Josefina, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines

About Josefina, Zamboanga del Sur

The Municipality of Josefina is a 6th income class, landlocked municipality situated in the narrow northeastern corridor of the Province of Zamboanga del Sur. It was formally established on September 17, 1965, through Republic Act No. 4483, when its territory was separated from its mother town, Ramon Magsaysay. Its economy is centered on its agricultural sector, and it is composed of 14 barangays.

Location and Access

The municipality of Josefina is strategically located within the **narrow northeastern corridor** of Zamboanga del Sur, placing it directly along the provincial boundary. It is bordered by the municipality of Dumingag to the north and south, and Midsalip to the west. To the east, the border is shared with the municipality of Ramon Magsaysay and the **Province of Misamis Occidental**. Notably, Josefina’s barangay, **Moradji**, shares a border with Don Victoriano Chiongbian in Misamis Occidental, confirming the inter-provincial link. Additionally, neighboring Zamboanga del Sur towns like Tambulig and Molave also lie along this provincial boundary line. As an interior municipality, Josefina is not directly accessible by sea or air. The most practical port of entry for residents is the Provincial Capital, Pagadian City, which hosts the Pagadian City Port and the Pagadian Airport (Pagadian City Domestic Airport). The primary transportation hub is the main Jeepney and Van terminal, which is located in Gumahan (Pob.), serving as the central junction for commuters.

Location of Municipality Hall 

The Municipal Hall, the administrative center of the local government of Josefina, is located in the barangay designated as the town center, Gumahan (Pob.).

Economy of Josefina

The local economy of Josefina is primarily **agricultural**, given its 6th income class status and rural setting. The fertile land is mainly used for cultivating staple crops, particularly **corn** and **rice**. Commercial activities revolve around supporting the farming community. The primary commerce hub is the **Public Market** located in Gumahan (Pob.). Agricultural trade is supported by the storage facilities, such as the National Food Authority (NFA) warehouse or cooperative-managed granaries, which are utilized for storing the area’s corn and rice harvests. The municipality does not host a large, well-known annual festival, focusing its economic activity on local market days and agricultural yields.

Natural Resources and Rivers

The municipality’s main resource is its **fertile agricultural land**. While it lacks a coast or major forests, the area is sustained by the headwaters and tributaries of nearby river systems, which are essential for **irrigation** and providing water to the vast farmlands dedicated to rice and corn production. No significant hot springs or proven mineral deposits are publicly noted in the area.

Power, Water, and Utilities

Electricity service in Josefina is provided by the **Zamboanga del Sur II Electric Cooperative (ZAMSURECO II)**, which services the northern municipalities of the province. Regarding water utilities, there is no formal water district in place. Residents and the barangays rely mainly on **community-managed water systems**, communal deep wells, and natural springs for domestic consumption.

Banking, Commerce, and Health Services

Commercial and retail services are modest, concentrated around the public market and various local *sari-sari* stores in Gumahan (Pob.). Due to the municipality’s 6th income classification, there are no branches of major commercial banks. Therefore, residents typically travel to the larger commercial centers of nearby towns like Molave or to Pagadian City for comprehensive banking and financial services. For local health care, the municipality operates a dedicated **Rural Health Unit (RHU)** located in Gumahan (Pob.), which provides primary care, immunization, and public health programs. For hospitalization, specialized treatment, and advanced medical care, residents are required to travel to the nearest hospitals located in Molave or Pagadian City.

Education in Josefina

Elementary education is widespread across the municipality. Most of the fourteen barangays operate a public elementary or primary school, with examples including Litapan Elementary School and Nopulan Elementary School in **Barangay Nopulan**. The municipality supports at least two public secondary schools: **Josefina National High School** (located near Gumahan (Pob.)) and **Litapan National High School** in **Barangay Litapan**. There are no colleges or universities in Josefina, so students pursuing tertiary education generally commute to or enroll in institutions in nearby economic hubs such as Molave or Pagadian City.

Local Transportation

The predominant mode of public transportation within the town center of Josefina is the **tricycle**, used for short-distance travel. **Jeepneys** and multi-cabs serve as the main public transport linking the rural barangays to Gumahan (Pob.) and providing inter-town connections along the national road. **Pedicabs** are also used locally in smaller, concentrated areas. **Taxicabs** do not operate as a local form of 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.