Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines

About Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur

The Municipality of Dumalinao is a 4th income class municipality situated in the coastal area of the province of Zamboanga del Sur. It is geographically positioned along the shores of Illana Bay and lies to the southwest of the provincial capital, Pagadian City. Dumalinao was created as an independent municipality in 1957, separating from its mother town, Pagadian. Its territory comprises a narrow coastal plain transitioning into rolling hills and mountain slopes inland, making it a blend of marine and agricultural economies.

Location and Access

Dumalinao is accessible primarily via land transport along the national highway network that runs through the province. The municipality is not served by a local commercial airport. Air travel is conducted through the nearest major airport, which is the Pagadian City Airport. For sea access, the town utilizes a local municipal wharf or fish port located in the town center, within the barangay Pag-Asa (Pob.), which is mainly for local fishing fleets and small trading vessels. Land travel is concentrated at the local **Bus and Jeepney Terminal**, also situated in the central area of Pag-Asa (Pob.), providing routes that link the municipality’s rural barangays to the town proper and to Pagadian City.

Location of Municipality Hall

The **Dumalinao Municipal Hall**, which houses the municipal government offices, is centrally located within the primary administrative and commercial area of the town. The Municipal Hall is situated in the barangay of Pag-Asa (Pob.).

Economy of Dumalinao

The economy of Dumalinao, a 4th income class municipality, is driven predominantly by **agriculture** and **fishing**. Its fertile lands support the extensive cultivation of major crops, including rice, corn, coconuts, and various fruit trees. The proximity to Illana Bay ensures a steady contribution from the marine sector, with fishing and coastal aquaculture being key sources of livelihood. Commercial activities are focused on the **Public Market** in the town center, where locally produced goods are traded. The major annual event supporting local commerce and tourism is the **Araw ng Dumalinao** (Founding Anniversary), typically celebrated in June.

Natural Resources and Rivers

The main natural resources of Dumalinao are its **fertile agricultural land** and the abundant **marine resources** of Illana Bay. The coastal plains are highly productive for farming. The municipality is crisscrossed by local river systems, notably the **Dumalinao River**, which is a vital source of irrigation for the rice lands and is crucial for the general water supply of the surrounding communities, eventually draining into the bay.

Power, Water, and Utilities

Electrical power services across the municipality are supplied by the **Zamboanga del Sur 1 Electric Cooperative (ZAMSURECO 1)** power grid. There is no formally designated water district. Water provision in the town center is managed by a municipal water system, while residents in the peripheral and rural barangays rely on community-managed systems, deep wells, and natural springs for their water needs.

Banking, Commerce, and Health Services

Commercial activity in Dumalinao is centered in the **Public Market** in Pag-Asa (Pob.), supported by numerous small retail businesses (*sari-sari* stores). Dumalinao does not host branches of major commercial banks. As a result, residents needing comprehensive financial and banking services must travel to the nearby commercial center of Pagadian City. Health services are provided by the **Rural Health Unit (RHU)** located in the town proper, supplemented by **Barangay Health Stations (BHS)** situated throughout the municipality. For hospital admissions and specialized medical services, residents are required to travel to the nearest hospitals, which are located in Pagadian City.

Education in Dumalinao

The municipality maintains a strong foundation for basic education, with elementary or primary schools available in most, if not all, of its barangays. Secondary education is chiefly provided by the **Dumalinao National High School**, which is situated in the town center, specifically the barangay Pag-Asa (Pob.). Dumalinao does not have a college or university. Students aspiring for vocational or tertiary education must commute or relocate to the nearby provincial capital, Pagadian City, which hosts several major institutions of higher learning.

Local Transportation

The most common and primary mode of local transportation within the town center, Pag-Asa (Pob.), and its adjacent barangays is the **tricycle**. **Jeepneys** are essential for connecting the rural barangays to the town proper and for inter-municipal travel. **Pedicabs** may be found in the flatter areas near the market. **Taxicabs** do not operate as local public transportation within the municipality.

Municipalities in the Zamboanga Del Sur Province within Region IX (zamboanga peninsula) in the Republic of The Philippines
Aurora • Bayog • Dimataling • Dinas • Dumalinao • Dumingag • Guipos • Josefina • Kumalarang • Labangan • Lakewood • Lapuyan • Mahayag • Margosatubig • Midsalip • Molave • Pitogo • Ramon Magsaysay • San Miguel • San Pablo • Sominot • Tabina • Tambulig • Tigbao • Tukuran • Vincenzo A. Sagun
Cities in the Province of Zamboanga del Sur: Pagadian City

January 7, 2026

1️⃣ Andas for Traslación 2026 now ready, with upgrades

The Andas carrying the Black Nazarene for January 9 Traslación features new steering wheel and reinforced underchassis to handle massive devotee crowds safely.

2️⃣ Over 3,500 affected by Mayon volcano unrest

NDRRMC reports 3,515 people from 964 families evacuated in Albay due to recent magmatic eruptions, ashfall, and pyroclastic flows; all in permanent danger zone.

3️⃣ Magnitude 6.4 quake hits off southern Philippines

USGS detects 6.4 quake off Davao Oriental coast—no tsunami threat reported, but locals feel shaking; no immediate damage confirmed.