As the name implies, Zamboanga del Norte has two cities, Dipolog and Dapitan, which are rich in history and culture. Dapitan is dubbed as the ‘Shrine Capital of the Philippines’ since this is where Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal stayed in exile and brought progressive changes in the city. Dipolog on the other hand is known as the ‘Orchid City’ since most households have this plant growing in their yard.
Here in Zamboanga del Norte, history, culture, and progress blend well together. Aside from cultural and historical landmarks, the province has started to show signs of progress and development brought about by the rise of tourism in the province. Soon, Zamboanga del Norte will become one of the prime destinations in the country.
Demographics
1. Population – 907, 238 (as
of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area – 7, 301 sq. km
3. Capital – Dipolog City
4. Language/Dialect – Chavacano, Cebuano, English, and Filipino
5. Divisions
Cities (2)
- Dapitan City
- Dipolog City
Municipalities (25)
- Leon B. Postigo (Bacungan)
- Baliguian
- Godod (17)
- Gutalac
- Jose Dalman (Ponot)
- Kalawit
- Katipunan
- La Libertad
- Labason
- Liloy
- Manukan
- Mutia
- Piñan (New Piñan)
- Polanco
- Pres. Manuel A. Roxas
- Rizal
- Salug
- Sergio Osmeña Sr.
- Siayan
- Sibuco
- Sibutad
- Sindangan
- Siocon
- Sirawai
- Tampilisan
Dapitan Shrine/Rizal Shrine
Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal spent his last four
years in exile in Dapitan from 1982 – 1986. Here, he spent most
of his time as a scientist, physician, teacher, scholar and writer, artist,
farmer and even businessman.
Gloria de Dapitan
It is a commercial business center which boasts of world-class
facilities such as amusement parks, bowling centers, shopping centers,
and theater.
Dakak Park and Beach Resort
The very popular Dakak Beach is most known for its beautfiully
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.
Cultural
Tulwanan Village
Location: Sitio Tulwanan, Brgy. Lugdungan, Dilolog City, Zamboanga
del Norte
It was the original settlement of Dipolog's early inhabitants,
the Subanons. It is located about six kilometers from the city proper and
along Dipolog River, through which the Subanons transported their products
to trading posts and markets in the early days.
Rizaliana Museum
Location: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
It is a modern concrete building constructed in 1972, which
houses all Rizaliana books, periodicals, and other historical exhibits.
Part of it also serves as the office of the Rizal Shrine curator.
Historical
Rizal Shrine
Location: Brgy. Talisay, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s more or less sixteen (16) hectares estate has
been declared a national shrine and is being administered by the National
Historical Institute. By the year 2020, Dapitan is poised to become the
Dr. Jose Rizal Heritage Center of the Philippines, owing to the wealth
of Rizal memorabilia and memorable places associated with the hero.
Dapitan City Plaza
Location: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
Occupying an area of more or less one hectare (2.711 acres),
the Dapitan City Plaza was developed and beautified by Dr. Jose Rizal,
the Philippines' National Hero, with the assistance of Gov. Carcinero.
His plan had been to make it comparable to the plazas he had seen in Europe.
Relief Map of Mindanao
Location: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
The area is more or less, 900 square meters in size. Dr. Rizal
made this map from August to September 1892 assisted by Francisco Paula
de Sanchez, Rizal’s favorite teacher in Ateneo de Manila. It was
intended as a motivating device for teaching geography and history to his
pupils in Dapitan.
Casa Redonda
Location: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
It is an octagonal dwelling that served as the quarters for
Dr. Jose Rizal's pupils. Later converted to a clinic, it was here that
George Tauter, the foster father of Josephine Bracken, had his eye operation.
Casa Cuadrada
Location: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
It is the main house that served as the residence of Dr. Jose
Rizal together with members of his family, who came to visit him every
so often. It has been faithfully reconstructed using its original light
native materials.
Casa Real Marker
Location: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
In this area stood the official residence and administration
building of Don Ricardo Carnicero, the politico-military governor in Dapitan
during the Spanish regime. The Casa Real had a similar structure as the
City Hall, except that the Casa Real had three balconies: one in front,
one each in the left and right side. It was demolished in the 1920’s
to give way for the construction of a medical personnel dormitory of the
old Rizal Memorial Hospital by the Americans.
Our Lady of the Holy Rosary
Cathedral
Location: Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte
Constructed by the Spanish friars sometime in 1894, records
show that the original altar was designed by Dr. Jose Rizal, the sketch
of the altar was patterned after that of San Ignacio Church in Manila.
Monument of Three Prominent Dipolognons
Location: Dipolog City Hall, Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte
The monument features three Dipolognons who have made a mark in the
history of the province.
- Hon. Pascual T. Martinez - the first municipal mayor of Dipolog (1913-1918). He was later elected Municipal Mayor in 1918 following the First General Election of Dipolog and served until 1921.
- Rev. Fr. Nicasio Y. Patangan - First Filipino Diocesan Priest of Mindanao. Appointed Parish Priest of Dipolog in May 1940 and served the office until 1967.
- Eugenio R. Margate - He discovered the Margate System Of Planting Rice. Authored the book "Humay", 100 Kabanes Matag Hektarya." He was declared by Free Press as "Man Of The Year" in 1954. He served as Technical Assistant in the field of Agriculture during the Administration of Presidents Ramon Magsaysay and Carlos P. Garcia.
Filipino-Japanese Memorial Marker
Location: Brgy Dicayas, Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte
A World War II memorial stands over a battleground where Filipino and Japanese
soldiers clashed fiercely and many lost their lives. The memorial is accessible
in 15 minutes from the city proper via the highway.
Man-made
Gloria de Dapitan
Location: Sunset Blvd., Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
Literally means “to bring glory to Dapitan,” the commercial business
center which boasts of world-class facilities such as amusement parks, bowling
centers, shopping centers, and theater. Visitors can also buy pasalubongs in
the area.
Mi Retiro Rock
Location: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
A naturally heart-shaped rock, it is so called because it was where Dr. Jose
Rizal had scribed the beautiful verses of his poems, "Mi Retiro" and "Himno
a Talisay."
It is also known as Batong Lumayag as it appears to be afloat during high tide.
Presently, it lies within an artificial lagoon. A 500-seat open-air amphitheater
is located beyond Mi Retiro Rock
P’gsalabuk Circle / Dipolog
Fountain
Location: Estaka-Turno intersection, Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte
The statutes represent the tri-people of Mindanao, which symbolize the diverse
cultures prevailing in Dipolog. The bowl raised to heavens is a gesture of
thanksgiving and offering to God Almighty for the generous outpouring of graces
and blessings, bountiful harvests and sustained peace and prosperity.
OISCA Children's Forest Park
Location: Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte
Marvel at all of 64 hectares of lush forests, flora, and fauna, giving trekkers
and nature buffs an unforgettable experience with nature at its best. A showcase
of nature conservation and ecological balance, the forest park is a declared
bird sanctuary that is home to exotic birds. It is a joint project of the Japanese
OISCA organization and the city government of Dipolog.
Natural
Dakak Park and Beach Resort
Location: Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte
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. Nestled
on the tip of Northern Zamboanga, Dakak faces the Sulu Sea in the west and
is surrounded by mountains on its east side. Conveniently encircled by large
island, Dakak tactfully avoids the typhoon belt, making it the ideal all-season
destination. It also boasts of numerous dive sites filled with coral reefs
and diverse marine wildlife.
Sungkilaw Falls
Location: Brgy. Diwan, Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte
Sungkilaw Falls is an amazing sight that many local and foreign tourists really
love to visit and explore. It is described as an entirely new whitewater experience
where the sightseeing pleasure never wanes.
Sinilog Island
Location: Brgy. Sinilog, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
Its main attraction is its pure white sand, which can hold its own against
the other more well known spots in the Philippines. In addition the island
is surrounded by crystal clear waters, making it the perfect site for scuba
diving.
Aliguay Island
Location: Brgy. Aliguay, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
Aliguay Island is enveloped by some of the clearest and purest sands anywhere,
and the waters around it conceal some of the most interesting marine denizens
in Mindanao. This place is a must visit for lovers of underwater marine life.
Cogon Eco-Tourism Park
Location: Dipolog City – Polanco, Zamboanga del Norte
This environmental rest area park and forest preserve covers a total land area
of 344 hectares. Within the park's vast expanse also lies a 40-hectare natural
forest that is home to at least ten documented rare fauna species. Just a few
meters from the park's entrance is located the Aviary, where visitors can catch
a glimpse of exotic birds endemic to the area.
Religious
Sta. Cruz Marker
Location: Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte
Spot where migrating Boholanos from the Visayas landed on and planted the cross
of Christianity on May 3, 1905.
Mt. Linabo Park
Location: Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte
A devotee has to climb 3,003 concrete steps towards the 14 Stations of the
Cross. The area is very popular during the Lenten Season. It offers a spectacular
view of the twincities of Dipolog and Dapitan.
Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto
Location: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
The vicinity of this grotto was also an ancient burial ground of the pre-Spanish
Dapitanons. The first church in Dapitan built in 1631-1767 was at the left
side of the grotto and adjacent to it, was the Old Mission House.
St. James Church
Location: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
Construcfed in 1871, the church was built in honor of St. James the Greater,
Dapitan’s parton saint. A priceless heritage piped organ that bears a
year marking “1827” can be found at the choir loft. It was brought
to Dapitan in 1864 by the Augustinian Recollect Father. It is a German made
with European pipes and a manual pump.
Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary
Cathedral (Dipolog Church)
Location: Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte
Erected by the Spanish friars sometime in 1895, records show that the original
altar was designed by Dr. Jose Rlzal, the sketch of the altar was patterned
after that of San Ignacio Church in Manila. Images of the Four Evangelists,
(St. Matthew, St. Mark, St. Luke, and St. John) adorn the roof of the church.
It can be seen on the four columns supporting the apse
Hudyaka Zanorte
Place: Zamboanga del Norte Province
Date: May 27 – June 7
Hudyaka is a Visayan term meaning joyful, vigorous, cheerful, full of action,
merrymaking and grand celebration.The festival coincides with the 57th Founding
Anniversary of the province. It is s designed to promote Zamboanga del Norte’s
thriving tourism industry. Activities include fashion show, beauty contest,
sports events, and cultural activities.
Buklog Festival
Place: Zamboanga del Norte
Date: April 16 - 20
Considered as the most significant of all Subanen religious rituals, The buklog,
which also stands for "ceremonial platform," is a thanksgiving festival
of the Subanen. Buklog Festival is an ancient spiritual rite to offer gratefulness,
and to honor the spirits of the water (malengma), the spirit of the forest
(mamanwa), and the spirit of the mountain (maninising palingkitan), to whom
they pray for abundant harvest and protection from misfortune.
Kinabayo Festival
Place: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
Date: July 24
Kinabayo is an exotic and colorful pageant re-enacting the Spanish-Moorish
wars, particularly the Battle of Covadonga. In that battle the Spanish forces
under General Pelagio took their last stand against the Saracens. They were
able to reverse the tide of the war with the miraculous apparition of Saint
James, the Apostle. The addition of local color and innovations has made this
annual festivity a popular attraction to visitors of Dapitan.
Dr. Jose Rizal Death Anniversary
Place: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
Date: December 30
Commemorative activities focus on Rizal's life, works, and ideas are staged
during his death anniversary. December 30 is observed nationwide as Rizal Day.
P’gsalabuk Festival
Place: Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte
Date: Last Friday of May
It comes from the Subanen term which means “coming together”. The
festival aims to showcase the myriad interplay of culture: Muslim, Lumad and
the varied and diverse culture of the settlers from all over the Philippines
as well as the Spanish, Chinese, American and other Asian culture that have
been so meticulously woven and shaped into what is known as the unique Mindanao
Tri-people Culture.
