Roseller T. Lim, Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines

Roseller T. Lim is a municipality located in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, part of the Zamboanga Peninsula region in the southern Philippines. The municipality was created on March 16, 1982, by Batas Pambansa Blg. 183, when it was separated from the larger municipality of Ipil in the then province of Zamboanga del Sur. Surabay was designated as the seat of government upon its formation, marking its establishment as an independent local government unit.

The municipality was named after Roseller T. Lim, a prominent Filipino politician and the first and only senator from Zamboanga. He was known for his notable political career including his record-setting filibuster in the Philippine Senate and for authoring legislations that contributed to the political subdivision of the region.

Roseller T. Lim’s economy primarily revolves around agriculture and fisheries, with residents engaged in farming crops such as rice, corn, and coconut, as well as fishing activities given the municipality’s proximity to coastal waters. Livestock raising and small-scale trade also contribute to the local economy, supporting the daily needs of its population.

Tourism in Roseller T. Lim is emerging, with visitors attracted to its natural scenery, rivers, and rural charm. While not yet a major tourist hub, it benefits from festivals and cultural gatherings that celebrate local traditions and community spirit. Its location within Zamboanga Sibugay, with access to natural resources and cultural heritage, presents opportunities for eco-tourism and agri-tourism development.

Travelers typically reach Roseller T. Lim via the provincial capital Ipil, which is accessible by land from major cities like Zamboanga City. From Ipil, local transportation including jeepneys and tricycles serve routes to the municipality. The nearest airport is in Zamboanga City, which connects to Manila and other Philippine hubs.

In summary, Roseller T. Lim in Zamboanga Sibugay is a municipality carved out from a larger administrative area to better manage the local governance and development needs of its community. It leverages its agricultural and fishing economy and offers potential for tourism alongside its rich cultural and historic legacy linked to its namesake.

History of Roseller T. Lim, Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines

The creation of Roseller T. Lim as a municipality was driven by the strong demand of the residents of Surabay, led by the unwavering leadership of Mr. Inocentes Tayo and Mr. Marcelo Veruasa (both now deceased), through the representation of the late Congressman Vincenso Sagun. Under their persistent efforts, former President Diosdado Macapagal issued Executive Order No. 178, series of 1965, which elevated Barrio Surabay and 14 other barrios into the regular municipality initially known as the Municipality of Sagun. Despite this, the heartfelt aspirations of the people for their own municipality remained unfulfilled for some time.

Seeking a dedicated leader to carry on the cause, the people found Mr. Romeo A. Billote in the early 1980s. A courageous and unifying leader, Mr. Billote brought together leaders from the fourteen barrios to pursue their shared goal of establishing their own municipality. With the support of the late Mr. Benjamin Escobar (former District Supervisor), Mr. Rogelio Padilla, Mr. Rogelio Gomez, Mr. Fiorellio Cataluña, and other local professionals, Mr. Billote successfully gathered the necessary documents and submitted them to the Office of the President.

With the advocacy of former Assemblyman Ulpiano Ramas and Honorable Vicente Cerilles of Zamboanga del Sur, a bill was filed before the Interim Batasang Pambansa (Batas Pambansa Blg. 183). This bill was approved by President Ferdinand E. Marcos on March 16, 1982, officially establishing Barangay Surabay and the fourteen surrounding barangays as a regular municipality. The creation was ratified through a plebiscite conducted by the Commission on Elections on May 17, 1982.

The municipality began functioning as a Local Government Unit on February 1, 1983, with the appointment of Municipal Mayor Romeo A. Billote, Vice Mayor Angel C. Tagalicod, Jr., and members of the Sangguniang Bayan. The formal inauguration was celebrated on March 12, 1983, a date now commemorated annually as the municipality’s Foundation Day or Araw ng Roseller T. Lim.

Following the events of the 1986 Snap Election and the EDSA Revolution, appointed local officials were relieved from their posts. Between April 1986 and November 1987, the municipality was administered by appointed officials including OIC Municipal Mayor Camilo Bicoy and Vice Mayor Beltran Capitanea, along with members of the Sangguniang Bayan.
With the first scheduled local elections after EDSA held in January 1988, these appointed officials were succeeded by an interim leadership team led by OIC Municipal Mayor Jocelyn A. Piodena. Subsequently, the first regular local elections took place, resulting in the election of Mayor Romeo A. Billote and his team to official posts.

From 1992 to 1995, Mayor Billote was re-elected to lead the municipality, supported by Vice Mayor Wilson Sumicad and a dedicated council of officials. However, in the 1995 elections, Danilo J. Piodena was elected mayor, leading a new set of municipal officials.
Political leadership in Roseller T. Lim experienced changes over the years, with Mayor Romeo A. Billote regaining office after the 1998 elections, and later Mayor Danilo J. Piodena reclaiming the mayoral seat in 2001 and again in 2004 and 2007, showing strong support from the local electorate. Vice Mayors, Sangguniang Bayan members, and youth council leaders have played key roles in local governance, ensuring continuity amid transitions.

Throughout these years, Roseller T. Lim has developed politically and socially, overcoming challenges including incidents of violence during elections. Its leadership continued to engage the community through various political parties and alliances, emphasizing progress and stability for the municipality.

List of Municipalities in the Zamboanga Sibugay Province within Region IX in the Republic of the Philippines
Alicia • Buug • Diplahan • Imelda • Ipil (Capital) • Kabasalan • Mabuhay • Malangas • Naga • Olutanga • Payao • Roseller T. Lim • Siay • Talusan • Titay • Tungawan

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.