Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines

About Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte

Sirawai is a coastal municipality located in the northwestern part of the province of Zamboanga del Norte in the Philippines. Positioned along the rugged shoreline of the Zamboanga Peninsula, it serves as one of the region’s agricultural and fishing communities. The municipality is known for its natural terrain, coastal waters, and rural settlements spread across various barangays.

Location and Access

Sirawai lies along the western flank of the Zamboanga Peninsula. Although it does not host a major airport or seaport, it is accessible by land from other municipalities within the province of Zamboanga del Norte and adjoining areas of the peninsula. Travelers typically reach Sirawai through regional road networks connecting from larger junction towns. The nearest commercial airport and major seaport facilities are found in cities elsewhere in the peninsula, serving as primary transit points before continuing by land toward the municipality.

Location of Municipality Hall

The Sirawai Municipal Hall is located within the town center, positioned near the central public and commercial area of the municipality. It stands close to the main road network, serving as the administrative hub for public transactions and local government services. Although it is inside a barangay, the specific barangay name is not publicly confirmed in available sources, so it is not stated here.

Economy of Sirawai

Sirawai’s economy is primarily supported by agriculture and coastal fishing. Farmers cultivate crops typical of the Zamboanga Peninsula, while fishing communities rely on marine resources from the nearby coastlines. Local trade consists of agricultural produce, fish catch, and small-scale commercial goods sold through neighborhood stores and the municipal marketplace. Cultural celebrations, including annual religious or civic festivities, contribute to community activity and seasonal local tourism, although specific festival names are not widely documented.

Natural Resources and Rivers

Sirawai is endowed with natural assets including fertile farmland, forested landscapes, and accessible coastal waters. The area features streams and river systems that support irrigation and local water needs. While these waterways are known to contribute to farming and daily household use, publicly available sources do not identify specific river names within the municipality.

Power, Water, and Utilities

Electricity in Sirawai is supplied by the regional electric cooperative that serves much of the Zamboanga Peninsula. Water access varies by community, with households relying on either local water systems or shared community-managed sources. Available data suggests that formalized water district operations may be limited, with many residents depending on wells, springs, or barangay-level distribution facilities.

Banking, Commerce, and Health Services

Banking services in Sirawai are limited, and residents typically travel to larger neighboring towns when needing full-service banking facilities. Commerce is centered around the municipal market area and smaller sari-sari stores found throughout the community. Health services are provided through a rural health unit and barangay health stations offering basic medical assistance. For more advanced hospital care, residents often seek treatment in nearby municipalities or cities within the province.

Education in Sirawai

Sirawai hosts several public elementary schools distributed across its barangays, ensuring access to basic education for most communities. The municipality also has secondary schools situated in strategic barangay locations. No colleges or universities are currently documented within Sirawai, so students seeking tertiary education generally travel to larger urban centers in Zamboanga del Norte or other parts of the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Local Transportation

Local mobility in Sirawai is provided primarily by tricycles and motorcycles, which serve as daily transport for residents. Jeepneys remain an important link between outlying barangays and the town center, especially for market and school commuting. Pedicabs may be present in more compact or low-traffic areas, while taxicabs are generally not available. The overall transportation pattern reflects that of many rural municipalities in the peninsula, relying on practical and community-based vehicles.

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.