Due to its rich and unpolluted waters, the province of Zamboanga Sibugay has caught the attention of tourist and local media. Sea snakes, locally called walo walo swin freely on its seas and crawls on its shores. Oysters found in the province can grow as long as 12 inches in length, making them the biggest, and as some say, the juiciest in the country.
But more than snakes and oysters, Zamboanga Sibugay takes pride in its rich and unspoiled natural wonders. These include Sibuguey Bay, Tantanan Bay, and Pandilusan Island.
Demographics
1. Population – 546, 186 (as
of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area –3, 608.7 sq. km
3. Capital – Ipil
4. Language/Dialect – Chavacano, Cebuano, English, and Filipino
5. Divisions
Cities (0)
Municipalities (16)
- Alicia
- Buug
- Diplahan
- Imelda
- Ipil
- Kabasalan
- Mabuhay
- Malangas
- Naga
- Olutanga
- Payao
- Roseller T. Lim
- Siay
- Talusan
- Titay
- Tungawan
Walo walo (Sea snakes)
The island of Pulo Laum in Olutanga serves as sanctuary for hundreds
of walo walo (Colubrine sea krait or yellow-lipped sea krait). Although
one may be threatened by their number and venom stronger than the king
cobra’s, they are not easily provoked by humans, unless they
feel that they are in danger.
Sibuguey Bay
This underwater must-see is blessed with several coral formations that
function naturally as fish sanctuaries.
Oysters and Sibug-Sibug Festival
Ttalabas (oysters) here in Zamboanga Sibugay is dubbed as the
"most delicious, juiciest, meatiest and biggest oysters."
In contrast to the way other communities in the country farm their oysters,
the Kabasalan oysters are not grown on sticks but instead are buried
in mud and left there to grow to maturity. To celebrate this oyster industry
in the province, the locals hold the Sibug-Sibug Festival
Calamansi Capital of the
Philippines
The town of Siay reportedly produces the "largest, most succulent
calamansi in the country." Planted on a 1,500 hectare of former
rice lands, the calamansi is shipped directly to Manila every week.
Man-made
Philippine Rubber Project
Co. Plantation
Location: Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay
It is the second oldest rubber plantation in the Philippines and the
first rubber exporting company in the country. At present, there are
2,000 hectares of reforested land planted to around 34,000 rubber trees.
Noah’s Ark
Location: Roseller T. Lim, Zamboanga Sibugay
Built by retired fishing industry businessman Narciso ‘Jack’
Sardual, the boat measures at 112 and a half feet long, 18 and a half
feet wide, and 18 feet high. He built the boat as a form of penitence
for the sins he has made over the years.
Natural
Sibuguey Bay
Location: Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay
Bounding the province’s southern peripheries, Sibuguey Bay has
sites ideal for snorkeling and diving. This underwater must-see is blessed
with several coral formations that function naturally as fish sanctuaries.
Tantanan Bay
Location: Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay
It is the largest fish sanctuary found in the province, encompassing
an area of five hectares.
Takushari
Location: Talusan, Zamboanga Sibugay
It is a notable fish sanctuary in the province known for its rich marine
life.
Pulo Laum
Location: Brgy. Pulo Laum, Olutanga, Zamboanga Sibugay
It is the largest sea snake sanctuary found in the province. Hundreds
of walo walo (Colubrine sea krait or yellow-lipped sea krait) swim on
its seas and crawls on its shores.
Pandilusan Island
Location: Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay
The water in the island is so clear and the sand is so fine that it
reminds anyone of talcum powder. It is also a coral reef sanctuary.
Sibug – Sibug Festival
Place: Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay
Date: February 15 – 26
The event is the celebration of the founding anniversary of the province.
Highlighting the festival are Binibining Sibugay, Street Dancing, Trade
Fair, Sports Fest and a showcase of the biggest, juiciest and meatiest
talaba (oyster). The province has set the world record for the Longest
Oyster Grill, measuring at 2.5km.
Pasalamat Festival
Place: Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay.
Date: January 15 – 29
It is a street dancing competition featuring the Traditional way of holding
thanks giving celebration among the subanens and kalibugans in the locality.
Kasikas Festival
Place: Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay
Date: May 1
It is an annual event honoring Sr. San Jose Mamumuo, the patron of Ipil.
The celebration or town fiesta is highlighted with religious processions,
choral competition and others. They also have parade or street dancing
competition featuring the Lechon or Roasted Pig.
Bangus Festival
Place: Bgy. Monching, Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay
Date: December
It is a thanksgiving festival celebrating the abundance of Bangus or
milk fish as prime product in the locality. The festival is highlighted
with an annual culinary contest.
Kasadyaan Festival
Place: Diplahan, Zamboanga Sibugay
Date: December 15 to 19
The Kasadyaan grand celebration commemorates the founding anniversary
of the Municipality of Diplahan. Highlights of the festival include street
dancing, parade and the Search for Miss Diplahan.
