historic event that brought the past to life.
Dapitan City, as it is known by many, became the exile place of a political prisoner. From 1892 until 1896, Dr.
Jose P. Rizal resided in this once small and secluded hamlet, where he battled feelings of hopelessness and hostility
toward the repressive regime of colonial Spain.
Dressed in garments from the late 1980s, spectators from all walks of life witnessed a magnificent reenactment of
the arrival of Dr. Jose Rizal in Dapitan. The theatrical production, El Deportado, was ushered in to appreciate the
legacy and influence of the national hero on the lives of the Dapitanons a century and thirty years after his arrival.
The performance then proceeded at the Casa Real, where the event came to a close.
In his remarks, Dapitan City Mayor, Hon. Seth Fredericl “Bullet” Jalosjos, highlighted the significance of Rizal’s
stay in Dapitan; historical landmarks are well-preserved to honor and memorialize his life and the traces of the
progress he left behind. Furthermore, the young mayor stated that he is committed to developing historical tourism
in the city as a place near and dear to the hero’s heart.
The two-week celebration of the Revisitamos Dapitan 1892 featured another historical and cultural highlight on
July 25, 2022: the launching and touring of the Balay Hamoy Museum. The Department of Tourism Region IX
has granted accreditation to this home, the first residence on the Zamboanga

Festivals in Zamboanga Del Norte

Sinulog sa Dipolog Festival

Dipolar City-The annual Sinulog Festival Celebration in Dipolog City featuring this year’s theme
“Senior Sto. Niño Hiusaha Kami, Pit Señor.” (Señor Sto. Niño unite us, Pit Señor.) made the heart of
the Dipolognons beats hard and wild with passion to the Lord Jesus as they celebrate his feast day.

The activity was organized by the Catholic Church with a strong support from the City Government of
Dipolog and the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Norte.

The feast day of Señor St. Niño, the Infant Jesus was started with a fluvial parade from Fisherman’s
Village to the Dipolog Airport and back to Punta Corro.

A solemn Eucharistic Mass took place at Sta. Cruz, a holy cross, at around 8:00 a.m. that was participated
by most public officials and believers of the Christian Church.
Kinabayo Festival

Kinabayo Festival which is celebrated every July 25 in Dapitan City Zamboanga del Norte Philippines celebrate
a mysterious and colorful pageant re-enacting the Spanish-Moorish wars, mainly the Battle of Covadonga where
the Spanish forces under General Pelagio took their last stand against Saracan. They were able to overturn the tide
through the miraculous spirit of St. James. The addition of local color and modernism has made this annual
celebration a popular attraction which brings thousands of tourists to the Dapitan City.

El Toro Festival

The week-long celebration commemorating the 60th Founding Anniversary of the municipality of Polanco was
formally opened on December 1 despite light rain.
The opening program was kick-off with a grand and colorful costume parade participated by the different
contingents such as the LGU officials and employees, national agencies employees, teaching staff from the DepEd
Polanco I & II, Polanco National High School and her annexes, barangay officials including sectoral groups, non-
government organizations and other peoples organizations.

P’gsalabuk / Pagsalabuk Festival

P’gsalabuk is a Subano term that means “togetherness”. In the festival, the City Government of Dipolog aims to
showcase the myriad interplay of culture: Muslim, Lumad and the varied and diverse culture of the settlers from
all over the Philippines as well as the Spanish, Chinese, American and other Asian culture that have been so
meticulously woven and shaped into what is known as the unique Mindanao Tri-people Culture.

The festival will feature street dancing in the main avenue of Dipolog City. This will then culminate in a cultural
presentation depicting dances involving the different types if people in Mindanao.
Hudyaka Festival

The drums beat, the sun flared, the crowd gathered and the dancers marched forward with their fancy, shiny
festival dresses glinting in the hot afternoon light of Dipolog City. Zamboanga del Norte’s Hudyaka Festival
commenced!

Hudyaka which means revelry in Bisaya is an annual festival that is attended by contingents from the whole
Zamboanga del Norte province. The festival celebrates the founding of the province and the cities and
municipalities of Zamboanga del Norte usually send in contingents to compete.

Attractions /Tourist Spot in Zamboanga Del Norte

Sungkilaw Falls

Sungkilaw Falls is one of the hidden waterfalls in the province. Cascading white waters pound to a narrow and
deep pool, creating natural music.

Situbo Falls

Cascading majestically amidst lush vegetation, Situbo Falls is your ultimate nature’s getaway. It is a two-tier
beauty with a collective height of more than 100 feet.

Its raging waters carved a very wide and deep pool with icy-cold waters. It is one of the off-beaten Zamboanga
Del Norte tourist spots you should visit.

Libuton Cave

Libuton Cave hides stunning stalactite and stalagmite rock formations. All in all, it has seven interconnecting
caves though only three of these are opened for tourism.
Malala Falls

Malala Falls cascades lazily for about 25 feet towards a naturally-built pool. It is one of the secluded Zamboanga
Del Norte tourist spots. Fortunately, the trails are well-established. Expect to trek on grasslands and forests before
reaching the waterfall

Aliguay Island

Aliguay Island is one of the least known Zamboanga Del Norte tourist spots. It has powdery white-sandy beaches
and turquoise waters. The island hosts a small fishing community. Aside from the beautiful beach, you can also
go diving to explore the rich marine life and colorful corals.

Zamboanga Del Sur

The province of Zamboanga del Sur is bounded on the north by the province of Zamboanga del Norte; on the
south by the Moro Gulf; on the southwest by Zamboanga Sibugay; and on the east and northeast by Lanao del
Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Panguil Bay.

The original inhabitants of the Zamboanga peninsula were the Subanons, who settled along the riverbanks. The
next group of settlers to arrive were Muslim migrants from the neighboring provinces. The Maguindanaoans and
Kalibugans were farmers; the Tausugs, Samals, and Badjaos were fishermen; and the Maranaos were traders and
artisans. The Muslim settlers also looked on mat weaving as its major occupation.

Then came an exodus of migrants from nearby provinces. Historians say that majority of them came from the
Visayas, Cebu, Bohol, Negros, and Siquijor. Together with the original settlers, these pioneers helped develop
Zamboanga del Sur into the abundant and culturally diverse province that it is.
Today the province comprises two congressional districts with 26 municipalities and one component city.
Pagadian City, its capital, with a total of 681 barangays, has been declared as the new regional seat of Region IX.

History

Like some of the places and cities found in the Philippines (and in Southeast Asia), 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.
A major occupation for the Muslims, however, was mat weaving, which is still very much practiced today. During
the following years, more and more people from nearby provinces migrated to the area. Most came from Visayas,
namely, Cebu, Negros, and Bohol. Together, these people helped form Zamboanga del Sur into the vibrant
province it is known today.

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.

Capital

Its capital is the city of Pagadian. Statistically grouped with Zamboanga del Sur is the highly urbanized City of
Zamboanga, which is geographically separated and a chartered city and governed independently from the
province. (from top: left to right) Santa Cruz Island, Pagadian City, and Bayog town.

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.

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.

Geography

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.

Culture

Most of the inhabitants in Zamboanga del Sur are Roman Catholics[citation needed]. Other Christian groups are
Baptists, Methodists, Aglipayans, Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints, Iglesia ni Cristo, Jehovah's Witnesses,
Seventh-day Adventist and other Evangelical Christians. There is a large Muslim minority.

Religion

Most of the inhabitants in Zamboanga del Sur are Roman Catholics[citation needed]. Other Christian groups are
Baptists, Methodists, Aglipayans, Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints, Iglesia ni Cristo, Jehovah's Witnesses,
Seventh-day Adventist and other Evangelical Christians. There is a large Muslim minority.

Festival in Zamboanga Del Sur

Megayon Festival

The Megayon Festival is a week-long celebration that coincides with the Zamboanga del
Sur anniversary in September. It honors the tri-people settlers of the province: the
Subanens, Bangsamoro Muslims, and Christians. In the Subanen tongue, “megayon”
means unity and solidarity. It was officially established on August 3, 2006, as the
celebration of the founding of the province through Provincial Ordinance No. 016-2006.

A showcase of three distinctly different cultural heritage in songs, dances, rituals of peace,
food and crafts, Megayon Festival’s main goal is to foster unity and understanding among
the three cultures. Organized environment-related activities, peace and development
forum, and indigenous sports competitions are also being held.

Tourist attraction

Pulacan Waterfall

Pulacan Waterfall is a beautiful attraction in Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur province, the
Philippines offering pristine nature and an ideal place for picnic and adventure. Besides a
tourist attraction; the waterfall is also part of irrigation system in Labangan.

The waterfall is different from the other waterfalls in the province because it has rock
terraces and cascades down in small pools formed in the rocks. Be sure to bring the
camera so you can take pictures of the beautiful waterfall and its surrounding nature.

Swimming is allowed here and you can do that in the small pools above or in the large
pool at the bottom of the waterfall. Be carefull at the small pool as the nearby rocks can
be slippery.

If you want to stay longer you can build your tent here as well. There is a campsite which
is used for scout activities and provincial jamboree regularly.
Panikian Island

This island is almost perfect, white sand, crystal clear water, perfect corals for snorkeling
.Let this video show how beautiful this island is. It is truly a paradise in Mindanao.

This is a turtle island, meaning, this place is a sanctuary for giant sea turtles. It’s an island
where sea turtles and other essential marine creatures like sea snake, sting ray ,baby
fishes, and corals reproduce. This is a protected island. I’m glad that they opened this
place for eco-tourism. The turtles are strictly protected and monitored by the government.
Eriberta Cold Spring

Shivering from the breeze but still, with eyes full of wonder. Not caring of the cold, but
instead, lying on the ground laughing while making a snow angel. Well that was what I
was like when I experienced the cold waters of Eriberta Cold Spring.

Eriberta Cold Spring is located in Mahayag, Zamboanga del Sur. It is quite popular among
the locals and usually their go-to to fend off the heat especially during summer days. The
place is usually filled up with visitors especially during weekends and holidays when
people spend time with their families. Though not far from the main highway, one must
still conquer the rough and sometimes muddy roads going to the spring. Anyone can go
there by private transportation or by chartering a habal-habal.

Tukuran Beach

Tukuran, which came from the Cebuano word “tukod” which means “to build” or “to
construct”, is regarded as the Beach Capital of Zamboanga del Sur.
Just like any of us who wants to play in the sand, this beach may be a bit frustrating at
first; but what made this special is that the people here are creative. So they put up floating
cottages so that you can enjoy the swimming despite the big waves and the rocks.