Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines

Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur is within Region IX – Zamboanga Peninsula, in the Republic of the Philippines.

People of Pagadian City

• As of the 2020 Census, Pagadian City had a population of 210,452.
• In 2015, the city recorded a population of 199,060, reflecting steady growth over five years.
• Pagadian is historically home to the Subanen people, an indigenous group known for their riverine settlements and animist traditions. Muslim settlers later established communities along the coast, followed by Visayan migrants who contributed to the city’s cultural diversity.
• The major dialect spoken is Cebuano, with Subanen, Tausug, and Chavacano present in some barangays. While these dialects shape local identity, English is the official medium of instruction in all schools, ensuring educational access and global readiness.

About Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur

Pagadian City is the highly vital and picturesque capital city of Zamboanga del Sur province. Situated at the head of Iligan Bay on the island of Mindanao, it serves as the designated regional government center for the Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX), making it the primary administrative, economic, and educational hub for the entire region. The city is famous for its unique topography, characterized by steeply inclined, challenging roads that are navigated by its signature inclined tricycles—a feature that has earned it the nickname, the “Little Hong Kong of the South.” Historically, the area saw Christian settlement beginning in the early 20th century, prompting the creation of the Parish of Pagadian in 1938 and a strong veneration for the Santo Niño de Cebú.

Location and Access

Pagadian City is the transportation nexus for Zamboanga del Sur, providing access by air, sea, and land. **Air travel** is facilitated by the **Pagadian Airport** (Labo Airport), which serves the region, located in the barangay of **Labo**. **Sea access** is centralized at the **Pagadian City Port**, a busy commercial and passenger hub situated in the coastal barangay of San Pedro (Pob.). For **land travel**, the city operates the **Pagadian City Integrated Bus Terminal** which anchors all regional bus and jeepney routes, correctly located in the barangay of Bulatok. The city’s location on the National Highway system provides critical connectivity to the neighboring provinces of **Lanao del Norte** and **Zamboanga del Norte**.

Location of Municipality Hall

The administrative center of the provincial capital, the **Pagadian City Hall**, is centrally located within the city proper. Due to Pagadian’s unique geography, the City Hall is prominently positioned on a hill overlooking the urban center and the bay, providing both a strategic location and a dominant landmark, along with the **great Pagadian Rotunda**. It is specifically located in the barangay of San Pedro (Pob.).

Economy of Pagadian City

The economy of Pagadian City is robust and diversified, driven primarily by its role as a regional capital and port city. **Trade, commerce, and services** form the backbone of the economy, supported by wholesale and retail trade catering to the entire Zamboanga Peninsula. The presence of numerous national government regional offices provides a stable source of employment and economic activity. **Agriculture** and **fisheries** are also significant contributors, with the fertile inland areas producing rice, corn, and coconuts, while the coastal waters provide a steady supply of fish and marine products. The city hosts the annual **Pasalamat Festival** in **September**, a major thanksgiving festival that features street dancing, cultural exhibits, and civic parades, drawing tourists and boosting local trade.

Natural Resources and Rivers

Pagadian City‘s most vital natural resource is its productive **coastal area** and the **rich agricultural land** surrounding the urban center. The city’s geography is defined by the coastline of Illana Bay and several surrounding water systems. The **Tiguma River** is the most significant river passing through the city and is crucial for local agriculture, serving as a source for irrigation in the surrounding flatlands. Notable city attractions include the **Pagadian Rotunda**, which offers panoramic views of Illana Bay, the nearby **Dao Dao Islands** ideal for beach outings, the **Pagadian Boulevard** scenic promenade, and the **Mt. Palpalan View Deck**, offering sweeping views of the city. For recreation, the natural attractions also include **Kendis Cave** in the inland barangay of Ditoray.

Power, Water, and Utilities

Electric power for Pagadian City is reliably supplied by the **Zamboanga del Sur Electric Cooperative I (ZAMSURECO I)**. The city operates a centralized and formal water system managed by the **Pagadian City Water District (PCWD)**, which provides treated water to the urban barangays and surrounding communities via a comprehensive distribution network. Rural barangays not yet reached by the PCWD rely on local community-managed water systems, deep wells, and natural springs.

Banking, Commerce, and Health Services

As a regional center, Pagadian City hosts an extensive financial and commercial sector. Numerous prominent banks operate here, including major institutions like the **Philippine National Bank (PNB)**, **Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP)**, and **BDO Unibank**, with most commercial branches located within the city’s main financial district in the barangays of San Pedro (Pob.) and Santiago (Pob.). Commerce is dominated by the **Pagadian City Public Market**, several large **shopping malls** (such as **Gaisano Capital Pagadian** and **Citimall Pagadian**), and a variety of large **hotels**, catering to regional business and tourism. Health services are comprehensive, featuring several major hospitals, such as the **Pagadian City Medical Center** and the **Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center**, ensuring that residents of the province and neighboring municipalities travel here for advanced and inpatient care. Primary care is handled by the **City Health Office** and numerous **Barangay Health Stations (BHS)**.

Education in Pagadian City

Pagadian City is the educational hub of Zamboanga del Sur. **Elementary and primary schools** are widely accessible, with most, if not all, barangays having at least one institution. The city is home to several high schools, typically located in the city proper. Crucially, the city hosts numerous highly regarded **colleges and universities**, making it a destination for tertiary education for students across the region. These institutions include the **Saint Columban College**; **Southern Mindanao Colleges**, whose main campus is located in the district of Lumbia; the **Josefina H. Cerilles State College – Pagadian Annex**; **STI College Pagadian**; **Pagadian Capitol College**; and the **Universidad de Zamboanga – Pagadian Campus**. The state-run **Zamboanga del Sur Polytechnic State College (ZSPSC)** is located in the barangay of Kawit. The Division of Pagadian City maintains its office in the barangay of San Jose (Pob.).

Local Transportation

Local movement within Pagadian City is defined by the presence of the unique **inclined tricycle**, known for navigating the city’s many hills. These tricycles are the primary, everyday mode of transport within the dense urban center and for shorter trips to nearby barangays. **Pedicabs** are also used in flatter areas near the public market and port. **Taxicabs** do not operate as local transport within the city. **Jeepneys** remain vital for connecting the more distant, rural barangays to the **Poblacion** area, as well as serving inter-municipal routes anchored at the Integrated Bus Terminal.

History of Pagadian City

• Pagadian was originally a sitio of Margosatubig, inhabited by the Subanen tribe along riverbanks and Muslim communities along the coast. The area was known as “Tolpokan,” meaning a place with abundant springs.
• In 1934, Director Teofisto Guingona Sr. was commissioned to evaluate the transfer of the municipal seat from Labangan to Pagadian. Despite opposition from Christian settlers, the committee led by Datu Balimbingan and Datu Macaumbang approved the move.
• Pagadian was officially founded as a municipality on March 23, 1937. It became the capital of Zamboanga del Sur when the province was created in 1952 through Republic Act No. 711.
• Pagadian was converted into a component city on June 21, 1969 via Republic Act No. 5478. Today, it is known as the “Little Hong Kong of the South” due to its sloped terrain and vibrant economy.

Elected Officials of Pagadian City

• As of the 2025 elections, Pagadian City is led by:
  • Mayor: Sammy Co (Lakas)
  • Vice Mayor: Aiko Yu To (PFP)
  • Representative (1st District of Zamboanga del Sur): Joseph Yu (Lakas)
  • City Councilors: Sam Tyra Co, Arnold Gavenia, Ronald Christopher Glenn Ariosa, Jesusa Co, and others as listed in the official Halalan 2025 results.
• For full election results and updates, visit: Pagadian City Election Results.

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