Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines

About Lakewood, Zamboanga del Sur

The **Municipality of Lakewood** is a scenic, landlocked municipality located in the western portion of the province of **Zamboanga del Sur** in the Zamboanga Peninsula region. It is widely recognized as the “Summer Capital of Zamboanga del Sur” due to its cooler climate and elevated topography. The town is named after its crown jewel, **Lake Wood** (originally known as *Danaw* by the indigenous Subanen people), an expansive freshwater crater lake that sits at the heart of the municipality. Composed of 14 barangays, Lakewood serves as a vital watershed and eco-tourism zone for the province.

Location and Access

Being a landlocked municipality, Lakewood does not have a seaport or airport within its jurisdiction. The nearest and most practical entry points for air and sea travel are located in the capital, **Pagadian City**, approximately 42 kilometers to the east. Travelers utilize the **Pagadian Airport** (located in the adjacent municipality of Labangan) for flights and the **Pagadian City Port** for maritime vessels. Access to Lakewood is primarily via the junction in the Municipality of **Kumalarang** or through the road network connecting from **Tigbao**. Public utility vans and jeepneys ply the route from Pagadian City to the transport terminal situated in Barangay **Poblacion**, Lakewood.

Location of Municipality Hall

The **Lakewood Municipal Hall** is located in Barangay **Poblacion** (formerly known as Lakewood proper). The government center is situated on elevated terrain that offers a commanding view of the lake, placing it centrally for administrative functions.The municipality shares its borders with the following localities:To the **South**, it borders the Municipality of **Kumalarang**; specifically, the Lakewood barangay of **Poblacion** shares boundaries with the Kumalarang barangays of **Kitaan Dagat** and **Suminalum**.To the **East**, it is bordered by the Municipality of **Tigbao**.To the **West**, it shares a border with the Municipality of **Bayog**.To the **North**, it touches the boundaries of the Municipality of **Midsalip** and portions of the province of **Zamboanga del Norte**.

Economy of Lakewood

The economy of Lakewood is anchored on **agriculture** and **aquaculture**. The fertile lands surrounding the lake produce crops such as **corn**, **cassava**, **coconuts**, and **bananas**. However, the lake itself is a significant economic driver, supporting a thriving freshwater fishing industry. Local fisherfolk harvest species such as **Tilapia**, **Carp**, and the endemic *Rasbora philippina* (locally known as **Porang**). Tourism is an increasingly vital sector, with resorts and recreational facilities operating along the lakeshore in **Poblacion** and **Biswangan**. The municipality celebrates the **Alindahaw Festival** annually, a cultural and thanksgiving event that draws visitors to the lake, stimulating local commerce and trade.

Natural Resources and Rivers

The primary natural resource is **Lake Wood** itself, an 7-square kilometer oblong lake that serves as a habitat for endemic fish species and migratory birds. The lake’s main outflow is the **Biswangan River**, which drains towards the coast of Kumalarang and into Dumanquilas Bay. The municipality also retains areas of secondary forest, particularly in the upland barangays like **Matalang** and **Sebuguey**, which are essential for maintaining the lake’s water levels and ecological balance.

Power, Water, and Utilities

Electric power in the municipality is distributed by the **Zamboanga del Sur II Electric Cooperative (ZAMSURECO II)**. While the town center and main barangays along the circumferential road have reliable electricity, some interior sitios may still rely on alternative power sources. Water supply is predominantly sourced from the abundant natural springs and deep wells found throughout the area. Community-managed water systems serve the households in **Poblacion**, while other barangays rely on protected springs and communal faucets.

Banking, Commerce, and Health Services

Lakewood does not host major national commercial bank branches. Residents typically travel to the nearby commercial hub of **Kumalarang** or the capital **Pagadian City** for comprehensive banking services and ATM access. Local commerce is centered at the **Public Market** in Barangay **Poblacion**, where agricultural produce and fresh catch from the lake are traded. Health services are provided by the **Municipal Health Office (Rural Health Unit)** located in **Poblacion**, supported by **Barangay Health Stations (BHS)** in strategic villages such as **Biswangan** and **Baking**. For hospital-level care, patients are referred to facilities in **Pagadian City**.

Education in Lakewood

The municipality ensures access to basic education with elementary schools established in almost all barangays. Secondary education is provided by the **Lakewood National High School**, situated in Barangay **Poblacion**, serving students from the town center and neighboring villages. For higher education, the **Western Mindanao State University (WMSU)** operates an **External Studies Unit (ESU)** in **Poblacion**, offering select collegiate courses to local students, minimizing the need to relocate to distant cities for a degree.

Local Transportation

The most common mode of transportation within the municipality is the **motorized tricycle**, which navigates the paved circumferential road connecting the lakeside barangays. For travel to the interior and upland areas with rougher terrain, such as **Dagum** or **Sapang Pinoles**, the **Habal-Habal** (modified motorcycle) is the primary and often only viable option. Small boats or **bancas** are also utilized for transport across the lake, providing a direct link between communities on opposite shores.

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.