Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines

Zamboanga Sibugay, Region IX, Philippines

Zamboanga Sibugay, officially the Province of Zamboanga Sibugay, is the 79th province created in the Philippines. It was formally established on February 22, 2001 by virtue of Republic Act No. 8973, authored by Congressman George T. Hofer and signed into law by President Joseph Ejercito Estrada. The province was carved out of the third legislative district of Zamboanga del Sur, with Ipil designated as its capital.

Early Efforts Toward Provincial Creation

The idea of creating a separate province dates back to the 1960s, when several bills were filed in Congress, including:

• House Bill No. 17574 by the late Rep. Vincenzo Sagun

• HB No. 8546 by Congresswoman Belma Cabilao

• HB No. 341 by Congressman Vicente M. Cerilles

• A Batasan Parliamentary Bill sponsored by Antonio Ceniza, Manuel M. Espaldon, Hussien Loong, Kalbi Tupay, and Minister Romulo Espaldon

These early proposals were archived without action.

Renewed Push in the 1990s

In 1993, the Zamboanga Occidental Movement revived the campaign, sparking strong political consciousness among residents of the third district of Zamboanga del Sur. The movement culminated in a People’s Initiative held alongside the May 1997 Barangay Elections, where a majority of voters supported the creation of a new province.

Congressman George T. Hofer then filed House Bill No. 1311, renaming the proposed province Zamboanga Sibugay. He successfully lobbied for its passage in both chambers of Congress, leading to its approval by President Estrada.

Plebiscite and Formal Establishment

A plebiscite was held on February 22, 2001, where voters from the affected municipalities overwhelmingly ratified the creation of the province. Out of approximately 200,000 registered voters, 141,351 voted Yes and 60,332 voted No. The result allowed local candidates to file for the first provincial elections.

Police Provincial Office

The Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Police Office (PPO) was activated as a Type “C” Police Provincial Office on September 17, 2001 and formally organized on October 16, 2001, with PSUPT Arnulfo Del Rosario Perez as its first Provincial Director. The PPO operates 16 municipal police stations and two mobile groups serving as maneuver units.

Geography and Administrative Divisions

• Region: Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX)

• Land area: 3,481.28 km²

• Municipalities: 16

• Barangays: 389

• Legislative districts: 2

The largest municipality by land area is Tungawan, followed by Siay and Titay. The smallest is Talusan.

Location of Zamboanga Sibugay Province, Philippines

• 7.7833° N, 122.5833° E – Zamboanga Sibugay, Coordinates

People and Culture of Zamboanga Sibugay

Zamboanga Sibugay is home to a vibrant mix of peoples whose roots reflect centuries of migration, trade, and cultural exchange in the Zamboanga Peninsula. The province’s identity is shaped by its coastal and inland communities, agricultural traditions, and a shared pride in its relatively young but fast‑growing history.

Population

• 2020 Census: 669,840 inhabitants

• 2024 Estimate: 661,498

• Population density (2024): ~180/km²

• Municipalities: 16, with Ipil as the capital and largest urban center

The population is predominantly Cebuano‑speaking, with Chavacano, Subanen, Tausug, and other indigenous and migrant languages also present. Many residents are engaged in farming, fishing, and small‑scale trade, with rubber, coconut, and seafood — especially oysters — as key products.

Cultural Heritage

The people of Zamboanga Sibugay — often called Sibugaynons — are known for their hospitality, resilience, and strong sense of community. The province’s cultural fabric is woven from Christian, Muslim, and indigenous traditions, reflected in local crafts, cuisine, and celebrations.

Major Festivities

Sibug‑Sibug Festival

• When: Every February, with the highlight on February 24 (province founding anniversary)

• Where: Ipil and participating municipalities

• Highlights:

  • Street dancing competitions in colorful, culturally inspired costumes

  • The longest oyster grill — a record‑breaking showcase of the province’s seafood bounty

  • Grand parades and a Festival of Lights, where municipalities compete with dazzling illuminated floats

  • Cultural presentations honoring the province’s history and diverse heritage

The festival’s name comes from the Sibuguey River, a vital waterway that sustains the province’s agriculture and fisheries. It celebrates Zamboanga Sibugay’s identity as the “Rubber and Oyster Capital of the Philippines” and serves as both a thanksgiving and a reaffirmation of unity among its people.