ZAMBOANGA CITY

Languages

Zamboanguenyo (Chavacano) "de facto", English Dialects Hiligaynon, Cebuano, Tausug, Subanon, Samal, Spanish, Tagalog, Chinese Area 1,480 km sq, Zip code 7000

General Information

The City of Zamboanga is a highly-urbanized city located on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. It is one of the first chartered city, 6th most populated city and the 3rd largest city in the country in terms of land area. Zamboanga City is also one of several cities in the Philippines that are independent of any province. The word Zamboanga is an evolution of the original Subanon word - Bahasa Sug jambangan, which means garden. It was in Zamboanga that Christianity gained a foothold in Mindanao. The Archdiocese of Zamboanga covered all of Mindanao, except Sulu where Islam and the Tausug culture proved every bit as dynamic as Spain's influence. The name of the city was first given by their early inhabitants, the Malays. They have discovered the place blossoming with flowers and they named it "Jambangan" or "land/pot of flowers". But the other inhabitants of the land where puzzled with Jambangan and instead called it "Samboangan" that means a wooden paddle. The most dominant religion is Christianity with 75%-85% adhering to the faith. The majority of which are Roman Catholics. The remaining percentage belongs to other non-Christian faiths (Islam, Buddhism, etc). Muslim immigrants or visitors from the islands south of the Zamboanga Peninsula (Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan) compose much of the Muslim population in the city.

Geography

The City of Zamboanga is located at the southernmost tip of the Zamboanga Peninsula. It is approximately 460 nautical miles south of Manila, 365 nautical miles northeast of Kota Kinabalu Malaysia, 345 nautical miles northeast of Menado (Indonesia), bounded to the west by Sulu Sea, on the east by the Moro Gulf, on the south by the Basilan Strait and Celebes Sea and on the north Zamboanga Del Norte and Zamboanga Sibugay. Its distance from Cebu City is about 372.57 nautical miles, and is 340.17 nautical miles from Davao City. The city is situated in Mindanao, the second giant of the archipelago of all the land mass of the Philippines. The city is situated at the southernmost tip of the Zamboanga Peninsula, in the island of Mindanao, Philippines. It is approximately within the 1210 53' 50'' and 1220 23' 25'' east longitude and 60 53' 50'' and 70 29' 20'' North. The city commands the sea lanes of southwestern Philippines, and is the nearest major urban center to the ASEAN neighbors: Malaysia, Brunei, Sarawak and Singapore; and through them, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and southern China.

Economy

The Zamboanga economy is largely agricultural and aquacultural-based. Agriculture and fishing provide activity and income to 70 percent of the population in whole Mindanao even in the Philippines. Zamboanga is the Center of Trade, Business and Industry in Zamboanga Peninsula Region and even the island of mindanao.It is the seat of the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority (popularly known as Zamboecozone).

Culture

There is more to Zamboanga than this. As far back as the 13th and 14th centuries, it was already a trading center with a vibrant culture of its own, emblazoned against the horizon in the vivid colors of the native vinta sails that fluttered gaily off its shores. And when the Castillan flag of Spain first appeared in the horizon off Caldera Bay (now Recodo) in 1593, Zamboanga opened another epoch in its colorful heritage, one that would leave a legacy so rooted that from it would spring much of the city's romance and allure.

Climate

Zamboanga City enjoys a location free from the typhoon belt area. March to May is hot and dry, with temperature at 22 degrees Celsius. June to October is rainy. November to February is cool, with temperatures ranging from 22 degrees Celsius to 28 degrees Celsius. Average humidity year-round is 77%.

Transportation

Land Transportation and Government Projects - The common mode of transportation in Zamboanga is by a Bus, Jeepney or a Tricycle and taxi service. International Seaport - The Port of Zamboanga. International Airport - The local airport. Level of Security Moderate Level