Isabela City

Isabela City is a 4th class city and the capital of the province of Basilan, Philippines. The
city is located on the northern shore of Basila. Across the Basilan Strait to the north is
Zamboanga City.

History
 

Isabela was first referred to by its ethnic groups (the Yakans, Samal Bangingih, Badjaos
and Tausogs) as “PASANGAN”, which name it still holds among the natives. In 1844 the
Spaniards occupied “Pasangan”, and in July of the following year was named Isabela, in
honor of Queen Isabel II of Spain by Don Ramon Lubo, Marine Chief of Zamboanga and
Don Catyetano Suarez de Fiqueroa, Governor of the District.

During the Spanish regime and the American occupation, Basilan was part of the
Zamboanga Province, which then also included the Province of Zamboanga del Sur and
Zamboanga del Norte. In 1937, the City of Zamboanga brought into existence and made
Basilan as part of the newly created City.

On July 1, 1948 by virtue of Republic Act No. 288, sponsored by then Congressman
Juan S. Alano, Basilan island became a chartered City, separating it from City of
Zamboanga, with three Districts, namely – Isabela, Lamitan and Maluso. Mayor Nicasio
Valderoza was the first appointed  City Mayor, who served until December 31, 1953,
when he retire, Leroy S. Brown took his oath as the next appointive Mayor of the  City,
who later became the first and the last elective Mayor of the City of Basilan.

On December 27, 1973, President Ferdinand E. Marcos issued Presidential Decree No.
356 creating Basilan Province. The Province had three Municipalities: Lamitan, Maluso
and Isabela, the latter being its capital. Basilan City which previously had an area of
about 1,359 square kilometers was left with an area of barely one square kilometer.

On December 2, 1974, P.D. 593 was issued amending P.D. 356 and increasing the area
of Basilan Province to about 3 square kilometers and creating ten municipalities to
comprise the province – Isabela, Lamitan, Maluso, Lantawan, Sumisip, Tipo-
Tipo,Tuburan, Tapiantana, Malamawi and Pilas.

On December 11, 1975, Presidential Decree No. 840 was issued by President Marcos
reducing the number of municipalities comprising the province from ten to seven, namely:
Isabela, Lamitan, Maluso, Lantawan, Sumisip, Tipo-Tipo and Tuburan. The former City of
Basilan and the Municipality of Malamawi were absorbed by the Municipality of Isabela
with an area of about 22,373 hectares.

On December 12, 1975, Atty. Ricardo G. Mon, number one Councilor of the defunct City
of Basilan, took his oath of office as Mayor of the Isabela Municipality before regional
Commissioner Rear Admiral M. Espaldon in Zamboanga City. On January 1, 1976, Atty.
Mon, officially assumed as Mayor of the Municipality of Isabela.

On March 5, 2001 Republic Act No. 9023 “An Act Converting the Municipality of Isabela,
Province of Basilan into a component city to be known as the City of Isabela” was signed
by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.  Then on April 25, 2001 the Isabeleños ratified
Isabela City.

Population/ Language/ Area

 

Even though the island province of Basilan is part of the Autonomous Region of Muslim
Mindanao (ARMM), Isabela City itselt is not part of it but is placed under the Zamboanga

Peninsula region.

While administratively, the island province of Basilan is part of the Autonomous Region in
Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Isabela City itself is in not part of this region and is placed
under the Zamboanga Peninsula region.

The physical feature of the whole area of the city is an irregular, rolling terrain. The
steepest grades of over 60% are found in some parts of the barangays of Menzi, Busay,
Panunsulan, Calvario, Kapayawan and Kapatagan on the main island of Basilan and in
the barangays of Panigayan and Sta. Barbara on the offshore Malamawi Island.

Climate of the whole area is classified under Type III zone with no pronounced rain
periods and short dry season lasting from 1 to 3 months.

As of May 2010, Isabela had a total population of 97,857 living in a total land area of
223.73 km2 (86.38 sq mi). 73% of which profess Christian faith (much are Roman
Catholic) and 27% are Muslims. The biggest ethnic grouping are the Zamboangueño
(from nearby Zamboanga City), followed by the Tausugs (from Sulu), and the Bisaya
(from the rest of MIndanao and the Visayas). There are also other groups such as Yakan,
Samal/Badjao, Maranao, Ilocano, Ilonggo and Tagalog.

Local dialect includes Chavacano, Visayan Tauso and Tagalog.

Products and Services

 
Agricultural products is the major product of the city. These include copra, with annual
production of 10,744.06 tons; rubber with 3,170.10 metric ton; cassava, 1,168.44 tons;
corn, 1,046.56 tons; and rice with 646.3 tons. The marine products follows with a total
annual production of 3,445.6 metric ton. Fruit crops production, such
as lanzones, durian, mangosteenand marang, follows.

Tourist Spots
 

 Kaumpurnah Mosque – historic seat of Islamic faith and teaching in Basilan, can
be seen as you enter the Isabela Channel
 Alano White Beach Resort – located on the northern part of scenic Malamawi
Island, features white sand beaches, day cottages and basic amenities for a day of
fun with family and friends

 Barandino Farm – located on the eastern part of city, it is 12 kilometers from the
main city and has hectares coconut and fruit trees
 Cabunbata Falls – a natural watering hole for the environmentally conscious and
the eco-friendly traveler.
 Cathedral of Santa Isabel de Portugal – it is a seat of the Diocese of Basilan and
Prelature of Isabela, In 1960s this was design as a mod-art style with a distinctively
Classical Roman mosaic for an altar wall.

Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte

History
 

The beginnings of the settlement now known as the city of Dapitan predates the arrival
of the Spanish conquistadores on the island of Mindanao. The Subanens, a nomadic
tribe of Indo-Malayan stock, were the earliest known settlers who lived along river
banks or “suba”, from which word they received their present tribal identity as
Subanen. However, it is believed that the timid Subanens were forced to move further
into the hinterlands of the Zamboanga peninsula out of fear that pirates may seek
shelter during foul weather in the natural harbors of Dapitan’s irregular coastlines.
They are now mainly found in the mountainous areas of Zamboanga del Sur and
Misamis Occidental.

Various historical accounts also indicate that trading voyages and commercial relations
existed with the nascent but thriving settlement of Dapitan. This interaction with traders
from the different cultures in the region may have had some influence on the cultural
evolution of Dapitan itself. The influence of the Spaniards, the Americans, the
Japanese, and the different Visayan ethnolinguistic groups that settled here could not
also be discounted in their contributions toward the evolution and emergence of a
distinctly Dapitanon culture.

Population/ Language/ Area

 

Famous for being the place where the National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal was exiled,
Dapitan City is located on the northeastern coast of Zamboanga Del Norte Province.
Dapitan is bounded on the north by Sulu Sea, on the east by the towns of Sibutad and
Rizal, on the south by La Libertad and Mutia, and on the west by Dipolog City and the
towns of Polanco and Pinan. Terrain is characterized by hills and mountains in the
interior and a narrow coastal plain where the city center is found.

Dapitan has a total land area of 390.5 square kilometers. It is about 650 kilometers
southwest of Manila. It is accessible by air via Dipolog domestic airport which is 15
kilometers away. It can also be reached by boat through its own port. Travelling to
Dapitan using vehicles is made possible through the Roll On Roll Off (RO-Ro) service
of the western Strong Republic Nautical Highway.

Most of the people of Dapitan are migrants from the Visayas provinces and therefore
Cebuano and Ilonggo are the major dialects spoken. English and Tagalog however,
are widely used especially as a medium of instruction and for business and
government transactions. Majority of the residents are Roman Catholics while the rest
belong to the Iglesia Ni Cristo, Protestant, and Islam.

Products and Services

 

Dapitan’s economy is basically anchored on farming, fishing and tourism. Coconut is

the main farm product. Fishing is greatly supported with the fish port in Taguilon
District. With the opening of Pulauan Port to RO-Ro Service, tourist arrivals has greatly
increased.

Business Opportunity
 

Being the main gateway to Mindanao using the western nautical highway and
considering raw materials available, the following industries or businesses are
recommended:

 Hotels and resorts

 Industrial estate and commercial complexes
 Cold storage facilities especially for the fishing industry
 Organic products such as fertilizer and high value commercial crops
 Cut flower and ornamental plants
 Rubber processing – Zamboanga peninsula is a major rubber producer
 Halal foods for export
 seaweed processing – nearby Sulu and Tawi-Tawi are known seaweed
producing provinces
 Oleochemical products – an offshoot of the coconut industry
  Consumer goods such as processed foods, apparel, fashion accessories using
native designs
 jewelry especially pearls

Tourist Spots
 

 Rizal Shrine – this is considered as a major historical landmark in Dapitan and

of the Philippine archipelago where hundreds of visitors come and see for
themselves the beauty of this 16-hectare sanctuary. This was acquired by Dr.
Jose Rizal by purchase during his exile and built several structures like the Casa
Cuadrada, Casa Relonda, CAsa Redonda Pequena, CAsitas Hospitales,
Aquaduct, Mi Retiro Rock, Amphitheater and the Rizalina.
 Ilahan Hill – is where Fort de Daptan was strategically constructed on its top by
the Spanish Government as a military fortress in order to protect and guard
thriving settlements from foreign attacks. At the top of the Ilihan Hill and Foot Trail
at Talisay City Square, tourists will be amazed gazing the panoramic view of
Dapitan.
 Sta. Cruz Beach – was put as a symbol of Christianity when Jesuit priest F.
Pascual Acuna arrived in Dapitan in 1607 and baptized the natives. This is also
the place where Rizal first set his foot in Dapitan. The Sta. Cruz Beach is part of a
clean stretch of beaches of the famous Dapitan Bay also known as the Sunset
Boulevard nestled on the northern section of the poblacion.

Festivals and Celebrations

 

 Kinabayo Festival – which is celebrated every July 25 in the city portrays a

mysterious and colorful pageant re-enacting the Spanish-Moorish Wars, mainly
the Battle of Covadonga where the Spanish forces under GEneral Pelagio took
their stand against Saracan. They were able to overturn the tide through the
miraculous spirit of St. James. The addition of local color and modernism has
made this annual celebration a popular attraction which brings thousands of
tourists to the Dapitan City.

Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte

History
 

During the Spanish regime in 1834, the settlement is already governed by a Spanish
Provincial Government of Misamis. Appointed “Capitan” who is the town executive
together with a “Teniente” and “Aguacil” maintains law and order in the area. As time
goes by, more and more Boholanos, Cebuanos and pioneers from Negros settlers came
to stay in the town. In 1903, Dipolog and other neighboring township were separated and
were annexed to the Provincia Mora which later became Zamboanga province under the
decree approved by the President of the Second Philippine Commission, Judge William
H. Taft. Then on March 4, 1904 an American Provincial Secretary delivered a written
order converting Dipolog into Barangay of Dapitan to be represented by two councilors
and two policemen to maintain peace and order. Residents disapprove of this move, thus
protests were presented. A few years later, Dipolog regained back its township and a
town hall was constructed after a few months.

On July 1, 1913, Dipolog townhood was formally announced from the balcony of the
Town Hall. Then on June 6, 1952, a bill was passed and was later approved as Republic
Act 711 creating Dipolog as the capital of Zamboanga Del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur
with Pagadian as the capital town. It was only on June 1, 1970 when Dipolog officially
became a chartered city by virtue of Republic Act 5520 signed by President Ferdinand E.
Marcos.

Population/ Language/ Area

 

Currently the City has a population of 99,862 people in 20,461 households. The
predominant language used is Cebuano by about 97.00% of the population.

Dipolog City has a total land area of 137 km² or 13,628 hectares, surrounded by hills to
the south and the Pacific Ocean in the north. Dipolog is an agricultural community that
comprises 9,093.99 hectares or 71.82% and 89.538 hectares of fishpond used for
agricultural purposes. Other land use is based on residential which composed of 14.09%
of the total land area, commercial, industrial, and use of institutional facilities. The city
has an elevation of 2.5 meters above the sea level.

Products and Services

 

The City is now is now one of the major options of local and foreign investors. Dipolog is
abundant with economic and natural resources in terms of agriculture with fishpond areas
and fishing grounds; fish production with approximately 56 fish species being produced,
as well as livestock production such as carabao, cattle, horse, goat and pig.

Business Opportunity
 

Potential investment areas range from agri-based processing such as activated charcoal,
dessicated coconut, broiler contract growing, livestock raising, cattle fattening;
construction, furniture, marble, low-cost housing projects, feed mill; food processing or
packaging such as meat and fish processing, mango processing and packaging.

Tourist Spots
 

 3003 Steps to Linabo Peak – This is Dipolog’s highest elevation point – 486
meters above sea level. It has a concrete step winding along a tunnel of verdant
trees that leads to peak. Fourteen Stations of the Cross punctuate the way up. At
the peak, one can find a community chapel for prayer and contemplation and is a
favorite retreat during Lenten season.
 Sicayab Beach – The beach is a seven-kilometer stretch of fine gray sand and is
situated four kilometers away from the city proper. This is a favorite hangout of
foreign and local tourists during holidays and weekend.
  Pamansalan – Oisa Forest Park – This park is a 64-hectare lush forest ideal for
trekkers and nature buffs. The park is a joint project of the City Government of
Dipolog and the OISCA (Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural
Advancement) of Japan and features the Agro-Forestry Training Center, an Eco-
Tech Secondary Education Building and a mini Research Center. Also found in the
park is the famous Sungkilaw Falls.
Pagadian, Zamboang del Sur

History
 

The first settler of the city were the Subanon tribe along its riverbanks and was followed
by the Muslims who settled on the coastal areas which is now the communities of
Muricay, Tawagan Sur and was named “Tolpokan” meaning a place with abundant
springs.

Pagadian was first known as a sition of Margosatubig. On 1934, Director Teofisto

Guingona Sr. was commissioned to find out the possibility of transferring the seat of
governance of the Labangan municipality to another place. A conference was called
together with the datus and the proposed transfer of Labangan government to Pagadian
was greatly opposed by majority of the Christians. Later on the designated committee led
by Datu Balimbingan and with the consent of Datu Macaumbang surveyed the western
part of Pagadian and found Tolpokan as the final place for the transfer of Labangan
government. At the same time Datu Macaumbang donated two hundred sixty hectares of
land to Christians who were willing to transfer to Pagadian. With this recommendation on
March 23, 1937 by virtue of Executive Order no. 77 of the late President Manuel L.
Quezon created the Pagadian municipality.

Then on June 6, 1952 by virtue of Republic Act No. 711, Zamboanga was divided into
into two provinces: Zamboanga Del Sur and Zamboanga Del Norte. It was on September
17, 1952 when the Province of Zamboanga del Sur was formally approved and Pagadian
became its capital town. Pagadian became a chartered city on June 21, 1969 by virtue of
Republic Act No. 5478.

Population/ Language/ Area

 

Rural areas has  a  total  population of  52,196  or 42%.  Overall total population is
approximately 125,182 as of the year 1995. Growth rate is said to be
3.75 persons per hectare or 375 persons per square kilometer.

Pagadian City is consist of 333.8 km2 (128.9 sq mi) land area. About 45% of it is steeply

sloping terrain of hills and mountains on the northwestern portion that covers an
estimated 15,090 hectares. Mt. Palpalan, Mt. Timolan, Mt. Pinokis, and Mt. Sugar Loaf
are the four tallest peaks. Areas in the direct north and central part, have gentle to
moderate slopes, making up 47% of the total. The remaining 8% is level or nearly level
which makes up most of the eastern and the southern parts of the city. The urban area
covers about 845.48 hectares. Elevation of the urban area of the city ranges from 1 MSL
near Pagadian Bay to about 100 MSL in the area of Barangay San Jose.

Products and Services

 
Pagadian City products are seaweeds, coco processing, cassava; manufacture of
furnitures and decors made out of wood, bamboo, rattan, steel and plastic; handicrafts
made out of bamboo, rattan, coco shell, wood, marine shell, ceramics, and weaving.

Tourist Spots
 

 Bomba Beach – this is a 2 kilometer away from the city proper with the ambiance
offering a perfect spot for fishing and swimming. Coral reefs can also be found here.
 Lourder Waterfalls – this is just 32 kilometers away from the city proper. The
place is always visited by the tourists.
 Manga Falls – this is a two layered cascading falls surrounded by huge trees and
a home to white monkeys.

Zamboanga City, Zamboang del Sur

The City of Zamboanga is a highly urbanized city located in Mindanao, Philippines. It is

considered as the 6th most populous and 3rd largest city by land area in the Philippines.

History
 

During the era before the Spaniards found their way into the Philippines, Zamboanga City
was a vast track of land and nameless. However, due to its proximity with the other
islands in Southeast Asia, it became a barter trading post among the Chinese-Malays,
the native Tausugs, Subanons, Samals, and the Badjaos. This barter trading took place
as early as in the 13th and 14th centuries. Archeological findings of pottery prove of
Chinese presence in the region. The inhabitants then were the Subanons along the river
banks in the hinterlands, the Samals and Badjaos living in the coastal areas.

The origin of the word Zamboanga came from the early Malays who came to settle at the
tip of the Zamboanga peninsula. These Malays discovered the place to be profusely
blooming with flowers and called it “Jambangan” meaning “land or pot of flowers.” These
Malays who built their settlements by the riverbanks were Subanons, meaning “People of
the River.” Their chief, Saragan, lived with his family atop the legendary rock Mt.
Pulumbato that lords over the city.

However, the early Badjaos and Samals who settled on and off the shorelines were
confused with the name “Jambangan” and called the place “Samboangan” instead. The
name “Samboangan” appeared on the 16th Century map of the Philippine Archipelago,
and was said to have derived from the native word “Sabuan” meaning a wooden paddle.

Zamboanga City was founded by a Spanish Mission who sailed into the southern part of
the Philippine Archipelago in 1635. The group landed at Caldera Bay, a fishing village
along the west coast, now known as Recodo. The Spanish settlement at La Caldera later
moved to the tip of the peninsula which they found to be strategically located, and a fort
was built to ward off invading natives.

The Federal Government of the United States built the City Hall in Zamboanga in 1905,
which was completed in 1907. It became the official residence of the Military Governor of
Mindanao, which included Generals like Leonard O. Wood, Tasker H. Bliss, Ralph W.
Hoyt, and John “Blackjack” Pershing of World War I fame. Today, it still serves as City
Hall of Zamboanga City.

Population/ Language/ Area

 

Zamboanga City has a total population of 807,129, as of 2010, making it the 6th most
populous city in the Philippines.

Considered as the 3rd largest city in the Philippines, Zamboanga City has a total land
area of 1,483.3849 km2(572.7381 sq mi). The overall topography of the city could be
described as rolling to very steep. There are some flat lands, mostly narrow strips along
the east coast. The urban center is mostly flat with a gentle slope to the interior, ranging
from 0 to 3%. The highest registered elevation is 1,200 metres. In terms of slope, a large
portion of Zamboanga, about 38,000 hectares, have slopes ranging from 18–30%.
Another 26,000 hectares have been described as having slopes pf less than 3% while
about 37% of the area or a total of 52,000 hectares have slopes ranging from 30% to
more than 50%.

Products and Services

 

Zamboanga is noted as the Sardines Capital of the Philippinesbecause 8 out of 11

sardines companies in the country are operating in the city. The canning factories are
converged in the west coast of Zamboanga. Sardine fishing and processing account for
about 70 percent of the city’s economy. Situated at the western tip of the Mindanao
mainland, Zamboanga is a natural docking point for vessels traversing the rich fishing
grounds of the Zamboanga peninsula and the Sulu archipelago. Zamboanga’s eight
canneries, which employ around 15,000 workers, process 1,000 tonnes of sardines daily.

Tourist Spots
 

Numerous landmarks in Zamboanga include Fort Pilar, Great Santa Cruz Island,
Metropolitan Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Pasonanca Park, Paseo del Mar,
Pettit Barracks, and Zamboanga Golf and Country Club.

Festivals and Celebrations

 

The Día de Zamboanga (Day of Zamboanga) is celebrated every February 26, the day

when Zamboanga was declared as a chartered city under the Commonwealth
Government in 1937. The Hermosa Festival, a month-long festival held every October, is
celebrated in honor of the miraculous image of Our Lady of the Pillar, the patroness of
Zamboanga City.

Provinces & Its Capital City

Zamboanga del Norte
Capital: Dipolog City
Zamboanga del Sur
Capital: Pagadian City
Zamboanga Sibugay
Capital: Ipil City
Zamboang City
Isabela City
Dialect: Tausug, Yakan, Badjao, Samal, Subanen, Visayan, Chavacano, Maranao, Maguindanao, Ilongo,
Ilocano
Zamboanga always throbs with the colorful cultures, traditions, and lifestyles of people shaped by the
confluence of native Subano, Malay, Islamic (Yakan, Samal, Tausug and Badjao), Spanish and
American cultures that spanned the course of centuries. Of all these, the Spanish culture had the
strongest impact – about 50% of Zamboangueño culture is anchored on España and its three
centuries of presence.

Love of one’s heritage is typical value, which clearly manifests the extent of Hispanic culture, and
influence among the Zamboangueños.

Despite the authenticity and distinctiveness of the Zamboangueños as a cultural group in the
Zamboanga Peninsula, there is not much that can be identified as indigenous in terms of beliefs and
practices.

All of these cultures, however, are fascinating and form the essence of Zamboanga’s cultural heritage,
unique and the envy of many less fortunate cities and provinces who cannot lay claim to such a
colorful past and history. The diversity of Zamboanga flows together in a single stream – the
Christians and Muslims living in harmony for centuries, the Chinese and the Spanish or American
mestizos transacting the daily business of life, and the women of all races giving Zamboanga the face
of beauty the world has known for many years.

Zamboangueño customs and traditions are quaint and replete with old world courtesy. Modernity
and western influences have somewhat modified them through the years. Among them: the role of
the father as the family model quite strict, specially with daughters, and the mother as the light of the
family whose kingdom was the home; or table manners that required a code of courtesy; the respect
for elders and visitors that saw children relegated to their rooms until guests had left; or the
Zamboangueño who was often called “un hombre de cojones.”

On the other side, though, there are also traits such as misplaced or excessive pride, vanity, jealousy,
boastfulness, and snobbishness that detracted. But put them all together, this was the
Zamboangueño package, like it or not.

The Zamboangueño courtship and traditions are elaborate and regulated by a long list of required
social graces. An example is the fact that a suitor could not sit unless permitted to do so by the lady’s
parents, or the heavy cross-examination of the suitor who had to answer satisfactorily all questions as
to his lineage, credentials, and occupation, or the courtship curfew, the need to cultivate the goodwill
of all the members of the lady’s family.

“Zamboangueño songs” also show much of culture. The songs of love show the need for the harana or
the coutship serenade as well as the limits puts on the expression of love by the norms of culture and
tradition. The Chabacano Song Festival, has produced numerous Chabacano pieces. The Chabacano
Song Festival is one of the events of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival.

2) Na-ay kaban sa pari, Ukbon dili mauli.

{There's a priest's trunk, But when opened, it could not be closed.}

a boat
Zamboanga Peninsula
People
Literature in Region 9
your name
One of the natives of Zamboanga Peninsula are the Samals or Sama. They live in houses built on
bamboo stilts along the seashore and their main occupations are fishing and trading. The Sama are
spread in many parts of Mindanao. In this part of the country, this indigenous group of people is best
known for their skills in boat building, mat weaving, and pearl diving. When not in fishing, some are
engaged in agriculture. Their principal crop is cassava.

Tausug
No te vayas, no te vayas de Zamboanga

Que me puedes, que me puedes olvidar

No te vayas, no te vayas, ni me dejes

Que yo sin ti, no puedo estar

No llores, paloma mia

No llores que volvere

No llores que en cuando llegue

Paloma mia, te escribire

Zamboanga Sibugay

Zamboanga Sibugay contains many remnants from the past as an East-West trading port. It is a
shopper's paradise, where local handicrafts and foreign goods are sold. The main attraction is Fort
Pilar, built in 1635 for protection against local and foreign invaders, but was eventually converted into
a shrine for Our Lady of the Pilar. Other attractions include Plaza Pershing and Pettit Barracks. The
main natural attraction is Santa Cruz Island, known for its pinkish sand beach.

Zamboanga Peninsula
Samal by Ben Nillo (English)
Subanen
a flood
a pen
earrings
FESTIVALS
IN
REGION 9
Samal

1. Descallar, Antonio
- Born on Hunyo 15, 1952

- Now before the conqueror

2. Enrique, Antonio

- Sumulat ng maikling kwento tungkol sa mga Kristiyano at Muslim sa Timog na nakatagpo at

nakasalamuha niya sa buhay.

= Ang kanyang matingkad na pananaw sa mga tao at lugar sa simpleng salita, ay ang kanyang istilo.

3. Enriquez, Egmidio Alvarez

- Sinulat ang nobelang “The House of Juan” na hindi naipalimbag

- Noong 1956 sinulat niya ang kanyang kauna-unahang nobelang “The Devil Flower”

Writers in Region 9
The Tausugs are Muslim natives of the Sulu Archipelago. They practice the tenets of Islam. They
attend services in the mosque and say their prayers five times a day.Culturally speaking, the Tausugs
can be distinguished from other groups of Filipinos. We can say that the Tausugs have adapted
Western ways of dressing. This is because education and travel have greatly influenced their lives. Of
course, it is observed that Tausugs greatly appreciate their native dress particularly the “sablay” of the
women. As a matter of fact, the Tausug men and women

5) Ang dahon na-a sa bunga, Ang bunga na-a sa dahon.

{The leaves are on the fruit, The fruits is on the leaves.}

6) May ligon nga balay, Ang haligi atua sa taas, Ang atop atua sa ubos, Ang ulan gikan usab sa ubos?

{What house has post on top, A roof at the bottom, While the rain comes from below?}

Zamboanga Peninsula
4) Mohilak, apan walay mata, Molakaw, apan walay tiil.

{It cries without eyes, it walks without feet.}

Zamboanga Del Sur

Pagadian City in Zamboanga Del Sur is a harbor cove that was the center of barter trading among the
Malays, Chinese and the local Tausugs, Samals, Subanons and Badjaos in the 13th Century. It also has
plenty of natural attractions like the waterfalls at Pulacan, Lourdes, Lison Valley and Manga, the
beaches at Muricay, Bomba, Poloyagan, Tukuran and White Beach, the caves at Manga and Kendis,
and the mountains of Pinokis and Susong Dalaga. Lakewood is regarded as one of the best, unspoiled
natural spots in the country.

Literary Forms
an egg
People
NO TE VAYAS DE ZAMBOANGA
Songs of Zamboanga
Literary Forms
KINABAYO FESTIVAL IN DAPITAN
It is celebrated every July 25 in Dapitan City,Zamboanga Del Norte Philippines. It re-inacting Spanish
Moorish Wars,mainly called a battle of Covadonga where the Spanish forces under General Pelagio
took their last stands againts Sacaran.
SINULOG FESTIVAL IN DAPITAN
Sinulog Festival is to celebrate and honor for Santo NiÑo. The main features of it is the street
parade,with participants wearing bright and colorful costumes dancing to the rhythm of
drums,trumpets, and native gongs.
The Badjaos are called “Sea gypsies” because they move with the wind and the tide on their small
houseboats called vintas. They live in boathouses or in bamboo stilt houses along the coast of the
little islands of the peninsula. Even up to the present, many badjaos still live in boathouses. They use
“saguan” to push their boats in the water. They are likewise excellent swimmers. Because of their
great experience in diving, they can stay underwater longer than most casual swimmers.Some people
have the impression that the Badjaos aimlessly wander from island to island.

BUGTONG
sky
Without shirt, without shorts

Toto shouts:

“Sencilio, Sencilio!”

Like a beggar with open palm ---

While standing in an old banca.

It’s a familiar scene

at Zamboanga’s wharf;

While viewing the window of the boat:

The water is clear ---

But not Toto’s future.

When Toto shouted,

He got the passenger’s attention.

Someone threw a coin

Toto jumped ---

He dived into the salted water

For that small change:

Though the sea is deep

but happiness of the people --- shallow

4. Acas, Olivia

- Baguhan pa lamang siya sa larangan ng pagsusulat ng tula, ngunit ang kanyang mga naisulat ay
naipalimbag na sa palimbagan.

5. Jubair, Ibrahim A.
- kauna-unahang fictionist sa Zamboanga

Ginawaran ng Presedential Certificate of Merit in Literature for teaching the Filipino-Muslim sa

kanyang panahon

6. Villa, Gonzalo

- Manunulat ng maikling kwento

- Una niyang kwento ang “When death Struck”

- Nagwagi sa Pambansang Paligsahan

7) Hikit-an sa tanang adlaw, Apan dili nimo makamkam.{You can see it everyday, But cannot touch it
at will.}

SIBUG-SIBUG FESTIVAL SIBUGAY

Celebrated during their foundation day in their province of Sibugay on February 26. Having a colorful
ethinic street dancing with rituals illustrating good harvest, and healing rituals. They endoreses also
their number one product the oyster or talaba. It is the biggest and the meatiest oyster in the country.
Badjao
Zamboanga Hermosa, preciosa perlita

Orgullo de Mindanao

Tus bellas dalagas son las que hermosean

Tu deliciosa ciudad

Flores y amores que adornan tu jardin

Eres la imagen del bello eden;

Zamboanga hermosa, preciosa perlita

Orgullo de Mindanao

Zamboanga Del Norte

Dipolog is the capital of Zamboanga del Norte Province. The main attractions include the Holy Rosary
Cathedral and Linabo Peak. Natural attractions include Sicayab Beach, and Pamansalan Oisca Forest
Park and Waterfalls. Dapitan is a twin city of Dipolog and considered as "The Shrine City of Western
Mindanao" because it is where Dr. Jose Rizal spent five years in exile from 1892 and 1896. The Rizal
Shrine is the major attraction and contains the main residence, two clinics, a schoolhouse,
amphitheater, and the Rizalania, a modern building with various Rizal memorabilia. Other attractions
in Dapitan include the Catholic Rectory and St. James Church, Dapitan Bay and Dakak Cove. Other
attractions in the province include Alano Beach and Bayangan, Silinog and Aliguay Islands.

The Tausug language is called "Sinug" with "Bahasa" to mean Language. The Tausug language is
related to Bicolano, Tagalog and Visayan languages, being especially closely related to the Surigaonon
language of the provinces Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur and the Butuanon
language of northeastern Mindanao specially the root Tausug words without the influence of the
Arabic language, sharing many common words. The Tausug, however, do not consider themselves as
Visayan, using the term only to refer to Christian Bisaya-language speakers, given that the vast
majority of Tausugs are Muslims in contrast to its very closely related Surigaonon brothers which are
predominantly Roman Catholics. Tausug is also related to the Waray-Waray language. Tausug also
speak Zamboangueño Chavacano, other Visayan languages (especially Cebuano language because of
the mass influx of Cebuano migrants to Mindanao), and Tagalog in the Philippines; Malay in the
Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia; and English in both Malaysia and Philippines as second
languages.

Songs of Zamboanga
Zamboanga Peninsula
9) Didto ang buno, Dinhi ang dugo.

{The murder happened there, But the blood flowed here.}

3) Ako, apan dili ko magamit, Laing tao ang mogamit.

{I own it, but I don't use it}

Customs and Traditions

1. ECONOMY

It has the first export-processing zone in Mindanao. Farming and fishing are the main economic
activities of the region. It also has rice and corn mills, oil processing, coffee berry processing and
processing of latex from rubber. Its home industries include rattan and furniture craft, basket making,
weaving and brass work.

2. RESOURCES

The region has vast forest resources and previously used to export logs, lumber, veneer and plywood.
Mineral deposits include gold, chromite, coal, iron, lead, and manganese. Among its non-metallic
reserves are coal, silica, salt, marble, silica sand, and gravel. Its fishing grounds are devoted to
commercial and municipal fishing. It has also aqua farms for brackish water and freshwater fishes.

Literary Forms
a cave
EPIC (ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA)
People
BUGTONG
ZAMBOANGA HERMOSA FESTIVAL
It is popurlarly known as Fiesta Pilar, held to honor of the miraculos image of Our Lady of Pilar at the
legendary Fort Pilar. Zamboanga displays her devotion with nine-night procession, there are also
fireworks,an ethnic parade,cultural show,regatta,and the most highlight is the MISS ZAMBOANGA
parade.It is celebrated on October 1 to 12.
Poetry in Region 9
BUGTONG
Ag Tobig Nog Keboklogan (The Kingdom of Keboklogan) -is an adventure of Hero Taake.
Considered as one of the oldest epic s of the Subanon of Zamboanga, the "guman" or epic is chanted
during "Buklog" or Festivals.
The epic begins with Timoyaw's quandary as to how to support his wife who is about to give birth. He
decides to earn money by being a whetter of tools in the neighboring villages. He leaves Sirangaan
with his assistant Kasangolan and fifteen datus. However, their boat refuses to move until Timoway
beheads one of his companions.
ZAMBOANGA HERMOSA
English Version:

Don’t you go, don’t you go to far Zamboanga

Where you may forget your darling far away

Don’t you, oh don’t you, for if you leave me

How can I, without you stay?

Oh weep not, my dear Paloma

Oh weep not, for I’ll return

Oh weep not my little darling

I shall remember and I shall yearn.

The original people of Zamboanga were the Subanen of Indonesian origin who came at about 2,000 to
6,000 years ago. They were coastal people who believe in the spirit of their ancestors and the forces
of nature. When the Muslims arrived, they were pushed into the hinterlands and lived along the
riverbanks. Thus, the name “Suba,” meaning people of the river. The Subanens who communicate
through their Subano language prefer and wear colorful clothes and accessories. Black, red, and white
are their favorite colors. The women often wear red earrings that match with beaded necklaces. Like
other tribes, Subanens have their own entertainment or way of enjoying life. They like music. The
Ginarang or Migboat, Basimba, Gatagan and Sirdel or Sumumigaling are some of their songs. These
are sung with the accompaniment of their instruments like Gong, Kutapi, Sigitan, Lantoy, Kulaying and
Tambubok.

Antonio Reyes Enriquez is the author of several books of short

stories and novels.Heq was born in Barangay Labuan, Zamboanga
city in 1936. He was educated at a local Jesuit school in Zamboanga.
His parents wanted him to study medicine and sent him to a
university in Manila, but after several years, he returned to
Zamboanga City without a college degree. Enriquez later did various
jobs like writing a news and other features for various news papers
and magazines. He also joined a surveying company in Cotabato
where his experience provided him settings and characters for his
novel Surveyors of the Liguasan Marsh. Antonio Enriquez won a
writing fellowship award which brought him to Siliman University
where he graduated with a liberal degree in creative writing.

In 1982 and 1993 Enriquez won the Don Carlos Palanca Memorial
grand prize for Literature.The Palanca award is considered as the
most prestigious award for literature in the country.

In 1996,Antonio Enriquez was recognized with the Pambansang

Alagad ni Balagtas Award for Fiction in English by the Unyon ng mga
Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL) or Writer’s Union of the Philippinesity
where he graduated with a liberal degree in creative writing.

In 1982 and 1993 Enriquez won the Don Carlos Palanca Memorial
grand prize for Literature.The Palanca award is considered as the
most prestigious award for literature in the country.

In 1996,Antonio Enriquez was recognized with the Pambansang

Alagad ni Balagtas Award for Fiction in English by the Unyon ng mga
Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL) or Writer’s Union of the Philippines
In 2000, Antonio Enriquez was presented by the Thai royal family
with the S.E.A Write Award in Bangkok, Thailand. In 2013, The Fr.
Eduardo Hontiveros Sj Award for culture and arts was awarded to
him by the Ateneo de Zamboanga University.

According to The Chronicle (a newspaper in Australia), this collection

of short stories is cast in an unusual setting-the island of Mindana, its
principal city of Zamboanga and the rural and coastal areas.

The stories are characterized by the strength of atmosphere, a

forceful fluidity of style and a deep perceptiveness as they delineate
the various types of people- the simple, humble fishermen with their
fears of superstitions, the struggling farmers, the city- bred types with
their different problems-all with their loves and hates, ambitions and
often bitter memories.

There is love, faithfulness and unfaithfulness, conflict and death in

the stories, which have action, colour and commentary on a way of
life not different from ours. The author of these often stark tales of the
Philippines is himself a Zamboangueño.

The short stories and novels of Antonio Enriquez were published

here in the Philippines and abroad. Most of his writings won
international acclaims and some of his short stories were translated
to German and Korean. Here are some of his works:

Surveyors of the Liuasan marsh –  South of the city of Cotabato

lies the famed Liguasan marsh, on the southern Philippine island of
Mindanao. It is probable that the author who worked for a time with a
surveying company in the province of Cotabato has taken his
material from actual experiences, but the episode in the novel
whether whether the or in the hinterland depict less of the charm and
hospitality of Zamboanga in particular than of the tensions and
frustations of people that part of the world. Strong antagonism is
seen between christians and muslims and the novel while not all
sentimental reflects the point of view of the christians.

Subanons – Published in 1993 depicts the lives of the Subanons in

Mindanao at the height of the government’s military campaign
against NPAs. The Subanons are not merely caught in this crossfire;
they are singled out as the primary casualties of war. Their days are
fraught with a violence against which their only recourse are their
values and their gods.

The novel Subanons by Antonio Reyes Enriquez is a fact-based

occurring in the Zamboanga Peninsula, Mindanao during the Marcos’
regime. At a surface level, the main theme is to expose the conflicting
situation of the Subanons being sandwiched between NPAs demand
for revolutionary taxes and the Military’s inhuman and unjust killing of
innocent residents of the Zamboanga Peninsula. Other themes could
include the tension between solidarity and individuality, between
rational and emotional reactions, preservation of cultural and
personal values and strong faith in their gods amidst the terror of
torture and death.
In the novel, Subanons, adults and children were tortured mercilessly
and brutally killed by military with high powered rifles creating holes
on helpless bodies. It happened after the brave Datu was executed
by the guerillas. Atrocious killings followed after the datu’s nephew
was caught with a WWW II grenade vintage which he brought with
him to show off to his friends. The boy was made to name names
that should be included in the hotlist as rebels. The Mayor of that
town ordered the murder of all these people in the list.

Unseen war is collection of short stories, landscaped in Zamboanga

peninsula and Maguindanao in the 17th century Spanish colonial
days; conflict with religion, tradition and costum and a war fought
between spears, arrows and long knives as only war could only be
fought between Moro and Christian warriors in the olden days.
For me, the stories that Antonio Enriquez wrote is worth reading . I
have learn a lot of things while reading his novels. I personally
believe that some of his novels are the keys in understanding the
cultures and present events that is happening right now in Mindanao.

Emigdio Alvarez Enriquez was born in the year 1925. He is a Filipino by birth. He started writing at the
age of 20. He is a novelist, story writer, and playing with. Among his famous literary works are Blood
on the Moon, A tale of Two Houses, Cachil Kudarat (Sultan of Mindanao) or Cachil Corrala, and Labaw,
Donggon. All of this short stories won palangca awards in the year.

Elementary and Secondary at Ateneo de Zamboanga. Gained his A.B. at Arellano University. Went on
to study and gain a "Master of Fine Arts Degree in Creative Writing" at the state University of lawa
though an International Scholarship and a Fulbright Grant. Earned a Guggenheim Fellowship which he
used to travel around Europe. He then studied in the Universidad Central de Madrid on a Zobel de
Ayala Grant. His short stories began to appear in countless publication as early as 1939.

Fellowships in Yaddo foundation, N.Y.; EdwardMacDowell Colony, N.H,; Huntington Hartford

Foundation, CA. When he came back to the Philippines, he taught and directed at the University of
the East for some years, then went on to teach at De La Salle University.

The white horse of alih is a story that examines a discrimination based on race and religion. It started
when the two brothers tried to kill the people celebrating the friendship day. It confuses Alih whether
he will do it or not. They want to kill those people because they want to wash away their shame and
gain respect. Then, Alih saw Fermina standing on a float while he waits for his brother. Eventually, his
brother Omar came and he is drunken. His brother came to Fermina but Alih blocked his way and
killed his brother. He protected Fermina. It came to his mind that his white horse doesn't matter.
What matters most to him is the girl he loved.

Another is The Devil Flower. According to the readers, "This is impressive first novel. The Devil Flower
has much of the brooding tragedy of a folk tale, frankly explicite sexual scenes and considerable
humor and quit with. Mr. Enriquez' tecnique"

" A skillful and absorbing first novel. Mr. Enriquez writes colorfully, sometimes, perhaps, too lushly,
yet clearly brings to life the island ways"
"THE DEVIL FLOWER emerges with poignant clarity. Ordained by her contemporary villagers as a
paragon of purity, the sexual flowering of the attractive Ercelia is met with self-flagellation"

"Her simultaneous death and consummation are filled with dark and passionate overtones of
medieval Catholicism and Eastern eroticism."

For me The writing is simple yet magically presents real people in a real place. If I had to rate it from
1-5 I would rate it as a 4.

THE DOLL
. 4. Characters • Narciso -son of Doña Enchay and Don Endong -also called as
Sising by his mother but as Boy by his father -Protagonist -Round character •
Doña Enchay - Mother of Narciso -Wife of Don Endong -Flat character • Don
Endong -Father of Narciso -Husband of Doña Enchay -Flat character
. 5. Setting • The setting of the story happened at their house. • It is depicted in
1953 • Social Context • People misunderstand him. They taught he was a girl
because he is always playing with the doll given to him by his mother and also for
having a long hair. • Her mother prayed to Our Lady of Fatima because she
wants him to be a girl.
. 6. Plot Synopsis • He was christened Narciso and his mother “Doña Enchay”
called him Sising but “Don Endong” or his father wants to called him “Boy”. It all
started when Narciso found the doll inside the cabinet of his mother. And his
mother wants him to look like a girl even though he is a boy. Don Endong are
always arguing Doña Enchang because she pushes Narciso to be look like a girl.
. 7. • Because Don Endong wants to give the rights to Narciso to be a boy and not
to be embarrassed to the people. So his father broke the doll for Narciso for him
to be a boy. People are always think that he is a girl so when he becomes a
matured his father are always there to say that he still a boy and still he can do
 what he want and he can decide by his own. Also, have the right to love a girl and
to build his own family with someone. Plot Synopsis
. 8. Plot Type & Plot Device • For plot type, the author used a classic plot because
the author begins the story with an introduction or the background of what was
happening in the protagonist’s life. • For plot device, the author used flashbacks
because in the story, they depicted flashbacks on what happened in the past.
. 9. Story Triangle
. 10. Conflict • The conflict in the selection is Man vs. Self because he didn’t know
what his real gender is and he just depends on the thought of his father because
he can’t think by himself.
. 11. Theme • The theme of the selection is “What you see is what you do.” In
order for Boy to be accepted as a real man he based on his father's teachings, he
brutalizes the woman in the story. He became aggressive in order to please his
father even though he is having a hard time dealing with his gender.
. 12. Symbolism • The doll -symbolizes gender inequality where the gays and the
lesbians were always been tormented in the society. -it also symbolizes his
appearance because of his mothers wants. But it is not the reason why you
should not follow what do you want to be.
. 13. Point of Views • The point of view of the short story is third person point of
view because the point of view narrated by the author. The author did not use
pronouns such as I, You and We which are depicting first and second person
point of view.

Mga Manunulat ng Rehiyon IX

Antonio Descallar
Isinilang sa Sindangan Zamboanga noong Hunyo 15, 1952.Nag-aral sa isang
pampublikong paaralan  at nagtapos ng kanyang pag-aaral sa  Misamis Occidental
Institute at sa College of law sa AU.Nagwagi siya ng unang gantimpala sa timpalak
ng pagsulat ng tula na ginanap noong 1949.Kauna-unaha niyang tula na napalimbag
ay ang “Now Before the Conqueror”.
Antonio Enrique
Siya ay sumulat ng mga maikling kwento tungkol sa mga kristiyano at mga Muslim sa
Timog na nakatagpo at nakasalamuha niya sa buhay,tungkol sa probinsya,bayan at
mga baryong kanyang tinitirhan at binibisita at tungkol sa mga obserbasyon at mga
karanasan.Tumanggap siya ng dalawang gantimpala sa Palanca sa kanyang maikling
kwento sa 
Ingles,ikatlo noong 1969,una noong 1973.Pinalimbag ng writers Association of
Dumaguete City ang kanyang unang aklat ang “Spot On Their Wings”.
Ignacio Alvarez Enrique
Pinanganak sa Zamboanga City kung saan din niya tinapos ang  kanyang pre-
college education.Pumunta sa AU,kung saan niya natapos ang AB degree(1951) at
matapos iyon ay nag-aral siya  sa University of IOWA.Bilang iskolar narrating niya
ang University of Madrid.Pinagkalooban siya ng salapi ng pamilya Zobel de
Ayala.Mula noon sinimulan niyang sulatin ang kanyang nobelang “ The House Juan”
na hindi naipalimbag.Dalawa sa kanyang maikling kwento ay nagwagi sa Philippine
Free Press Short Story Contest.”Death of a House”,ikalawang gantimpala,1951 at
“The Doll”,ikatlong gantimpala. Noong Pebrero 20, 1971 ay ipinalabas sa UE sa
Auditorium ang dulang “As Between Two Mirrors” na kanyang isinulat at hinango sa
kanyang nobela.Ang iba pang aklat niya na naipalimbag ay ang “Three Philippine
Epic,Plays at House of Images”(1953), at ang The White House of Ali at Other
Stories”(1985).
Olivia Acas
Baguhan pa lamang siya sa larangan ng pagsusulat ng tula ngunit ang kanyang mga
naisulat ay naipalimbag na sa palimbagan.
Ibrahim A. Jubair

Siya ang kauna-unahang fictionist ng Zamboanga na ginantimpalaan ng Presidential

Certificate of Merit in Literature for Teaching the Filipino-Muslim sa kanyang
panahon.Bukod sa pagiging manunulat ng tula at mamamahayag  isa rin siyang
kolumnista sa isang pahayagan ng Zamboanga City at editor ng Cresent Review.Ang
aklat I Jubaira ay ipinalimbag hindi lang ng Free Press Pacific Quarterly(South Korea)
at ng The Times of Ceylon.

Gonzalo Villa
Isang manunulat ng maikling kwento at mananalaysay,ipinanganak sa Zamboanga
City ng isang maykayang pamilya .Naging news editor siya ng Atenean ,isang
pampaaralang pahayagan na siyang pinaglathalaan ng ilang mga akda niya.Una
niyang kwento ang “When Death Struck”.Nagwagi siya sa Pambansang Paligsahan sa
pagsulat ng sanaysay noong 1946,ito’y pinamagatang “The Role of America in the
Rehabilitation of the Philippines”.Kabilang sa mga sinulat niyang nagwagi ng
gantimpala ay ang Footnoteof America at pinalitan niya ng “Death of Illusion”,
“Barrio Miracle”, “A Voice of Rama”.