Region 9 - Regional Profile

PROFILE OF REGION 9

Zamboanga Peninsula is an administrative region in the Philippines, designated as Region IX. The region consists of three
provinces and two cities. The region was previously known as Western Mindanao before the enactment of Executive
Order No. 36 on August 12, 2015.

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 Sambangan meaning a place where wild flowers grow.

The Spanish colonialization of Mindanao was done by sending missionaries and one of the sites was Sambangan. As the
years went by, the mispronunciation of Bisaya (North Borneo dialect) and Spanish words turned into what is now today
Zamboanga

Location

Region 9, also known as the Zamboanga Peninsula Region lies at the Southernmost portion of the Philippine archipelago.
The Zamboanga Peninsula is Mindanao’s smallest region. Located in Southwest Philippines.

Population

Region 9’s population as of 2010 stood at 3,407,353 with an average annual population growth rate of 1.87%

. Region 9 has a relatively young population, the bulk of whom are 15 years old and below. Men also slightly outnumber
women.

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 culturally distinct from each other. They are generally divided into the
Tausugs, Yakans, Badjaos, Samals, and the Subanens of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga
Sibugay.

The first settlers of Zamboanga Peninsula are the Subanens (People of the River), occupying it long before the arrival of
the Spaniards.

Filipino, English and Chinese are the predominant languages spoken in the region. Visayan-Cebuano, spoken by about
two-thirds of the population is the predominant dialect. Chavacano on the other hand is the main dialect spoken in the
City of Zamboanga.

Roman Catholicism is the major religion practiced in the region. The other major religions are Islam, and Born-Again
Christianity.

Climate

The region's climate is generally classified as type 3 and 4. It has no pronounced rainy seasons, but has relatively dry
season from December to May. There is a relatively uniform rainfall distribution throughout the year. The annual
average rainfall is 2,372 millimeters which is highly suitable for agricultural production.
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. Dipolog City is home to a number
of Bottled Sardines Companies which are being exported abroad. Dakak Park and Beach Resort can be found in Dapitan
it is one of the most visited places in the region along with Gloria's Fantasyland the first and only theme park in Vismin.

Provincial Profile

Zamboanga del Sur

Zamboanga del Sur is a province in the Philippines located in the Zamboanga Peninsula region in Mindanao. Its capital is
the city of Pagadian. Incorrectly grouped with Zamboanga del Sur is the highly urbanized city of Zamboanga, which is a
chartered city and governed independently from the province.

Population
Zamboanga del Sur has the largest population with 959, 685 persons,

Natural attractions

Mabait Beach – located in Barangay Poloyagan, about 2 kilometer from Pagadian proper, available for fishing and
swimming.

Puting Balas – a stretch of white sand beach just five minutes via motorboat south of the seaport. Clear, deep, blue
water (even at low tide) are ideal for swimming and diving.

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.

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-tourists 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 an 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.

Festivals
Zamboanga del Sur is a province is a land known for its rich heritage, majestic natural attractions, and colourful festivals
that showcase the uniqueness of its friendly, industrious people and its vibrant, colourful culture. These festivals are
celebrated throughout the year, featuring lots of dancing, parades, feasts, and competitions, with people from all over
the country being invited to join in the merriment.

The Kutsitsa Festival of Molave, Zamboanga del Sur, celebrated on April 26, is a thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest. The
dance steps depict various stages of a harvest followed by steps depicting peace, unity, and love among people.

The Mandala Festival, celebrated in Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur every September 9, aims to preserve the local Subanen
tradition of Midasalip. Mandala is a Subanen term which means harvest. A thanksgiving rite is offered to the gods for the
abundant yield and as a tribute to the original inhabitants, the culture and traditions of the Subanens.

The Megayon Festival – (September 11 to 17) It is a week-long celebration of the solidarity of the various cultural groups
held every September on the occasion of the province’s founding day. One of the most popular forms of entertainment
in the Philippines is the festival, more popularly known locally as fiestas. It is almost always acknowledged by those who
have visited the country that, by nature, Filipinos are a celebratory lot, and every province in the country has at least
three different fiestas being celebrated every year. Usually, these are dedicated to a town’s patron saint, or its founding,
or even seasonal changes. Festivals are often designated as major or minor, with the former being much more well-
known and extravagant, and is usually attended by people of neighboring towns or provinces. The Megayon Festival in
Zamboanga del Sur is one of them, and unlike other festivals which have been celebrated for decades, the Megayon
Festival is relatively new.

Chief Industries
Zamboanga del Sur’s economy is mostly agricultural is the fact that about 3,724.82 square meters of the total land area
of the province (or about 78.67%) is composed of agricultural land. This includes non-forested areas, areas for annual
crops, riceland and fishponds, perennial crops, grasslands, and pasturelands. The major crops that Zamboanga del Sur
produces are corn, palay (rice), coconuts, and fruit trees. Corn and palay are the prime crops, since they are eaten by
35% and 65% of the population, respectively. Coconut is also another leading income earner for the province, with about
100,016 hectares of land producing about 69,802 metric tons of copra (dried coconut meat) in 2001. For fruit products,
banana and mango are the main movers, with banana production increasing at a significant rate from 1999 to 2001. Due
to high demand for fruit produce, the farmers have begun planting assorted fruit trees as well. However, since most
fruits are seasonal in nature, palay and corn are still the main agricultural products.

Zamboanga del Norte

Zamboanga del Norte is a province in the Philippines situated within the Zamboanga Peninsula region in Mindanao. Its
capital is Dipolog City and the province borders Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga Sibugay to the south, Misamis
Occidental to the east, and the Sulu Sea to the wes

Population
957,997 persons

Natural Attractions
DakakBeach
The very popular Dakak Beach is most known for its beautfiully 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.

DapitanBay
It is a stretch of clean beach on the northern section of the poblacion, with sunsets more beautiful than the fabled
ones at Manila Bay. With a water depth that is gradual and with no undertow, the site is perfectly safe for swimming.

BarangayDaro
It commands a breathtaking view of the Sulu Sea north and east of the city, stretching as far as the municipality of
Sibutad in Zamboanga del Norte and Balingao in Misamis Occidental.

FESTIVALS IN ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE

Philippines festivals are rooted in Christianity, dating back to the Spanish colonial period when the many communities
(such as barrios and towns) of the predominantly Catholic Philippines almost always had a patron saint assigned to each
of them. Dipolog City at Zamboanga del Norte is no exception giving the best Philippine festival experience. Any of these
festivals can give one the best festive experience with all the street dancing, singing, and showcase of local goods, and
ingenuity.

Sinulog sa Dipolog Festival

Dipolog 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.

Showcased as added attraction during the parade were the thirty El Toro Floats.

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. The concept is “Unity in diversity
among the tri-people” because as the objectives state, it aims to promote peace and harmony among the three people
who call Mindanao their home. Literally translated the festival’s title means: “togetherness among three people with
diverse culture.”

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.

With prizes in six figures, there’s no reason for them not to. The festival is now on its 8th year and is hosted in rotation
by the towns of Zamboanga del Norte. This year, it’s Dipolog City’s turn to host the Hudyaka Zanorte and we were lucky
to be invited to witness the festivities.

Chief Industries

Zamboanga del Norte's main crops are coconut, corn, palay, banan, cassava, rubber and vegetables. Its known mineral
deposits are gold, chromite, manganese, asbestos and silica. Fishing and farming are the primary economic activities.
Leading industries include coconut production as well as rice, corn and banana production. The region is the third
highest in fish production in the country.

Zamboanga Sibugay

Zamboanga Sibugay is a province in the Philippines located in the Zamboanga Peninsula region in Mindanao. it’s capital
is Ipil and it borders Zamboanga del Norte to the north, Zamboanga del Sur to the east and Zamboanga City to the
southwest. to the south lies SibugueyBay in the Moro Gulf. Zamboanga Sibugay is the 79th province created in the
Philippines,when it’d territories were carved out from the third district of Zamboanga del Sur in 2001.

Population
584,685 persons

Natural Attractions

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. The island is privately owned but no entrance fees are collected from
visitors. The island is still uncommercialized. Since there are no resorts nor restaurants on the island, visitors should
purchase food and drinks from the town. There are bamboo cottages and tables available to visitors at no cost.

MOALBOAL CAVE

That features a human face hewn in stone by time, is another attraction that awaits you. All these picturesque glories
and many more, unite to make known to the world, the glory and grandeur of Zamboanga Sibugay.

TAGBILAT FALLS

Despite having an atypical name, everything else about Tagbilat Falls is beautiful. A short 30-minute trek will take you to
the waterfalls that has a wide façade with a small cave-like space in the middle. I climbed to the center of the waterfalls
and I was spell bound by the water cascading like a curtain of diamonds. Swimming is also great in its basin that can
reach up to five feet deep. A climb on the right side of the falls would take you to a smaller second tier with a smaller but
deeper basin.

FESTIVAL

SIBUG SIBUG

Sibug-Sibug Festival is an annual event held during the 26th day of February in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay. This
celebration is also the anniversary of the foundation of the province. The two-week festivity features colorful street
dancing with ethnic themes, including the ritual that shows of good harvest, wedding ceremony, and healing rituals. It
is one of the much-awaited events in the festival is the Sibug-Sibug street dancing competition.

City of Isabela

Isabela City in the province of Basilan was named after a former Queen of Spain. Once the premier municipality of
Basilan, her status changed on March 5, 2001 when Republic Act No. 9023 “An Act Converting the Municipality of
Isabela, Province of Basilan into a component city to be known as the City of Isabela” was signed by President Gloria
Macapagal Arroyo. On April 25, 2001 Isabeleños ratified the new status of Isabela.

Population
97,857

Natural Attractions
aumpurnah Mosque – historic seat of Islamic faith and teaching in Basilan, can be seen as you enter the Isabela
Channel
 Alano White Beach Resort – located on the northern part of scenic Malamawi Island, features white sand beaches, day
cottages and basic amenities for a day of fun with family and friends

 Barandino Farm – located on the eastern part of city, it is 12 kilometers from the main city and has hectares
coconut and fruit trees
 Cabunbata Falls – a natural watering hole for the environmentally conscious and the eco-friendly traveler.
 Cathedral of Santa Isabel de Portugal – it is a seat of the Diocese of Basilan and Prelature of Isabela, In 1960s
this was design as a mod-art style with a distinctively Classical Roman mosaic for an altar wall.

Chief Industry
Agricultural products is the major product of the city. These include copra, with annual production of 10,744.06 tons;
rubber with 3,170.10 metric ton; cassava, 1,168.44 tons; corn, 1,046.56 tons; and rice with 646.3 tons. The marine
products follows with a total annual production of 3,445.6 metric ton. Fruit crops production, such as lanzones, durian,
mangosteen and marang, follows.

Festivals
Pakaradjaan Basilan, celebrated annually from March 1 to March 7 to commemorate the anniversary of the Province
of Basilan.
Lami-Lamihan Festival, the island's premier festival, is celebrated during the Feast of St. Peter (Fiesta San Pedro) on
June 29 in Lamitan City. The festival is highlighted by the Yakans, who attend the festivities in full regalia, selling wares
and produce brought in from their farms in the interior.
Cocowayan Festival, Isabela City's annual commemoration of its cityhood, is a week-long series of activities
culminating in the annual Street Dancing parade on April 25.
Fiesta Santa Isabel, celebrated every July 8 by the residents of Isabela City, in honor of its Patroness Saint, Elizabeth of
Portugal (Span. Sta. Isabel de Portugal). The focal point of the celebrations is the Sta. Isabel Cathedral, located at the
center of Isabela City. This is highlighted by a procession and novena masses, the traditional Bella Isabela Beauty
Pageant, a marathon, a regatta and other activities organized primarily by the Diocese of Basilan and the Prelature of
Isabela and its lay organizations, the Catholic Women's League and the Knights of Columbus.