Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay
| Tungawan | |
|---|---|
| Municipality | |
 | |
.svg.png)  Tungawan | |
| Coordinates: 7°30′N 122°22′E / 7.500°N 122.367°ECoordinates: 7°30′N 122°22′E / 7.500°N 122.367°E | |
| Country |
 Philippines |
| Region | Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX) |
| Province | Zamboanga Sibugay |
| District | 2nd District of Zamboanga Sibugay |
| Founded | May 24, 1960 |
| Barangays | 25 |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Hon. Randy A. Climaco |
| Area | |
| • Total | 473.30 km2 (182.74 sq mi) |
| Population (2010) | |
| • Total | 40,552 |
| • Density | 86/km2 (220/sq mi) |
| Time zone | PST (UTC+8) |
| Income class | 3rd class municipality |
| Population census of Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Pop. | ±% p.a. |
| 1990 | 26,005 | — |
| 1995 | 28,552 | +1.89% |
| 2000 | 33,194 | +3.06% |
| 2007 | 37,588 | +1.79% |
| 2010 | 40,552 | +2.56% |
| Source: National Statistics Office[1] | ||
Tungawan is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines. According to the 2010 census, it has a population of 40,552 people in 7,751 households.
One hundred nineteen (119) kilometers away from the bustling city of Zamboanga lies one of the gateways of the Province of Zamboanga Sibugay called Tungawan luckily endowed with rich natural resources all waiting to be discovered and developed.
Situated in the southern part of the province. Tungawan takes pride of its 47,328 hectares of land, the largest among the 16 Municipalities in the province broken down into 25 barangays and 15, 236 of hectares coastal waters. It has 18, 858 hectares of watershed that can supply enough potable water to as far as Ipil in Sibugay and Vitali in Zamboanga City according to a survey. Its marine waters serve as a home to various species including high valued fishes like tuna, mackerel, lapu-lapu, talakitok and danggit, which tribe along its 47 km meandering coastline, hence, commercial fishing vessels continue to conglomerate in the area despite several apprehensions. It takes pride of its beautiful white sand beaches such as Looc-Labuan, 14 km away from the heart of town that is comparable to Dakak according to some local tourist, a huge marine sanctuary in Bangaan Island Within Barangays Tigbucay and Linguisan, a bat kingdom, a crocodile sanctuary also in Tigbucay and wonderful caves and falls that have remain unspoiled over the years.
Moreover, this seemingly unknown place is a home to several talented individuals like Kathilyn Macalisang, the Miss Sibugay 2005, Shim Lei Climaco, a title holder in dancesport competition having won 1st place in the Inter School Dancesport Contest in Zamboanga City recently, and the Tungawan Street Dancers, 3 times consistent champion in the Sibug-sibug festival last 2001, 2002 and 2009 which did a splendid performance in WOW Philippines at Intramuros, Manila last September 21, 2003. Tungawan is also the haven of young leaders.
Tungawan is born with a colorful history and rich culture from among the primary of Sibugay like Subanens, kolibugan and Lumads. Out of the songs of gongs and kulintangans, it was declared as a Municipality on May 24, 1960 and started functioning as an LGU on January 29, 1961 by virtue of Executive Order No. 395. its name was coined from the minute leech generally known as “tungaw” of the Hirudo family, which used to prey on hunters who explored the depth ness of the virgin forest.
Tungawan is primarily agriculture, produces rubber, coconut, corn, rice, and seaweeds since farming and fishing are the major source of living among the 38, 889 individuals in the locality composed of Cebuanos, Zamboangueños, Tausog, Subanens, Kalibugans, Samals, and Ilonggos based in the 2005 census.
Undeniably, the name Tungawan does not sound so good to a lot of people because of criminal incidents and negatives reports they have heard and read that took place in the locality in the past. Until now, it is still struggling to detach itself from bad image painted by history for actually gone are those dreadful days. Our pursuit for peace has gradually paid off as efforts for unity paved way for development to flourish. The Municipal Government Unit, under good leadership has managed the peace and order situation well over the years enabling it to provide the basic infrastructure and social needs of the constituents like farms to markets roads, which enhance transportation and marketing, opening of municipal streets, construction of sports complex, electricity, classrooms and buildings including opening of more high schools and daycare centers, water system, and environmental protection.
The LGU is now embarking on agro-industrial projects like abaca, cassava and rubber. Last January 15, 2006, an initial 300 hectares abaca plantation in Sitio Tambis-tambis, barangay batungan was launched through the efforts of the LGU, the barangay, a Community Based Forest Management Group named Evergreen Reforestation Incorporated based in the said area, the 69R’s groups from Ateneo de Zamboanga as the investor and the Department of Agriculture and Fiber Industry Development Authority. Zamboanga City.
Weeks later, Tungawan received P1 million from the CDF of Congresswoman Belma Cabilao to support its proposed rubber nursery project while the LGU is working on a 300 hectares cassava plantation project under the program of San Miguel Corporation. It has also P250, 000 at hand to give to local fishers as livelihood assistance this year. All of these are expected to boost the town’s economy and generate employment in the locality.
While taking all these opportunities, all efforts are being poured out to protect the environment and manage its resources being the foundation that will sustain all the agro-industrial projects. The LGU adopted a 10 year Coastal Resource Management paln formulated and implemented through the technical assistance of EcoGov-DENR last 2004 which provide for the preservation, protection and management of coastal resource and development and improvement of the fisheries sector. Since the program started last 2004, it gave birth to the enactment of General Ordinance No. 30 – 40 which established 880 hectares Bangaan Marine Sanctuary within Barangays Linguisan and Tigbucay, the formation of joint Bantay Dagat Tasked Force that has accomplished 29 apprehensions and 4 cases in court and community based CRM council being the umbrella and implementor. Strong cooperation from the stakeholders and support from the local officials sustained such program over the years yielding positive results like increase in fishery stocks and decrease in illegal fishing. This year, the LGU will forge a MOA with the province and DENR to avail of a Forest Resource Management program to complement CRM. The program aims to formulate a Municipal Forest Land Use Plan which would hopefully guide the LGU (Local Government Unit) in realizing its proposed P47M water works system projects.
Tungawan has broadened its avenue for development despite the political instability and economic turmoil the country faces today. It welcomes investors, programs and projects, all for the advancement of its people and for the progress of Tungawan.
Barangays
Tungawan is politically subdivided into 25 barangays.
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References
- ↑ "Total Population by Province, City, Municipality and Barangay: as of May 1, 2010". 2010 Census of Population and Housing. National Statistics Office. Retrieved 6 October 2013.
External links
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