Region IX

Zamboanga Peninsula
Introduction:
The Zamboanga Peninsula was previously known
as Western Mindanao before the enactment of
Executive Order No. 36 on September. 19, 2001. It
is also designated as Region
I. Zamboanga Peninsula consists of three
provinces, namely:

Zamboanga del Norte;

Zamboanga del Sur; and
Zamboanga Sibugay.

Zamboanga City is considered a highly urbanized

city of the region. Pagadian City is its regional
capital.
 Ports of Access
The Zamboanga Peninsula has an international airport and two domestic airports. It is also
accessible by boat and land.

zamboanga International Airport

Dipolog Airport
Pagadian Airport

Ports in Zamboanga City and Dapitan City

(from Manila, Cebu and Dumaguete

Zamboanga to Dipolog/Pagadian/Cagayan
de Oro and vice versa
 Zamboanga del Norte

Zamboanga del Norte is the largest province of the

Zamboanga Peninsula region by land area covering 730,
100 square kilometers (2,818.93 sq mi). Its capital is the
City of Dipolog, It has 25 municipalities Baliguian,
Godod, Gutalac, Jose Dalman, Kalawit, Katipunan, La
Libertad, Labason, Leon B. Postigo, Liloy, Manukan,
Mutia, Piñan, Polanco, President Manuel A. Roxas, Rizal,
Salug, Sergio Osmeña Sr., Siayan, Sibuco, Sibutad,
Sindangan, Siocon, Sirawai, Tampilisan. It has a two city
which is Dapitan and Dipolog.
 Attractions

Historical, Cultural, And Natural Attraction Built Attraction

Heritage Attraction
 Historical,
Cultural and
Heritage
Attractions
 Fort de Dapitan
Fort de Dapitan is a fort in Dapitan, Zamboanga del
Norte, Zamboanga Peninsula. Fort de Dapitan is situated
nearby to the scenic viewpoint Ilihan Hill and the
courthouse Dapitan Municipal Trial Court.
 Rizal Park
Rizal Park is a historical urban park located in the Ermita
district along Roxas Boulevard in the city of Manila. It is
commonly known to many Filipinos as Luneta Park. Rizal
Park has a size of 58 hectares or 580000 square meters. It
is one of the largest urban parks in the Asian continent
and it is juxtaposed to the historic walled city Intramuros.

Rizal Park is home to several gardens, green lawns,

artworks, an open field, ponds, paved walks, an
observatory, dancing fountains, picnic grounds, wooded
areas, ornamental gardens, an open-air concert hall, an
artists’ sanctuary, other monuments, and an open-air
auditorium. Rizal Park is bordered by Padre Burgos
Avenue on the left side, Taft Avenue on the east side, and
Kalaw Avenue on the right side.
 Ancestral Houses
Ancestral houses of the Philippines or Heritage
Houses are homes owned and preserved by the
same family for several generations as part of the
Filipino family culture. It corresponds to long
tradition by Filipino people of giving reverence for
ancestors and elders. Houses could be a simple
house to a mansion. The most common ones are the
"Bahay na Bato". Some houses of prominent families
had become points of interest or museums in their
community because of its cultural, architectural or
historical significance.
 P’gsalabuk Circle
P'gsalabuk Circle (or Dipolog Welcome Rotunda) -
Located at the Estaka-Turno road junction is the
Fountain of Blessings. P'gsalabuk is a Subanen
(Lumads) term which means "togetherness". The
statues represent the tri-people of Mindanao, which
symbolize the diverse cultures prevailing in Dipolog
- the Lumad (Subanen), Muslims and the Christian
settlers. The bowl raised to the heavens is a gesture
of thanksgiving and offering to God Almighty for
the generous outpouring of graces & blessings,
bountiful harvests and sustained peace &
prosperity.
 Natural
Attractions
 Dakak Beach
The very popular Dakak Beach is most
known for its beautifully shaped cove and
powdery white sand, and as a diving mecca
in Mindanao. Pristine blue waters, excellent
dive sites with an abundance of coral reefs,
and a magnificent sunset horizon
characterize this tropical eden. Dakak Park
and Beach Resort boasts 15 hectares of
wooded land, a natural reservoir for native
plants and animals, and a 750-meter private
white-sand beach.
 Dapitan Bay
Dapitan can pass as a candidate for the best
cities in the country to retire to. Geographically
located in Zamboanga del Norte, Dapitan speaks
volume of Jose Rizal who was exiled here during
the Spanish colonial era. See the sights around
Dapitan Town Plaza; check out the Mindanao
Relief Map created by Rizal himself. Fronting it is
the beautiful St. James Church and nearby is a
street crammed with old colonial houses. Watch
the sunset at Rizal Landing Site in Sta. Cruz
Beach and hang out with the locals at Gloria de
Dapitan and Fantasyland at night.
 Aliguay and
Silinog Islands
Aliguay is an island in the Philippines, and a
barangay of Dapitan. The island is an established
marine sanctuary. The island is surrounded by
white sand beaches and coral reefs. There are no
water sources on the island. A few residents live
on Aliguay Island, mostly selling fish to tourists.
 Sungkilaw Falls
Sungkilaw Falls is a fantastic sight that many locals
and foreign tourists really love to visit and explore,
which is located in the Sitio Virginia, Barangay
Diwan in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte. A
perfect waterfalls for the visitors to recognize and
enjoy the attractiveness of the waterfalls. You can
also try and experience challenging outdoor sports
like rappelling, climbing the big and wet rocks. You
can also have fun swimming. A true natural quality
that will surely catch the eyes of the visitors and
tourists
 Cogon Eco-Tourism
Park
The beautiful nature of this eco park is very
popular tourists destination. It is a nice vacation
spot for families and friends who want to spend
worthwhile time together. This is also the perfect
location for those who want thrilling outdoor
activities such as camping, trekking and mountain
climbing
 Sicayab Beach
Sicayab Beach is the nearest public clean
beach for weekend celebrations for free.
 Built
Attractions
 St. James Church
The Dapitan parish was established in 1631 by Jesuit Fr.
Pedro Gutierres. The St. James Parish Church was built in
1871 in honor of the patron saint of Dapitan, St. James the
Great. The old Spanish masonry and architecture are still
evident to this day even if a century has passed since its
construction. Most significant about this Church is the fact
that this was where Jose Rizal would go to hear mass
during his exile in Dapitan from July 17, 1892 to July 31,
1896. A marker near the entrance, highlights the spot
where Rizal usually stood when he would go to Mass. He
could not go near the altar during Mass because he was
excommunicated by the Catholic Church.
 Casa Bernedo
Casa Bernedo, also known as the Bernedo
Ancestral House, is a two-storey ancestral house in
Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte in the Philippines.
 Linabo Peak
One of the famous tourist spot in Dipolog City is
the Linabo Peak. It is located in Brgy. Lugdungan,
Dipolog City. It has an elevation of 486 m (1,594
ft) and consists of 3,003 steps going up to the
topmost peak. You will see the beauty of nature
and hear the birds and crickets sing
 Dapitan City Plaza
Dapitan City Plaza (“Liwasan ng Dapitan”)
also known as the City Square is the plaza
which Dr. Jose P. Rizal beautified and
developed during his exile. With the
assistance of Spanish Politico-Military
Governor of Dapitan, Gov. Ricardo
Carnicero, Rizal made the Dapitan City
Plaza comparable to the ones he saw in
Europe.
 Gloria’s Fantasy
Land
The delightful Gloria’s Fantasyland
showers its spectators with a magical
array of dreamy characters, exciting
rides, thrilling shows, enchanting sights,
and joyous music to the ears. It is home
to the truly scary Horror House and the
biggest corkscrew coaster in the
country.
 Range of Accommodations
(less than P1, 500 per night)

Pepic’s Lodge Royal Farm Resort Antonio’s Pension

House
 Range of Accommodations
(less than P1, 500 per night)

Bamboo Garden C&L Sea View Hotel L’s Lodge

Business IInn
 Range of Accommodations
(less than P1, 500 per night)

Ramos Hotel Ranillo Pension House Rodriguez Inn

 Range of Accommodations

(P1,500 to P3,000 per night) (at least P3,000 per night)

D’ Hotel + Suites Dakak Beach Resort Ariana Hotel, Inc

 FESTIVAL AND SPECIAL EVENTS

Buklog festivali is an elaborate thanksgiving ritual Hudyaka ZaNorte, also known as Hudyaka Festival, is a
system of the Subanen, an indigenous people in the cultural festival and founding anniversary celebration in
southern Philippines. The head of a host family, usually a the province of Zamboanga del Norte, Philippines every
village chief called ‘timuay’, plans the ritual system to June 6. A week-long celebration, it is the festival of all
express gratitude to the spirits. The rituals ensure cultural festivals in the province, a gathering of its cities
harmony among family, clan and community members, as and towns that comprise it.
well as among the human, natural and spiritual worlds.
They include asking the spirits for permission to gather
materials from the forest, presenting coin offerings,
inviting the spirits of the departed to feast, invoking
spirits of water and land, and music and dance.
FESTIVAL AND SPECIAL EVENTS

Kinabayo festival is an annual observance of Dapitan

City's Fiesta in honor of Saint James the Greater,”the
Moor Slayer”. Held every July, Sinug and Kinabayo have
become a festivity.
 Zamboanga del Sur
The province of Zamboanga del Sur is bounded on the
north by the province of Zamboanga del Norte; on the
south by the Moro Gulf; on the southwest by Zamboanga
Sibugay; and on the east and northeast by Lanao del Norte,
Misamis Occidental, Then came an exodus of migrants
from nearby provinces. Historians say that majority of
them came from the Visayas, Cebu, Bohol, Negros, and
Siquijor. Tthe province comprises two congressional
districts with 26 municipalities and one component city.
Pagadian City, its capital, with a total of 681 barangays,
has been declared as the new regional seat of Region IX.
 Natural
Attractions
Lakewood Lake Dasay Mt. Timolan

Mt. Susong Dalaga

Pulacan Falls Sominot Cave Dao-Dao Islands
 Built
Attraction
 Lower Sibatang Hanging
Aurora Mountain Resort La Suerte Hanging Bridge Bridge

Bagalupa Hanging Bridge

 Range of Accommodations
(less than P1, 500 per night)

Four Queens Resort GV Hotel Pagadian Hotel Guillermo

Range of Accommodations
(P1,500 to P3,000 per night)

Hotel Camila
 Festival and
Special Event
 Kutsisa Festiva
The Kutsitsa Festival of Molave,
Zamboanga del Sur, celebrated
on April 26, is a thanksgiving
for a bountiful harvest. The
dance steps depict various
stages of a harvest followed by
steps depicting peace, unity, and
love among people.
 Megayon Festiva
Megayon Festival began in 2001.
Its name comes from the word
megayon, which in the language
of Subanon people means unity.
The festival was created as a
way to give a toast to its people
comprising of the Subanons,
Muslims, and local settlers.
 Zamboanga Sibugay
Zamboanga Sibugay is a province in the Philippines located in the Zamboanga
Peninsula Region in Mindanao. Its capital is Ipil. The province is known as the
“Gateway to Western Mindanao” through the Western Nautical Highway and
has also been called the “Bottled Sardines Capital of the Philippines.”

Tantanan Bay is the largest fish sanctuary found in the province, encompassing
an area of five hectares. Sibuguey Bay bounds the southern peripheries.
Endowed with several coral formations that function naturally as fish
sanctuaries, it is ideal for snorkeling and diving. Another notable fish sanctuary,
situated within the municipality of Talusan, is Takushari. Within the island of
Pulo Laum is a sanctuary for the propagation of sea snakes.
 Natural
Attraction
 Tantanan
Sibuguey Bay Pulo Laum
Bay
Pandilusan Island Moalboal Tagbilat Falls
Cave
 Built
Attraction
Philippine Project Co. Plantation Noah’s Ark
 Range of Accommodations
(less than P1, 500 per night)

GV Hotel Ipil Hotel Casa Mea Sibugay Grand Plaza

Range of Accommodations
(less than P1, 500 to 3,000 per night)

Ever-O Hotel
Festival and
Special
Events
 Sibug-Sibug Festival - (February 15-26) oysters in
Zamboanga Sibugay is dubbed as the "most delicious,
juiciest, meatiest, and biggest oysters." The locals hold the
Sibug-Sibug Festival to celebrate its oyster industry.
Pasalamat Festival - (January 15-29) a street dancing
competition presenting the traditional way of holding
thanksgiving celebration among the Subanens and
Kalibugans.
Kasikas Festival - (May 1) annual celebration honoring Sr.
San Jose Mamumuo, the patron of Ipil.
 Bangus Festival - (December) a thanksgiving festival
celebrating the abundance of Bangus or milk fish in the
province; the festival highlights its annual culinary contest.
 Kasadyaan Festival - December 15-19) it is celebrated to
commemorate the founding anniversary of the Municipality
of Diplahan. The highlights of the festiva. include street
dancing, parade, and the Search for Miss Diplahan.
 Zamboanga City
Zamboanga City, city and port, western Mindanao Philippines. It is a
busy port strategically located on the southwestern tip of the
Zamboanga Peninsula, on Basilan Strait and sheltered by Basilan
island. The immediate coastal lowlands are narrow, with low, rugged
hills located a short distance inland. Zamboanga’s Spanish-style
architecture, fine beaches, and mountainous backdrop combine with a
climate that is cooler and less humid than that of Manila to make it a
favourite tourist spot.
 Historical,
Cultural and
Heritage
Attractions
 Zamboanga City Hall
(Bahay Pamahalaan ng Lungsod ng
Zamboanga) is the seat of the local
government of Zamboanga City. The
National Historical Commission of
the Philippines considers the city
hall building as a National Historical
Site.
 Badjao Burial Ground
is an interesting site if you are into
indigenous culture and history. Sta.
Cruz Island not only a place for an
awesome time at the beach but will
also let you have a glimpse on the
culture and traditions of our Badjao
brothers and sisters.
 Fort Pilar
which was De Vera's masterpiece,
was abandoned in 1663 and
rebuilt in 1718. For centuries, it
served as a defense structure
against the attacks of Moros,
Dutch, Portuguese and British.
 Rio Hondo Village
is home to a Muslim
community that lives on
floating wooden homes.
 Climaco Freedom Park
A favorite destination during
Holy Week, it hosts a 14-station
way of the cross leading to a
giant cross perched on a hilltop
with a panoramic view of the
city.
 Yakan Weaving Village
in Upper Calarian in Zamboanga
City is the village where the Yakan
tribe lives. The merchandising area of
the village that visitors first see is a
collection of stalls selling handwoven
Yakan weavings using traditional
weaving techniques.
 Natural
Attractions
 Sta. Cruz Island
is a small, inhabited island in
Zamboanga City in the southern
region of the Philippines that is
famous for its pink coralline sand.
 Mount Pulong Bato
is one of the famous legends in
Zamboanga City. The legend of Mt.
Pulong Bato is a story of a lover
named Pulong and Maryam who
came from diverse ethnicities. The
infamous Mount Pulong Buto located
in Upper Abong-Abong, Zamboanga
City, is uniquely different from other
mountains, as it is a monolith, which
is made up of a solid rock.
.
 La Vista del Mar
Vista del Mar Resort and Recreation
Center is a 3.0-star hotel located in
the beautiful city of Zamboanga,
Philippines. The hotel offers a wide
range of facilities to ensure guests
have a comfortable and enjoyable
stay
.
 Merloquet Falls
stands proud near the city’s boundary
with Zamboanga Sibugay,
approximately two hours away from
downtown Zamboanga City. It is a
two-tiered drop, but its main
attraction is the beautiful curtain
waterfalls on its base, approximately
10-meter high and 15-meter-wide
stair-like wall to a shallow pool, one-
of-a-kind in the Philippines.
.
 Pasonanca Ecopark
is a protected area that preserves a
major watershed in the southern
Philippine Island of Mindanao in the
Zamboanga Peninsula. It was named
after the village of Pasonanca located
in the city's northern fringes where
the Pasonanca Park, a public eco-
park, and the Abong-Abong Park, a
pilgrimage site, can also be found.
.
 Built
Attractions
 Zamboanga Cathedral.
The first church was originally located at the
front of Plaza Pershing, where the present
Universidad de Zamboanga stands. The church
was designated a cathedral in 1910 when the
diocese of Zamboanga was created. In 1943, the
cathedral was one of the edifices bombarded by
Japanese soldiers during World War II.
 Paseo Del Mar
located very close to the historical landmark
and National Museum known as Fort Pilar.
Paseo Del Mar is also known for its several
restaurants, cafes, and entertainment as well.
The Paseo Del Mar is like the Manila Bay walk
and the evening it is lit up by a beautiful
sunset as well. This is an ideal place with a
great view and good food, where you can
leisurely walk along the promenade.
 Taluksangay Mosque
Was built by Hadji Abdullah Maas Nuno
in 1885 in Barangay Taluksangay in
Zamboanga and is the oldest mosque in
Western Mindanao.
 Cawa-Cawa Boulevard
also known as R.T. Lim Boulevard, is a
must to see while in Zamboanga City to
watch the sunset or several members of
the Sama tribe on board their colorful
vintas while selling various seashells and
corals along shore..
 Jardiin Maria Clara
a garden park named after the late
mayor Maria Clara Lobregat. The
park consists of floral and butterfly
species such as orchids, roses and
colorful butterflies surrounding the
garden. It also has an aviary park for
the avian species such as parrots,
turkeys, and eagles among the birds.
A bronze statue of Maria Clara
Lobregat stands at the entrance of
the garden.
 Zamboanga Golf
and Country Club
is considered as one of the best in
Mindanao. It is a golf course that both
the average and professional golfer
will enjoy. The course has elevated
greens which can be tricky
 Range of Accommodations
(less than P1, 500 per night)

Daniel’s Hotel Hamilton Business Inn Winzelle suites

 Range of Accommodations

(P1,500 to P3,000 per night) (at least P3,000 per night)

Marcian Business Grand Astoria Garden Orchid

Food and
Delicacies
 Biliran
Spanish sardines Lechon Halang- halang

Bas-oy Paklay Balbacua

 Eastern Samar

Tiula itum Satti Curacha

 Leyte
Chicken snake (crispy
Taklobo Kilawin Talaba fried chicken intestines

Ox tail kare kare Liempo

 Negros Oriental

Curacha Satti Baked clams

Seafood paella knickerbocker Lokot-lokot

 Negros Oriental

Pianono Bangbang sug Chicalang

Saging prito Chicken piyanggang

Pasalubong-
Zamboanga
Peninsula
 Chicken Pizza Lokot-lokot Barquillos

Bottled Sardines Bagoong Gata Tarts, Nuts, etc.

 Yakan, Maranao and
Malong Tausug Handicrafts Fresh Seafoods

Fruits Souvenir Items

 Thank
you very
much!