Zamboanga City
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Zamboanga City is a 1st class 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).
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 Zaragosa (called El Real Fuerza de San Jose 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 the moro pirates. 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 and home of the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority (popularly known as Zamboecozone). The city's ethnic composition consist of 85% Spanish-Filipino, 10% Chinese-Filipino and 5% other.
Oral history says the early Malay settlers and the highlanders - the native Subanons - 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. Today, the city is nicknamed the "City of Flowers" and is affectionately called by Zamboangeños as "Zamboanga Hermosa," Spanish for "Beautiful Zamboanga."
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 City 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.
Geography
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.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.
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 corals, shell varieties (over half of the world's known shell varieties are found in the Sulu Sea of which these islands belong to), and sea life. The islands are:
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Barangays
Zamboanga City has 98 barangays:
Map of the City of Zamboanga showing location of barangays
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Economy
The Zamboanga economy is specializing in agriculture-based products -- with agriculture and fishery providing activity and income to 70 per cent of the population. Fifty-six thousand hectares of city territory are arable lands and 70 thousand hectares are planted with permanent crops, mainly coconut. The city's farmers produce 86 thousand metric tons of coconuts a year, 26 thousand metric tons of rice and 11 thousand metric tons of corn. Average annual production of fish – as caught 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 the time of close to two thousand Zamboangueño farmers. Four hundred seven hectares of offshore area is devoted to seaweed farming. Average annual production is 14 thousand metric tons. The city’s economic prospects are bright with the value of investments increasing since 1993. From 1993 to 1994 the increase was 332 per cent. From 1994 to 1995 it was 42 per cent.
Exports grew by 6 per cent in 1995 and are continuing to rise. The top export items are coconut oil, marine products and processed foods. As part of its effort to boost economic development, the Zamboanga City government has moved aggressively to improve the city infrastructure. Forty-four per cent of the city’s total budget is earmarked for economic and infrastructure projects.
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 percent 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.
Transportation
Ninety-nine per cent of the local road network is paved with concrete. In the rural areas the government has opened 667 kilometers of farm-to-market roads. Zamboanga City is currently in the midst of a determined campaign to attract investors -- domestic and foreign. A law establishes 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 these 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. Others are expected to enter the Zamboanga route soon.
Asian Spirit will soon have regular flights from Zamboanga to Sandakan, Malaysia
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 per cent of the total water production was consumed; in 1995 only 58 per cent.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.
Media
In terms of local media there are twenty-two radio stations. Furthermore there are eight television stations in Zamboanga; of which six are broadcast and two are cable or satellite only channels. The city is served by two newspaper dailies.Television stations
- ABS-CBN Zamboanga: Channel 3 (formerly operated by RT Broadcast Specialists, which was a GMA affiliate until 1995)
- Radio Philippines Network: Channel 5
- National Broadcasting Network: Channel 7
- GMA Network: Channel 9 (formerly operated by First United Broadcasting Corporation, a former ABS-CBN affiliate)
- Golden Broadcast Professionals, Inc- Channel 11 (airs programs on IBC13 and ABC5)
- TV 13 Broadcasting Cooperative
- Studio 23 Zamboanga
- Associated Broadcasting Company: Channel 29 (relay broadcast from Manila)
Radio stations
- Manila Broadcasting Company
- *90.7 DWST Showbiz Tsismis (now Yes FM; aired direct from Manila until late 2000, now off the air)
- *97.9 DXCM Love Radio
- *102.7 DXHT HotFM
- *855 AM DZRH
- UM Broadcasting Network
- *91.5 WildFM DXKZ
- *1044 DXLL AM Radyo Ukay
- Audio Visual Communications Inc.
- *93.1 DXRX Dream Radio
- Consolidated Broadcasting Systems-Bombo Radyo Network
- *93.9 Star FM
- Golden Broadcast Professionals, Inc. (95.5 FM)
- *GoldFM (August 1992 to April 2000)
- *Killer Bee (affiliate station of Quest Broadcasting Network (Magic 89.9) on air since May 1, 2000)
- Radio Mindanao Network:
- *96.3 DXWR iFM
- *900AM DXRZ Radyo Agong
- GMA Network- RGMA
- *97.1 DXMJ Campus Radio "Ese!"
- *1287 DXRC Super Radyo
- ABS-CBN Network
- *98.7 DXFH ABS-CBN Radio "My Only Radio"
- First United Broadcasting Corporation
- *99.5 DXLA (airs Voice of America Music Mix)
- *1080 DXRH Radio Hermosa (off-air)
- Nation Broadcasting Corporation
- *101.1 DXTY Tony (Classic Standards Music; off-air since 2001)
- *963 DXYZ Sonshine Radio (Angel Radyo)
- Ultimate Entertainment, Inc.-Swara Sug Broadcasting Company
- *103.5 DXUE "The Spirit of Zamboanga"
- Radio Philippines Network
- *1008 DXXX
- Far East Broadcasting Company
- *1116 DXAS "Your Community Radio"
- Philippine Broadcasting Service
- *1170 DXMR "Radyo ng Bayan"
- Catholic Media Network
- *1467 DXVP "Radyo Verdadero" (Radio Veritas Zamboanga)
Cable television
- Mindanao Cable Television (MCTV)
- SkyCable
Newspapers
- Daily Zamboanga Times
- Zamboanga Today
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.Festivals
- Dia de Zamboanga
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
- Isra Wai Miraj
- Eid al-Fitr/Hari Raya Puasa
- Zamboanga Hermosa Festival (Fiesta Pilar)
- Feast of the Immaculate Conception
- Maulidin-Nabi
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 flocked to the shrine and appreciate the significance of the shrine. 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 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. Taken over 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 5.75 hectares 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.
Hotels and Accomodation
- 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
- Azenith Royal Hotel
- Hotel Salwa
- Mag-V Royal Hotel
- GC Hotel
Education
Zamboanga City houses three universities and numerous colleges and institutes.
List of the different educational institutions of Zamboanga:
- 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 - La Purisima St.
- 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- San Roque
- Saint Augustine School of Nursing- Guiwan Highway
- Saint Joseph School- Gov. Camins Avenue
- STI College- 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 Alliance Evan. - Mayor Jaldon St.
- 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
- Zion Evangelical School - Canelar Moret
History
The area around Zamboanga has been occupied by indigenous people for approximately 30,000 years. The first inhabitants were the Subanons, and later Muslim ethnic groups (Samals, Bajaus, Tausugs, Yakans).
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, the 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 Philippines 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. However, it 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 congressman.
External links
- [Updated Pictures of what Zamboanga looks like Today!]
- [Official City Government Website]
- [Zamboanga City Web Portal]
- [2000 Philippine Census Information]
- [Philippine Standard Geographic Code]
Notes
References
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