Zamboanga City
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| Location | |
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| Government | |
| Region | Region IX |
| Province | — |
| District | Lone District of Zamboanga City |
| Barangays | 98 |
| Income class: | 1st class city; highly urbanized |
| Mayor | Celso L. Lobregat (LDP) |
| Founded | 1635 |
| Cityhood | October 12, 1936 |
| Official Website | www.zamboanga.gov.ph |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Area | 1,483.38 km² |
| Population | 601,794 406/km² |
| Coordinates | 6°54′N 122°4′E |
The City of Zamboanga (Spanish/Chavacano: Ciudad de Zamboanga; Cebuano: Dakbayan sa Zamboanga; Filipino: Lungsod ng Zamboanga) is a first class, highly urbanized city in the Philippines and one of the first chartered cities in the country. Commonwealth Act No. 39 signed by President Manuel L. Quezon on October 12, 1936 in Malacañang created and established it as a chartered city. It has been known as "El Orgullo de Mindanao" (The Pride of Mindanao). Today, the city is nicknamed the "City of Flowers" and is affectionately called by Zamboangueños as "Zamboanga Hermosa," Spanish for "Beautiful Zamboanga."
The city's birthdate is also the date when the popular Fiesta del Pilar is celebrated in honor of the city's patron saint, Our Lady of the Pillar, whose statue is prominently embossed above the façade of the meter-thick walled fort on the northern side, El Real Fuerza de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza (called El Real Fuerza de San José in its early days), built on June 23, 1635 by the Spanish Jesuit priest Fr. Melchor de Vera as a Spanish military fort in defense against pirates and slave raiders. Zamboanga City is one of the oldest cities in the country and the most hispanicized. It is also one of the largest cities in the world in terms of area, with over 1,480 km², including its 28 surrounding islands.
According to the 2000 census, Zamboanga has a population of 601,794 people in 177,152 households. It is the 6th most populous city in the country. Zamboanga has been the center of commerce, trade, health services, and education for all of the Western Mindanao Region; it contains the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority (popularly known as Zamboecozone). The people of Zamboanga speak a unique creole language called Chavacano, which is a blend of Spanish and local dialects, but mainly using Cebuano as its substrate language.
Zamboanga is home to three universities: Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Western Mindanao State University, and the newly elevated Universidad de Zamboanga. The city is also home of the first Catholic diocese in Mindanao, today's Archdiocese of Zamboanga, created in 1910 and elevated to an archbishopric in 1958.
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[edit] Geography
[edit] Location
The city is located on the southernmost tip of the Zamboanga Peninsula, on the island of Mindanao. It is 460 nautical miles south of Manila, 365 nautical miles northeast of Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia, and 345 nautical miles northeast of Manado in Indonesia. It is bounded on to the west by the Sulu Sea, to the east by the Moro Gulf, and to the south by the Basilan Strait and Celebes Sea. It is about 1 1/2 hours away by plane from Manila, and an hour away from both the cities of Cebu and Davao.
[edit] Climate
The city has a naturally mild climate with a pronounced dry or wet season — relatively dry from November to May, wet during the rest of the year.
Tropical cyclones or typhoons rarely affect the city because it is outside the typhoon belt. Average temperature is about 27 °C or 80.6 °F, while annual rainfall is 1,362.01 mm.
[edit] Islands
Zamboanga City has 28 islands off its mainland's coast. They officially belong to the city's jurisdiction and in every aspect. Some of these islands are inhabited, while others are frequented for scuba diving and fishing. The Santa Cruz Islands are famous for their pink coral sandy beaches which are considered rare in the world. The islands are rich in coral, shell varieties (over half of the world's known shell varieties are found in the Sulu Sea which surrounds these islands), and sea life. The islands are:
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[edit] Barangays
Zamboanga City has 98 barangays:
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[edit] History
The area around Zamboanga has been occupied by indigenous people for approximately 30,000 years. The first inhabitants were the Subanons, and later Islamized ethnic groups (Samals, Bajaus, Tausugs, Yakans).
Oral history says the early Malay settlers (the highlanders) and the native Subanons (people who live by the suba or river) called the place "Jambangan", meaning a place abundant with flowers. Eventually, the lowlanders (the descendants of the early Malay settlers), the boat dwellers and sea gypsy tribes - the Bajaus - and the ethnic tribes of the Lutaos and Samals collectively called the place "Samboangan." Apparently, "Samboangan" came from the word "Jambangan." In one of the earliest Spanish maps, the place was already called Samboangan which meant a "docking point." Samboangan was thought to have come from the word "sabuan" - the wooden pole used by the Samals and Bajaus in pushing their boats on shallow waters. The early Spaniards also called the place "El Pueblo de Lutao" or the place of Lutaos.
Fort Pilar, now an outdoor principal Marian shrine, was founded in 1635 by the Spanish, and was the focus of a number of battles between Moro pirates and the Spanish until 1718, when modifications to the fort were made.
During the American colonial period, Zamboanga hosted a number of American regional governors, including General John J. Pershing, who was military commander/governor of the Moro Province from 1909 to 1914.
Prior to World War II, Zamboanga was the center of commerce, trade and government in Mindanao, being the capital of Mindanao Province and Zamboanga Province. Zamboanga was the location of Pettit Barracks, where part of the US Army's 43d Infantry Regiment (PS) was stationed. After the successful invasion of the Philippines, the Japanese occupying force landed at Zamboanga on March 2, 1942, and formed a defense headquarters in Zamboanga, which was taken by US forces in 1945.
Since the 1990s, Zamboanga has been erroneously associated with kidnappings and attempted kidnappings and extortion of Westerners by the organized terrorist group known as the Abu Sayyaf because news stories have often been datelined from there. Journalists file their stories from the safe confines of the city where also the Philippine military Southern Command base is located. Zamboanga has often been generally peaceful and free from terrorists and their activities.
On October 17, 2002, two bombs exploded in the main business district of Zamboanga, killing six and wounding about 150. In 2003, Zamboanga was used as a base for 300 United States military advisors to the Philippine Army in their operations against the perpetrators.
The Manila-based Philippine government has in the past warned foreigners, including diplomats, to stay away from the city. The Manila-based Philippine government has in the past warned foreigners, including diplomats, to stay away from the city. The U.S. Department of State has issued official advisories to foreigners traveling to this area. However, there has not been an actual incident against a foreigner for many years. Recent trips to this city have proved to be enjoyable and no hint of danger. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and not attract attention to yourself.
The Philippine Department of Tourism is helping Celso Lobregat, the city mayor, to promote the city as an attractive and safe tourist destination, particularly after US Special Forces trainors helped upgrade local troops and police with anti-terror know-how and resources. In 2007, Zamboanga will be divided into two separate districts in the east and west coast areas (including the city proper). Erbie Fabian is Zamboanga City's current representative to the Philippine Congress.
[edit] Economy
The Zamboanga economy is largely agricultural with agriculture and fishing providing activity and income to 70% of the population. The city territory includes 560 km² of arable lands and 700 km² of permanent crops, mainly coconut. The city's farmers produce 86,000 metric tons of coconut a year, 26,000 metric tons of rice and 11,000 metric tons of corn. Average annual production of fish – from the sea or raised in fishponds inland – is about 1,600 metric tons.
Zamboanga City has emerged in recent years as a principal producer of seaweed. Seaweed farming occupies close to 2,000 Zamboangueño farmers and 4.07 km² offshore. Average annual production is 14,000 metric tons. Some consider the city’s economic prospects bright with the value of investments increasing since 1993. From 1993 to 1994 the increase was 332%. From 1994 to 1995 it was 42%.
Exports grew by 6% in 1995 and continued to grow in subsequent years. The top export items are coconut oil, marine products and processed food. As part of its effort to boost economic development, the Zamboanga City government has moved committed forty-four percent of its total budget to economic and infrastructure projects in recent years.
Zamboanga City is home to 48 banks (including branches), 38 pawnshops, 20 credit cooperatives and seven lending institutions. Most of the banks operate automated teller machines. Supplied with energy by the National Power Corporation, the city at present has more electricity than it can use. In 1994, only 72% of the available power was consumed, with this ratio increasing by three percentage points in 1995.
Local economic planners have concluded that the most viable opportunities for investors lie in food processing, wood and forest-based products, coconut-based products, marine products, gifts, toys and house wares, machine and equipment fabrication, garment manufacturing, ceramics and low-cost housing.
[edit] Transportation
Ninety-nine per cent of the local road network is paved with concrete. In the rural areas the government has constructed 667 kilometers of farm-to-market roads. A law established a free port and special economic zone in the city. It is the only free port in the country outside of Luzon.
Zamboanga City has 19 seaports and wharves, twelve of which are privately owned. The biggest and most modern is the government-operated main port which can accommodate 20 ships at any one time. There are 25 shipping lines whose vessels regularly call at the port of Zamboanga.
The local airport has been upgraded to Zamboanga International Airport and can service international flights, although no regular international flights come to the city. Four airlines make regular trips to Zamboanga: Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines and Asian Spirit. Others are expected to enter the Zamboanga route soon.
Asian Spirit will soon have regular flights from Zamboanga to Sandakan, Malaysia
Tip from 2005 and 2006 visit to the Zamboanga International Airport. Taxi service is not established. There are some independent taxis. The normal mode of transportation in Zamboanga is: Jeepney (Jeepneys are a popular means of public transportation in the Philippines.) or a tricycle (often abbreviated to trike) is a three-wheeled vehicle - motocycle with a enclosed side-car for 2 to 3 riders. Unlike Manila the drivers in Zamboanga are nice but may not speak English well. This means talk slow.
[edit] Infrastructure
It is believed that Zamboanga City's power surplus is set to grow. A Napocor contractor is currently building a power plant in the east coast that will produce 100 megawatts of electricity. City water is clean and sweet, and the supply is adequate. In 1994 only 48% of the total water production was consumed; in 1995 only 58%.
The Zamboanga City Water District is expanding its reservoir and distribution system to meet the growing industrial demand for water. Zamboanga City is also the communications center of Western Mindanao. Local communications services include conventional and cellular telephone systems with direct distance dialing, paging services, telegraph and facsimile services, and the Internet.
[edit] Foreign relations
Zamboanga is an important part of BIMP-EAGA, which stands for the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area. BIMP-EAGA is an agreement among the four Southeast Asian neighbor countries for economic cooperation. It has put Zamboanga City in touch with towns in Malaysia and Indonesia. As a result of contacts arising from BIMP-EAGA, a sea route has been opened between Zamboanga City and Sandakan in Malaysia.
[edit] Festivals
- Dia de Zamboanga
February 26 Charter Day of the City. A roster of special activities are lined up annually to mark the occasion.
March/April (movable) A city procession known as the Santo Entierro (Holy Funeral) on Good Friday highlights the observance of the season of Lent. Celebrated in barangays Sta. Maria, Tetuan, and the Immaculate Conception Parish, the Santo Entierro is a procession of Christ's images, many of the Stations of the Cross, along the city's main streets, depicting his last hours before, during, and after the Crucifixion.
- Flores de Mayo
May 1 - 31 A religious feast celebrated in all Catholic churches in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Little children in white gala dresses walk up the altar to offer flowers to the image of the Blessed Mother. In some parts of the city, the traditional Santacruzan is also held. The Santa-cruzan is a procession of the Reyna Elena and other local beauties with their escorts, decked out in Maria Clara gowns and barong tagalogs, along major streets.
- Isra Wai Miraj
May 9 An Islamic event celebrating the nocturnal journey and ascension of the Holy Prophet Mohammad.
- Eid al-Fitr/Hari Raya Puasa
An Islamic event commemorating the end of the Muslim fasting season.
- Zamboanga Hermosa Festival (Fiesta Pilar)
October 3-12 Highlighted by the October 12 Fiesta Pilar in honor of the miraculous image of Our Lady of the Pillar at the legendary Fort Pilar. The festival features week-long novena masses, cultural shows, agricultural fairs, art/ photo/flower garden exhibits, a two-day mardi gras parade, the bandoreal, a regatta, torch parades, fireworks, and carnivals. It all ends with a solemn procession and a mass at the Fort. With thousands of pilgrims converging in Zamboanga City, this is the peninsula's biggest, most-awaited, and entrancing fiesta!
- Feast of the Immaculate Conception
December 8 Feast day of Zamboanga City, commemorating the Blessed Virgin's Immaculate Conception; traditionally celebrated with a procession and a concelebrated mass highlighted by either First Communion or Ordination rites.
- Maulidin-Nabi
December 27 An Islamic celebration honoring the birthday of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
[edit] Tourism
- Fort Pilar - is the landmark of the city's history and culture. It is presently served as a shrine that is located in the former garrison. Thousands of devotees as well as Mindanao and foreign tourists flock to the shrine and appreciate its significance. The Fort area includes a national museum and a patio. Several events commemorating citywide celebrations and feasts are also held within.
- City Hall (city proper) - The construction of this building started in 1905 and was completed in 1907 by the Federal Government of the United States for the then American Governors of the area which included: Leonard 0. Wood, Tasker H. Bliss, Ralph W. Hoyt, and Gen. John Pershing of World War I fame. Today, this serves as the City Hall of Zamboanga City where the Mayor holds office.
- Pasonanca Park - a barrio north of city proper, known for its greenery. It includes a swimming pool, a treehouse, a campsite and convention centers like Regency Astoria, and the Zamboanga Convention Center.
- Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception - the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zamboanga; built in 1998-2000, a two-leveled cathedral with a columbarium and a chapel located at the ground floor, and the main church at the second level. It is considered as the most modern cathedral in Mindanao. Originally located in pre-war Zamboanga at the present site of Universidad de Zamboanga, it was reconstructed twice at La Purisima St., in 1956 and 1998.
- Pettit Barracks- Occupied by US forces under Gen. C. Bates after the Capture of the city on November 15, 1899. It was named Pettit Barracks after Col. James S. Pettit, 31st Infantry, US Volunteer Commanding Officer of the Second Military District. He was later promoted to General, became the Inspector-General and later, the in-Charge of Civil Affairs of Zamboanga, Inspector-General's Department, US Infantry. Occupied by Japanese forces in 1942-1945, it was recaptured by US liberation forces on March 10, 1945 and turned over to the Philippines on July 4, 1946.
- Assemblyman Joaquin F. Enriquez Memorial Complex - A sports complex of 57,500 square metres considered one of the most modern in the country. Ten contractors and 1,500 workers joined hands to complete the facility in time for the March 6, 1992 Palarong Pambansa (National Games). Total construction cost was a little over P64-million. The latest synthetic rubberized coating known as Super AG was used for the oval, only the second in the world after one in Saudi Arabia.
- Taluksangay Village - A Muslim dominated barrio located outside of the city proper; known for its colourful mosque
- Yakan Weaving Village - a Yakan community in Zamboanga which specializes traditional Yakan weaving and other items like jars and gongs
- Popular beaches in Bolong, La Vista del Mar and Zamboanga Golf Course and Beach resort in Calarian, and the Great Sta. Cruz Island.
- Zamboanga Barter Markets - There are 4 barter markets: BCC Shopping Center in Baliwasan, Sta. Cruz Market, Port Area, and Canelar. These are where one can shop for imported merchandise from Europe, the US, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and the People's Republic of China. On sale are textiles, houseware, blankets, batik cloth, umbrellas, toys, canned goods, toiletries, and electronic items.
- Hotels include Lantaka Hotel by the Sea
- Malls include Mindpro Citimall, Yubenco Star Mall and Midtown Plaza Mall.
[edit] Hotels
- Garden Orchid Hotel-Gov. Camins Avenue
- Grand Astoria Hotel- Mayor Jaldon Street
- Marcian Garden Hotel-Gov. Camins Avenue
- Lantaka Hotel-N. Valderossa Street
- Jardin dela Vina- Gov. Alvarez Avenue
- Hermosa Hotel
- Preciousa Hotel
- Perlita Hotel
- Skypark Hotel - has the Best Japanese Restaurant in Mindanao
- Azenith Royal Hotel
- Hotel Salwa
- Mag-V Royal Hotel
- GC Hotel
[edit] Education
Zamboanga City is home to three universities and numerous colleges and institutes.
List of the different educational institutions in Zamboanga City:
- A.B. Simpson Evangelical School
- AMA Computer Learning Center
- Arturo Eustaquio Memorial Science High School- Universidad de Zamboanga Main Campus, Tetuan
- Ateneo de Zamboanga High School - Tumaga
- Ateneo de Zamboanga University - La Purisima St.
- Avalokitesvara High School
- Bethany Child Development Center- Gov. Ramos St., Sta. Maria
- Brent Hospital and Colleges Inc.
- Claret High School - San Jose Rd.
- Creche Learning School - Tetuan
- Ebenezer Bible College and Seminary
- Filipinas Technical Institute- San Jose Road
- Filipino Turkish Tolerance High School
- Immaculate Conception Archdiocesan School- HS -Upper Calarian
- Immaculate Conception Archdiocesan School- HS -Tetuan
- ICAS-College -Tetuan
- Immaculate Conception Archdiocesan School- HS -Sangali
- Philippine Islamic College - Campo Muslim
- J-Jireh High School- Suterville
- Mindanao Electronics Institute College (MEIN)- San Jose Gusu
- Montessori De Zamboanga (MDZ) - Tumaga/Sta. Maria
- Pastor Bonus Seminary-Tetuan
- Pilar College & High School
- Regional Science High School- Malasiga, San Roque
- Saint Augustine School of Nursing- Guiwan Highway
- Saint Joseph School- Gov. Camins Avenue
- STI College - Zamboanga - Gov. Lim Avenue
- Sto. Niño Village High School
- Southern City High School/College - Pilar Street
- Universidad de Zamboanga
- Western Mindanao Cooperative College
- Western Mindanao State University (formerly Zamboanga Normal School)
- Zamboanga A.E. Science High School
- Zamboanga Chong Hua High School
- Zamboanga City Academy - San Jose Rd.
- Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College - R.T. Lim Blvd.
- Zamboanga General Hospital School of Nursing
- Zamboanga Polytechnic College
- Zamboanga State College of Marine Science and Tech
- Zamboanga Veritas School - Don Alfaro Street, Tetuan, Zamboanga City
- Zion Evangelical School - Canelar Moret
[edit] See Also
[edit] External links
- Chavacano de Zamboanga Wikipedia
- Zamboanga City official government website
- Zamboanga City Web Portal
- The Mindanao Examiner
- 2000 Philippine Census Information
- Philippine Standard Geographic Code
- List of Subdivisions in Zamboanga City
| Highly urbanized and independent cities of the Philippines | |
| Luzon: | Angeles | Baguio | Dagupan | Lucena | Naga | Olongapo | Santiago |
| Metro Manila: | Caloocan | Las Piñas | Makati | Mandaluyong | Manila | Marikina | Muntinlupa | Parañaque | Pasay | Pasig | Quezon City | Taguig | Valenzuela |
| Visayas: | Bacolod | Cebu | Iloilo | Ormoc |
| Mindanao: | Butuan | Cagayan de Oro | Cotabato | Davao | General Santos | Iligan | Zamboanga |
