BASIC FACTS
Origin of Name
The evolution of the name Zamboanga
provides an interesting insight into its historical background. The early
Malay settlers called the region Jambangan which means City
of Flowers. These Malays who built their settlements by the river banks
were the Subanons, that is People of the River.
Their chief, Saragan, lived with his family atop the legendary Mount
Pulumbato that today continues to tower over Pasonanca and Climaco Freedom
Parks. Later, the Samals and the Badjaos who came all the way in their
vintas also settled here, building their frail huts along the shorelines
and confused Jambangan with Samboangan. Samboangan
comes from the word sabuan, the wooden pole which they used to help push
their vintas in shallow waters or to ready these for mooring.
Geography
The city of Zamboanga is on the
southermost tip of the Zamboanga Peninsula and within the Southwestern
Mindanao region. It is bounded on the north by the provinces of Zamboanga
del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur, on the east by the Moro Gulf, the south
by the Basilan Strait and Celebes Sea, and on the west by the Sulu Sea.
The territorial jurisdiction of the city includes the islands of big and
small Sta. Cruz, Tictabon, Sacol, Manalipa, Tumalutap, Vitali, as well as
other numerous islands.
The total land area of the city is recorded to be 463.5 square kilometers.
Climate
The city has a naturally mild climate with a pronounced dry or wet season.
It is relatively dry from November to May, wet during the rest of the
year.
Tropical cyclones or typhoons rarely affect the city because it is
particularly outside the typhoon belt.
Ethnic Distinctions
About 35.8 percent of the region's population is composed of cultural
members. These cultural minority groups, although classified under the
general heading of Muslims, are actually distinct from each other in
culture. They are generally into the following:
 |
Subanons | |
Tausugs |
|
Badjaos | |
Yakans |
|
Samals |
Languages/Dialects
Spoken
The major languages spoken in the city are Chavacano, Tausug, Samal,
Cebuano and Ilonggo. The imprint of the Castillan heritage is found in
Chavacano, the native dialect which is 70 percent Spanish and the
remaining 30 percent an amalgam of other native dialects.
Major
Industries
Zamboanga City has vast tracts of
agricultural land and borders rich fishing grounds which contribute to the
dominance of agriculture and fishing as main livelihood sources for
residents. Coconut crude oil and canned tuna are the area's top dollar
earners. Agricultural crops include rice and corn, cassava, bananas,
vegetables, and coconuts. Livestock and poultry production has accelerated
through the years. So have commercial, municipal and inland fishing. Major
sea products include tuna and like species, herring, sardines, anchovies
and mackerel, as well as shrimps, prawns, squid, crabs, lobsters and
cuttlefish. Minor products include bangus and sugpo fry, seaweeds, sea
cucumbers and ornamental shells.
Unique
Customs and Traditions
The Spanish regime had a considerable influence on the way of life of
Zamboangueños. However, the culture blends well with both Islamic and
Western influences.