The Zamboanga Peninsula is
Mindanao’s smallest region. Located in Southwest Philippines, its 958 islands
and islets make up the Diadem of the Philippine South. Two bodies of water form
a ring around it, the Sulu Sea to the north and west, the Moro Gulf to the
south.
Three provinces and five cities
make up the Zamboanga Peninsula Region. The provinces of Zamboanga del Norte,
Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay; and the cities of Dapitan, Dipolog,
Pagadian, Zamboanga City, and Isabela. Zamboanga, Pagadian, and Dipolog are the
major hubs of trade, commerce, industry, and education in the region.
The region hosts one freeport and
special economic zone and an international airport in Zamboanga City. Ten other secondary airports operate in the
region.
About a third of the Peninsula’s
population is made up of ethnic communities that give the region its unique
culture and color. These include the
Tausugs, Samals, Yakans, Badjaos, and Subanens. The Tausugs, Badjaos, and
Samals were fishermen; some still roam the seas. The Maranaos and Yakans were
traders and artisans; they’ve left their imprint on traditional weaves and
fabric that are still produced today.
Roughly half of the population
speaks Chabacano, a dialect heavily influenced by Spanish settlers.
Spanish-speakers are sure to pick up on quite a few familiar words.
Each part of the Zamboanga
Peninsula shines on its own, but there is a common heritage. This is a region
of beauty, history and culture. It’s been blessed by nature. It is cherished by
its people.
This is what the early Chinese and
Malays saw when they came over and made Zamboanga the cynosure of Southern
Philippines centuries ago. Up to today, the Zamboanga Peninsula has an
undeniable allure.
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