Zamboanga_City_from_balcony_of_City_Hall

Zamboanga City

Fort-Pilar-of-Zamboanga-City.-Constructed-by-Spain-in-1635-under-the-the-supervision-of-Melchor-de-Vera
The Spaniards were confronting so much difficulty controlling the southern part of the Philippines. There were too many slave traders raiding the islands of Visayas and Luzon. Slave trading was lucrative. So in 1635 the Spaniards decided to construct a Fort in Zamboanga City, then known as Samboangan. Fort Pilar became the check point to prevent slave traders moving their captured victims from north to south. Rajah Dalasi of Bulig Maguindanao was determined to stop the Spaniards from policing the slave trading hence 3,000 Moros made the bloody attack of the fort in December 8, 1720 (feast day of the Immaculate Conception). It is a non-stop battle. Now the Moro leaders work through the legal system by means of the (Bangsamoro) to take Zamboanga City.

Zamboanga City, located in the southern part of the Philippines, is known for several notable aspects:

  1. Cultural Diversity: Zamboanga City is recognized for its rich cultural heritage and diverse ethnic makeup. It is often referred to as the “Asia’s Latin City” due to its strong Hispanic influence. The city is home to various ethnic groups, including the indigenous Subanen, The religion of Islam coexists peacefully with Christianity.

  2. Chavacano Language: Zamboanga City is renowned as the center of the Chavacano language, a Spanish-based Creole language. Chavacano is widely spoken by the locals and is considered one of the oldest creole languages in Asia.

  3. Fort Pilar: The city is famous for Fort Pilar, a Spanish-era fortress and national shrine. Built in the 17th century, it served as a defensive structure against pirates and other threats. Today, it stands as a historical landmark and a symbol of Zamboanga’s colonial past.

  4. Vinta Festival: Zamboanga City celebrates the Vinta Festival, a vibrant and colorful event showcasing traditional vintas, which are traditional sailboats adorned with colorful sails and ornaments. The festival highlights the city’s seafaring heritage and features parades, cultural performances, and competitions.

  5. Pink Sand Beaches: The city is also known for its stunning pink sand beaches, particularly in the nearby Santa Cruz Islands. These unique beaches derive their pink hue from crushed red organ-pipe coral mixed with the white sand, creating a visually captivating natural phenomenon.

  6. Yakan Weaving: The indigenous Yakan people of Zamboanga City are renowned for their intricate and vibrant handwoven textiles. Yakan weaving is highly regarded for its geometric patterns and bold colors, and their products, such as traditional garments and accessories, are sought after by locals and tourists alike.

Overall, Zamboanga City offers a blend of historical, cultural, and natural attractions that make it a distinctive and captivating destination in the Philippines.

Zamboanga City was known simply as Zamboanga before it became a chartered city in 1936. Now it is known as “Zamboanga hermosa, urgollo de Mindanao”, the “city of flowers”, and as “Asia’s latin City”.

Those who were born in Zamboanga or who are residents of  Zamboanga City are called Zamboangueños. The majority of the people who live in Zamboanga City speak the chavacano language. Of course several other languages are spoken in Zamboanga City but the local residents are really proud of their language and the name that they have coined for it, “chavacano”.

  • The Official Language of Zamboanga City is Chavacano.
  • The other major languages spoken in Zamboanga are:Filipino, English, Cebuano, Bisaya, Tausug, Subanon, Samal, Tagalog, Spanish, Chinese
  • English is still the language used in all the school system to educate the public. Filipino or Tagalog is the second language used for education.
    • The 2020 Census has the Population of Zamboanga City at: 977,234
    • The 2015 Census has the Population of Zamboanga City at: 861,799
    • The 2010 Census has the Population of Zamboanga City at: Total 807,129
    • The 2007 Census has the Population of Zamboanga City at: Total 774,407


Of The 98 Barangays of Zamboanga City (21 are now Islamic)
Zamboanga City must never be a victim of religious governance. It must never fall into an Islamic rule. Government must never finance religions or make republic acts favoring religions. The separation of church and state must be maintained.

98 Barangays of Zamboanga City within Region 9 – Mindanao in the Republic of The Philippines
Arena Blanco-D2 Ayala-D1 Baliwasan-D1 Baluno-D1 Boalan-D2 Bolong-D2 Buenavista-D2 Bunguiao-D2 Busay-D2 Cabaluay-D2 Cabatangan-D1 Cacao-D2 Calabasa-D2 Calarian-D1 Camino Nuevo-D1 Campo Islam-D1 Canelar-D1 Capisan-D1 Cawit-D1 Culianan-D2 Curuan-D2 Daap Dita-D2 Divisoria-D2 Dulian Bunguiao-D2 Dulian Pasonanca-D1 Guisao-D2 Guiwan-D2 Kasanyangan-D2 La Paz-D1 Labuan-D1 Lamisahan-D2 Landang Gua-D2 Landang Laum-D2 Lanzones-D2 Lapakan-D2 Latuan Curuan-D2 Licomo-D2 Limaong Limpapa-D1 Lubigan-D2 Lumayang-D2 Lumbangan-D2 Lunzuran-D2 Maasin-D1 Malagutay-D1 Mampang-D2 Manalipa-D2 Mangusu-D2 Manicahan-D2 Mariki-D1 Mercedes-D2 Muti-D2 Pamucutan-D1 Pangapuyan-D2 Panubigan-D2 Pasilmanta-D2 Pasobolong-D2 Pasonanca-D1 Patalon-D1 Putik-D2 Quiniput-D2 Recodo-D1 Rio Hondo-D1 Salaan-D2 San Jose Cawa-Cawa-D1 San Jose Gusu-D1 San Ramon-D1 San Roque-D1 Sangali-D2 Sibulao Curuan-D2 Sinubong-D1 Sinunuc-D1 Sta. Barbara-D1 Sta. Catalina-D2 Sta. Maria-D1 Sto. Niño-D1 Tagasilay-D2 Taguiti-D2 Talabaan-D2 Talisayan-D1 Talon-Talon-D2 Taluksangay-D2 Tetuan-D2 Tictabon-D2 Tictapul-D2 Tigbalabag-D2 Tolosa-D2 Tugbungan-D2 Tulungatung-D1 Tumaga-D1 Tumalutab-D2 Tumitus-D2 Victoria-D2 Vitali-D2 Zambowood-D2 Zone I-D1 Zone II-D1 Zone III-D1 Zone IV-D1

Some English to Chavacano Words:

  • This month’s Barangay highlight: Tetuan
Saint_Ignatius_Parish_Church_Tetuan_Zamboanga_City
Statue of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Patron saint of Tetuan, Zamboanga City

If you are traveling to Zamboanga City, (Philippines) you can’t help but notice the remarkable mountain to the north side of the city. The mountain is called Columbato which translates to “column of stone”. The tagalogs erroneously (early 90’s) called columbato as “pulong-bato”. Pulong in tagalog means “meeting”. Columbato became a meeting place in the 80’s during Holy week because of the station of the cross at the base of Mt. Columbato. Tagalog government employees of the department of tourism picked up on this error. It is Columbato and should never be referred to as pulong bato.

A brief history of Zamboanga City

The entire Zamboanga peninsula was once the Zamboanga province. Zamboanga city was the capital of the Zamboanga province. In October 12, 1936 Zamboanga city became a chartered city and was carved out from the province but remained as the capital of the province. In September 17, 1952, via Republic Act No. 711 Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte was carved out from the Zamboanga province and from then on, the Zamboanga province no longer existed.

The stupidity of Filipino officials (president included) puts Zamboanga City inside Zamboanga del Sur. It began in 1972 when the Philippines was divided into regions. Zamboanga City is in the Zamboanga Peninsula (region 9), but an error within the DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) puts Zamboanga City inside the province of Zamboanga del Sur. The error stuck. They (DILG) have been informed of the error.
 
So now even google picked up on their stupidity and reports Zamboanga city as within the province of Zamboanga del Sur. Anyone who can read a map can tell that Zamboanga City is not physically inside Zamboanga del Sur. Here we are in 2020, still stupidity prevails.
  • June 23, 1635 should be symbolically known as “Dia del Chavacano de Zamboanga.” Why you might ask? This was the day that a permanent foothold was laid on Zamboanga by the Spanish government with the construction of the San José Fort (Fort Pilar), and the subsequent evolution and proliferation of a unique dialect/language based on ancient Creole Spanish that is called Chavacano de Zamboanga. Zamboanga City celebrates Fiesta Pilar on the 12th of October every year.
  • The Republic of ZamboangaRepublic of Zamboanga (Revolutionary Government of Zamboanga): May 18, 1899 – Nov 16, 1899 (de facto) – This was the timeline when the new republic was independent and free of any foreign influence. It was short lived. But the Chavacanos tried.
    • Here is an idea to Reboot the Republic of Zamboanga should the Philippines become a Federal form of Government just to give the Muslims an Islamic federal state in Mindanao: “Constitution of the Republic of Zamboanga“.

Zamboanga City does have one big sharp and irritating THORN on its side. That is the Bangsamoro (Muslim Homeland). Because of the Moros(Muslims), fort pilar was built. The moros refuse to live under the umbrella of the laws of the Philippines, they want their Islamic laws to be the governing rule of the land.

Zamboanga is about peace and unity where all Filipinos with different creeds and ethnicity have ONE homeland. The Bangsamoro does not believe in the Philippine Homeland. They want to create their own Islamic Homeland.

Zamboanga advocates the true meaning of the “Separation of Church and State“. “Let there be freedom of religion, but keep religion separate from government. A country that bows down to the laws of religion will one day be governed by religion.” FHM


Zamboanga City will continue to be the champion against the Bangsamoro. The Bangsamoro lied when it said that the moros were the original inhabitants of Mindanao, Sulu, and Palawan. The Bangsamoro leaders are uniting the Muslims (Moros) against the Non-Muslims. They are using non-muslim politicians as their main weapons of influence through bribery. They are separating themselves from the rest of the Filipinos by establishing their own Islamic Homeland. Bangsamoro is not about UNITY. It is about separatism and dominance.

Zamboanga’s fort pilar defended against the invasion of the Moros in the 17th century and to this day Zamboanga City continues to defend against the attacks of the Bangsamoro. Zamboanga City will continue in its campaign against the Bangsamoro militias (terrorist groups), the MILF and the MNLF. The Bangsamoro is not about PEACE. It is about DOMINANCE and take over.
The MNLF attacked Zamboanga City last September 9, 2013 (21 day siege), lives were lost, properties destroyed, and over 100,000 residents were displaced. The zamboangueños will not ever forget this atrocity.


Information Bonus:

Zamboanga also connects you to all the places in the Philippines. Zamboanga connects you to every single Barangay, Municipality, City, Province and Region.
Just click on any of these links BARANGAY | MUNICIPALITY | CITY | PROVINCE | REGION.

Zamboanga is unique. It has 98 barangays and its own language.

Learn Chavacano de Zamboanga, The language of Zamboanga City

Chavacano is the unique native dialect of the city, a mixture of Spanish and various other local dialects and international languages, and is one of the oldest spoken language in the country reflecting a rich linguistic history of its people. English is widely spoken around town, and is the main language of education and international commerce. Numerous international languages, like German, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, Italian, and Spanish, are spoken here, giving light to its historical importance as an international investment and destination haven for over three-hundred years.

Many pronounce the “V” as “B”. It is OK to pronounce V as B in our dialect. But please be educated. Go ahead and say it as chabacano but write it down as CHAVACANO.

Visit the interactive Chavacano online Dictionary created by a Zamboangueño, Franklin H. Maletsky. This is where you can collaborate and help keep the Chavacano dialect alive.

Government of Zamboanga City, Philippines

The location of the zamboanga city hall is witin the barangay of Zone IV. City Hall Valderrosa Street Zone IV, Zamboanga City, Philippines 7000

Elected Government Officials of Zamboanga City for the term of 2022-2025
Mayor of Zamboanga City: John M. Dalipe
Vice-Mayor of Zamboanga City: Josephine E. Pareja
Representative District I: Congressman Khymer Adan Olaso
Representative District 2: Congressman Manuel Jose M. “Mannix” Dalipe

Councillors for District I

  1. Litlit Macrohon
  2. El King Kasim Omaga
  3. SANTOS, JOEY PAPAYA
  4. CABATO, BODAY
  5. VICENTE, DAN
  6. MARIANO, CHARLIE
  7. VALESCO, GERKY
  8. ESTEBAN, JOEL

Councillors for District 2

  1. GUINGONA, VINO
  2. SIASON, JAMES
  3. NUÑO, LILIBETH
  4. ELAGO, VP
  5. VILLAFLORES, JIMMY
  6. ATILANO, KAP FRED
  7. EDDING, JIHAN
  8. SAAVEDRA, EDDIE

Elected Government Officials of Zamboanga City for the term of 2019-2022
Mayor of Zamboanga City: Maria Isabelle G. Climaco-Salazar
Vice-Mayor of Zamboanga City: Rommel S. Agan
Representative District I: Congressman Cesar “Jawo” Jimenez Jr.
Representative District II: Congressman Manuel Jose M. “Mannix” Dalipe
ABC (Association of Barangays Council) President: Perez, Jerry Evangelista, Punong Barangay (Chairman) of Putik
Indigenous People’s City Council Representative: Tungkuh B. Hanapi

  • Councillors for District I
  1. Josephine E. Pareja
  2. Elbert “Bong” Atilano
  3. Khymer Olaso
  4. Litlit Macrohon
  5. Gerky Valesco
  6. Cesar L. “Sang” Jimenez
  7. Monsi Dela Cruz
  8. El King Kasim Omaga
  • Councillors for District II
  1. John M. Dalipe
  2. Benjamin Guingona III
  3. Juan (Kim) Climaco P. Elago
  4. Lilibeth Nuño
  5. Miguel C. Alavar III
  6. Jihan Edding
  7. Jimmy Villaflores
  8. Vincent Paul A. Elago

Location of Zamboanga City, Philippines

  • Located at the tip of the zamboanga peninsula within region 9 in Mindanao.
  • How big is Zamboanga City? Total Land Area: 1,483.38 square kilometers or 572.73 square miles
  • Elevation: Elevation varies, From the coastlines to about 1 kilometer in. It starts at 2 meters to 3 meters as you move in and it gradually increases. The inland mountains are as high as 1000 meters.
  • Zip Code of Zamboanga City: 7000
  • Phone Area code: 62
    • When you call from outside the Philippines to a land line in Zamboaga City you dial first your Int’l access code, then the Philippines country code (63) , Zamboanga’s area code (62), then the local number. From a cell phone: 1st the Intl’l access code, then P.I. Country code (63), the cell phone number.

Featured News of the Philippines

February 16, 2024

In the heart of Iloilo City, amidst a challenging period marked by a severe drought that has gripped the region in 2023, the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) stands as a beacon of support for the agricultural community. Demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding farmers against the unpredictability of nature, PCIC has proactively disbursed PHP23 million in indemnity claims, offering a crucial financial lifeline to those impacted.

As the drought’s effects reverberated through Western Visayas, PCIC Western Visayas Regional Manager Eva Laud outlined the scale of the response, noting that as of January 2024, the organization received an overwhelming 12,800 notices of loss, with the estimated value of claims reaching PHP76 million. This figure underscores the significant toll that adverse weather conditions have taken on the agricultural sector, highlighting the essential role of crop insurance in mitigating financial hardship for farmers.

>>> READ MORE

Last Updated on February 16, 2024

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The maximum upload file size: 4 MB. You can upload: image, audio, video, document, spreadsheet, interactive, other. Links to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and other services inserted in the comment text will be automatically embedded. Drop file here