A. Catholic Population
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As of Dec. 31, 2009, Zamboanga archdiocese had 801,978 baptized Catholics, representing 72.14 percent of all 578,568 people in the territory. The archdiocese had 25 parishes.
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People in the Diocese
Baptized Catholics: 801,978, or 72.14 %
Members of other Christian denominations (Protestants, Seventh day Adventists, Church of Latter day Saints and Iglesia ni Cristo): data not available
Followers of other religions (mostly Muslims): data not available
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Dance performance during launching of
Archdiocesan centennial celebration |
B. Diocesan and Religious Priests
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Diocesan Priests: 56
Religious Priests: 29 (11 Filipinos, 9 foreigners)
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C. Religious Brothers, Sisters
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Religious Brothers: none
Religious Sisters: 103 (100 Filipino, 3 foreigners)
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D. Lay Missionaries, Catechists
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Lay missionaries: data not available
Catechists: data not available
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E. Seminaries (Click here for details)
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Minor seminary: 1
Major seminary: none
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F. Vicariates in Archdiocese are: Immaculate Conception Vicariate, Our Lady of the Rosary Vicariate, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Vicariate
G. There are 143 churches in the diocese (Click here for details)
Diocesan Activities and Organizations
A. Major Diocesan Commissions and Organizations
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Worship
Commission on Liturgy
In-Charge: Father Alfredo M. Alabado
Commission on Sacred Music
In-Charge: Msgr. Crisologo B. Manongas, Father Hilario L. Gador Jr.
Commission on Church Design and Art
In-Charge: Archbishop Romulo G. Valles, Father Adriano J. Ruiz Jr., Father Francis Edwin V.
Jacinto, Ms. Sandy Yu, Ms. Ana Marie Villaflor
Eucharistic Ministers Association
In-Charge: Msgr. Arnold de la Serna
Clergy Formation
Commission on the Clergy
In-Charge: Father Maximo A. Campo, Msgr. Peter V. Garces, Father Michael N. Gementiza
Vocation Apostolate
In-Charge: Father Maximo A. Campo
Pastor Bonus Seminary
In-Charge: Father Maximo A. Campo, Father Rene Tubio, Father Ben C. Villaflores
Diaconal Program
In-Charge: Father Maximo A. Campo
Priests' Ongoing Formation
In-Charge: Father Maximo A. Campo
Lay Formation
Catechetical Apostolate
In-Charge: Father Jude Deuncombe, Sis. Salvacion Herrera
Family Life Apostolate
In-Charge: Father Adrian U. Barcelo, Sr. Charina Joring, LGC
Youth Apostolate
In-Charge: Father Leh C. Taib, Sr. Jane Galang, SRA
Mission
In-Charge: Father Jose Filmore D. Calibo, Father William D. Quiamjot
Catholic Charismatic Renewal
In-Charge: Father Maximo A. Campo
Christian Family Movement
In-Charge: Father Adrian U. Barcelo
Nuestra Señora Virgen del Pilar Retreat and Lay Formation Center
In-Charge: Father Moises M. Cuevas, Sr. Edna Dailisan, LGC
Basic Ecclesial Communities (BEC's)
In-Charge: Msgr. Crisologo B. Manongas, Sr. Monyen Caseres, LGC
Liturgical Apostolate
In-Charge: Father Alfredo M. Alabado, Sr. Ma. Marcelle Falcatan, OSB
Catholic Faith Defender
In-Charge: Father Jude A. Duncombe
Biblical Apostolate
In-Charge: Father Adlai S. Barre, Sr. Isabelle Domingo, OSB
Social Services
Social Action-Justice and Peace
In-Charge: Father Adriano J. Ruiz Jr.
Sr. Charito B. Lalangan, SFIC
Phone: +63 62 981-0400
Health and Hospital Care: Father Alfredo M. Alabado
Prisoners' Welfare: Father Alfredo M. Alabado
Special Apostolate - Children's Home
Diocesan Offices
Our Blessed Mother of Victory Mission Foundation, Inc.
In-Charge: Sr. Edna Dailisan, LGC
Phone: +63 62 991-1196
Office for Ecumenism and Inter-religious Dialogue
In-Charge: Father Angel C. Calvo, CMF
Phone: +63 62 992-3086
Silsilah Mission Center
In-Charge: Father Sebastiano D'Ambra, PIME
Phone: +63 62 991-5663
Emmaus Dialogue Center
In-Charge: Ms. Aminda Saño
Phone: +63 62 991-5663
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B. Catholic Educational Institutions (Click here for details)
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Schools |
Students |
| Pre-Primary Schools |
8 |
1,783 |
| Primary Schools |
6 |
4,632 |
| High Schools |
5 |
5,694 |
| Post-secondary Schools |
3 |
6,852 |
| Graduate Schools |
1 |
Not available |
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C. Catholic Social Welfare
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Charitable and social institutions include
1 leprosarium
5 free clinics
1 orphanage and
1 child center
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Centennial Photo Exhibit
at Ateneo de Zamboanga |
D. Social Communications
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Commission on Social Communications
In-Charge: Father Sergio T. de la Noche Jr.
Phone: +63 62 991-5232; 992-4380
DXVP Radio Station
Phone: +63 62 991-5232; 992-4380
Station Manager: Father Sergio T. de la Noche Jr.
Owned and Operated by: Roman Catholic Archdiocese
of Zamboanga Broadcasting Network (RCA-ZBN)
Coverage Area: Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Del Norte
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E. Other Church Organizations and Associations
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Catholic Women's League
In-Charge: Father Msgr. Peter V. Garces
Children of Mary
In-Charge: Father Msgr. Dominador D. Dagondon
Bukas Loob sa Diyos
In-Charge: Father Maximo A. Campo
Daughters of Mary Immaculate
In-Charge: Father Moises M. Cuevas
Knights of Columbus
In-Charge: N.N.
Legion of Mary
In-Charge: Father Amado Jose P. Vaño
Mother Butler's Mission Guild
In-Charge: Father Francis V. Jacinto
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Religious Congregations, Societies and Institutes
A. Religious Institutes of Men (Click here for details)
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Missionary Sons of the Immaculate Heart of Mary ~ CMF
Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions ~ PIME
Society of Jesus ~ SJ
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B. Religious Institutes of Women (Click here for details)
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Handmaids of the Divine Heart (Spinola Sisters) ~ ADC
Daughters of St. Paul ~ FSP
Living the Gospel Community ~ LGC
Missionary Sisters of St. Anthony Mary Claret ~ MC
Mercedarian Missionaries of Berriz ~ MMB
Order of the Blessed Virgin of Mt. Carmel (Discalced Carmelites-Contemplatives) ~ OCD
Religious of the Good Shepherd ~ RGS
Congregation of the Benedictine Sisters of the Eucharistic King ~ OSB
Oblates of Notre Dame ~ OND
Missionary Dominican Sisters of the Rosary ~ OP
Religious of Mary Immaculate Claretian Missionary Sisters ~ RMICM
Religious of the Virgin Mary ~ RVM
Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception ~ SFIC
Missionary Sisters of the Queen of the Apostles ~ SRA
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| General Characteristics of the Diocese
In a land area of 1,648 square kilometers, the diocesan territory covers the City of Zamboanga.
Zamboanga City is a highly urbanized city located in Mindanao, Philippines. It is currently ranked as the 6th most populous city and the 3rd largest by area in the Philippines. It is located at the southernmost tip of the Zamboanga Peninsula and is bounded in the north by the provinces of Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Norte, in the west by the Sulu Sea, in the east by Sibugay Bay, and in the south by the Basilan Strait.
Zamboanga City commands the sea lanes of southwestern Philippines. It is the Philippine's gateway to Southeast Asia. The city 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. Farther to the west, through the Indian Ocean, is the Indian subcontinent with giant India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
Zamboanga City has at least 25 island communities and 98 barangays (villages; 28 urban barangays and 70 rural barangays), divided into two congressional districts.
Population
As of yearend 2009 the total population of Zamboanga archdiocese is 801,978 of which 72.14262 percent are Catholics of equivalent to 578,568.
The city has rich and colorful history. The first inhabitants were the Subanons and Lutaos and later, the Islamized ethnic groups of Samals, Tausugs, Yakans and Badjao.
Tausug
The Tausugs are Muslim natives of the Sulu Archipelago. They practice the tenets of Islam. They attend services in the mosque and say their prayers five times a day.
Culturally speaking, the Tausugs can be distinguished from other groups of Filipinos. We can say that the Tausugs have adapted Western ways of dressing. This is because education and travel have greatly influenced their lives. Of course, it is observed that Tausugs greatly appreciate their native dress particularly the "sablay" of the women. As a matter of fact, the Tausug men and women have different attires for different occasions.
The Tausug whether modern or traditional, put the greatest value on the reputation of the family. A Tausug will never commit an act of cowardice that might leave a blemish on the family's name. It is the prime duty of every member of the family to perpetuate the good name of the house. A saying which best exemplifies this particular Tausug trait, goes this way, "You can never expect a Tausug to run from a good fight." This is because they believe that running away from a fight is considered shameful.
The artistry of the Tausugs can be seen in their dances, particularly in the graceful movements of the hands using the janggay (metal nail extenders). Bright and beautiful colors also characterize the Tausug's love for music and arts.
Samal
One of the natives of Zamboanga Peninsula is the Samals or Sama. They live in houses built on bamboo stilts along the seashore and their main occupations are fishing and trading. Sama's are spread in many parts of Mindanao. In this part of the country, this indigenous group of people is best known for their skills in boat building, mat weaving, and pearl diving. When not in fishing, some are engaged in agriculture. Their principal crop is cassava.
One group of this tribe is called Sama Bangingi who used to live in Taluksangay. "Taluk" in the samal language means violet, a favorite color of Samals, while "sangay" means a sandy place where birds flock.
Rabana is the Samal's favorite indigenous instrument, together with the kulintang and other gongs.
Subanen
The original people of Zamboanga were the Subanen of Indonesian origin who came at about 2,000 to 6,000 years ago. They were coastal people who believe in the spirit of their ancestors and the forces of nature. When the Muslims arrived, they were pushed into the hinterlands and lived along the riverbanks. Thus, the name "Suba," meaning people of the river.
The Subanens who communicate through their Subano language prefer and wear colorful clothes and accessories. Black, red, and white are their favorite colors. The women often wear red earrings that match with beaded necklaces. Like other tribes, Subanens have their own entertainment or way of enjoying life. They like music. The Ginarang or Migboat, Basimba, Gatagan and Sirdel or Sumumigaling are some of their songs. These are sung with the accompaniment of their instruments like Gong, Kutapi, Sigitan, Lantoy, Kulaying and Tambubok.
Subanens court through songs and dances. Their marriage custom is done through taltal. But aside from their court dance, they also have war and ritual dances that they perform during social gatherings and special occasions such as weddings, etc.
The tribe's political structure consists of a Timuay equivalent to the barangay captain that we have today. The Timuay tries cases involving crimes and moral turpitude. In case the Timuay cannot decide on the case or if the case involves heinous crimes, he does not give the final verdict.
Badjao
The Badjaos are called "Sea gypsies" because they move with the wind and the tide on their small houseboats called vintas. They live in boathouses or in bamboo stilt houses along the coast of the little islands of the peninsula. Even up to the present, many badjaos still live in boathouses. They use "saguan" to push their boats in the water. They are likewise excellent swimmers. Because of their great experience in diving, they can stay underwater longer than most casual swimmers.
Some people have the impression that the Badjaos aimlessly wander from island to island.
The Badjaos are primitive people, friendly and meek. They are among the world's peace-loving people. They are also described as seafaring people and the first group of inhabitants in the island provinces of the region. The tribe's main livelihood is fishing although many have gone into agar-agar (seaweed) farming. Badjao women attend to their home and children.
Language
The major language in Zamboanga City is Zamboangueño Chavacano, a Philippine-Spanish Creole. Other common languages in the city are Tagalog, English and Bisaya. Fookien (a Chinese dialect) and Tausug are also prevalent.
English is still the language used in all the school system to educate the public. Filipino or Tagalog is the second language used for education.
Religion
Catholics: The city contains the first Catholic diocese in Mindanao, today's Archdiocese of Zamboanga which was created in 1910 and elevated to an archdiocese in 1958. Others were Protestants, Seventh day Adventists, Church of Latter day Saints and Iglesia ni Cristo.
Followers of other religions are mostly Muslims. The Muslims have been an integral part of Zamboanga City since the beginning. Before any other religions were practiced in Zamboanga City, The Muslim religion already had a firm hold of the area. It is estimated that approximately 22 percent of the people in Zamboanga City are Muslims. Some barangays of Zamboanga City are populated by 100 percent Muslim. These barangays with Muslim majority population do not celebrate "Fiestas". Instead, they celebrate Hari-Raya.
Climate
Falls under the third and fourth types of climate. Seasons are not very pronounced, relatively dry from the December to April, minimal rain from May to August and wet on September and October. The city is rarely visited by typhoons.
Political structure
Zamboanga City is a chartered City of the Philippines. It is an independent entity and not a part of any province in the Philippines. The City government is represented by a mayor, a vice-mayor, two congressional seats and 8 city councilors for each district totaling 16 councilors. The city council is chaired by the vice-mayor.
Zamboanga City is the third oldest city in the Philippines, with a strong mayor-council form of government. The city received its own representation for the Philippine Congress since 1984. The former lone congressional district was divided into two separate districts: the West District (I) from the City Proper to Limpapa, while in the East District (II) from Tetuan to Licomo.
Congresswoman Beng Climaco of District I was elected House Deputy Speaker for Mindanao and Women during the 15th Congress of the Philippines, a very important position that is considered to be the first for a representative from Zamboanga City.
The City of Zamboanga is composed of more than 774,407 people since 2007. Under the Republic Act No. 9269, Zamboanga City is qualified to have a third district representative in the House of Representatives of Congress.
Economy
Annual per capita income (in Philippines Pesos, exclude Zamboanga City) is 14,654.
Zamboanga City was the center of barter trading among Chinese, Malays and the native Tausugs, Samals, Subanons, and the Badjaos as early as the 13th and 14th centuries.
The city of Zamboanga is one of the wealthiest cities in the Philippines. Its economy is mostly concentrated on agricultural and aqua cultural products. Most of the investments in the city come from the local business people. This means that unlike other major cities in the country, Zamboanga has been growing through homegrown businesses.
The city is known as the Sardine Capital of the Philippines because most of the sardine and canning factories are situated in Zamboanga City. It has been involved in the export of marine/aquaculture products, fruits, processed food, furniture/wood products, and many more.
Processed Fish Industry
Fishing has always been a part of life in Zamboanga City. The fishing group has 12 major players, which provide income to over 6,000 families. The players are all members of the Southern Philippines Deep-Sea Fishing Association, a SEC registered group based in Zamboanga City. The industry has 35 Light Boats and 35 Fish Catchers. It also supports the operation of two (2) canneries, nine (9) sardines' factories, thirteen (13) allied processors, 20 dried fish operators. Many commercial establishments support the requirements of the industry such as those engaged in fishing supplies, equipment, boat building, ice plants and cold storage facilities.
The City now has forty-four (44) fish processing companies with product lines from canned tuna to canned sardines, bottled Spanish sardines, pet food, fish meal, fish balls, tempura, bagoong gata, ginamus, fish sausage and dried fish.
Canned Tuna has remained to be the leader in exports in Zamboanga City, followed by seaweeds and pet food. Its leading markets are USA, South Africa and Canada. Japan is the biggest market for pet food followed by USA.
The industry enjoys the support of several Local Government Units including the City Government, one (1) State College and other line Government Agencies.
Ornamental Horticulture Industry
The Ornamental Horticulture industry in Zamboanga City, particularly the cut flower sector, is still young but growing business activity. Total output has been insufficient to meet the demands in the local market. High cost of seedling material and farm inputs and adequate knowledge in production techniques are among the bottlenecks that prevent local producers to compete with growers from Davao, Cebu including growers from neighboring Asian countries.
There are about forty identified growers engaged in commercial production in the city. This number does not include the numerous hobbyists growing a variety of orchids and other ornamental plants located in the barangays. Of this number, production is estimated at an average of 2,000 dozens per month. On the aggregate, over 50 hectares are devoted to the production of variety of orchids, selected species or ornamental plants, anthuriums, roses, bromeliads, gerbera, mums and others.
The focus of the industry is to increase production capacity, conduct of technology seminars to introduce new production techniques, establish linkages with concerned agencies to facilitate entry of imported seed stocks and assist in the sourcing of capital needs.
Furniture and Wood based Products Industry
Furniture and Wood-based sector in Zamboanga City has been a dollar earner for the city. In recent years, however, this contribution to export revenues seemed to be increasingly moribund.
There are forty-six (46) manufacturers of furniture and wood-based products in Zamboanga City. Of the total, thirty-seven (37) are classified as micro enterprises, eight (8) cottage enterprises, and one small-scale manufacturer.
Other raw materials required in the industry like rattan and bamboos are available in substantial amounts.
Seaweeds Industry
The primary species of seaweed grown and harvested in Zamboanga City is the Eucheuma seaweed because of its numerous uses; it can be farmed commercially almost anywhere along the city's coastal areas. Eucheuma seaweed has been commercially introduced in various method of propagation, after extensive experimentation. It was disclosed that eucheuma seaweeds grow faster on reefs than other areas which prove that seaweed farming is viable in this city. When the study of Eucheuma seaweeds propagation was initiated, its technical advancement was transferred to the private sectors, thus making the seaweed industry one of the leading ventures in the country today.
Zamboanga City has more than 2,000 hectares devoted to the seaweeds farming providing livelihood to more than 3,000 families. There are three processing plants in Zamboanga City producing semi-refine carrageenan and alkali treated chips. Presently processed and dried seaweeds are exported to numerous international markets, shipped to Cebu or Manila in the dried form for further processing into carrageenan.
Mango Industry
Mango is considered as the Philippine "national fruit" not only because it is the choicest fruit in the country but also because of its immense popularity in the local and international markets. Mango industry has been a major contributor to the country's local agricultural production as well as a consistent foreign exchange earner. Mango is the third most important fruit export of the country next to banana and pineapple.
Western Mindanao is Mindanao's second biggest producer of mango next to Southern Mindanao. Among the province of Western Mindanao, Zamboanga City accounts for 52 percent of the region's mango production of 25,833 MT and 11 percent of the total Mindanao production of 123,759 MT. Zamboanga del Sur is the region's next biggest producer with 9,294 MT or 36 percent of the regional total.
Zamboanga City's average annual growth rate in production is 17 percent is also the highest in the region with Zamboanga del Sur a distant second at 3 percent.
There are over 516 mango growers spread all over the six agricultural districts of Zamboanga City. Data gathered from the Bureau of Statistics (BAS) show that in year 2000 a total of 2,040 hectares of mango plantation have been harvested with a total production of 13.28 MT of the variety known locally as "Manga Carabao" or by its fancy, modern name of Manila Super Mango which is acknowledge as one of the world's best. Most mango growing activities are centered within the east coast of the city.
Foreign relations
The City of Zamboanga often partner with foreign cities through Sister Cities International, an organization whose goal is to "promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation". Sister cities interact with each other across a broad range of activities, from health care and education to business, culture and arts.
Zamboanga City is a member of BIMP-EAGA which stands for Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area. BIMP-EAGA is an agreement among the four Southeast Asian neighbor countries for economic cooperation. It has put Zamboanga City in touch with towns in Malaysia and Indonesia. As a result of contacts arising from BIMP-EAGA, an air and sea route has been opened between Zamboanga City and Sandakan in Malaysia and even a free-trade of goods to other BIMP-EAGA members.
The strong relationship between Sandakan and Zamboanga has existed for so long. As immediate neighbors, these two regions have a long history of interactions not only through trade relations but also through culture and social interactions. BIMP-EAGA was formed in 1994 to further strengthen the existing economic and social ties between these two regions formally.
Telecommunications
Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) is the major telephone company operating in the City. Public phones are also provided by PLDT in strategic places where the demand is high. It provides both domestic and direct dialing services up to Recodo in the west Coast, Talon-Talon in the Eastern part, and Pasonanca and Putik in the Northern part.
There are three cellular phone companies providing mobile communication services in the city such as Digitel Mobile Philippines, Inc. (Sun Cellular), Smart Telecommunications and Globe Telecoms.
The existing telegraph system in the city has a computer link to 13 regional centers, which have links to provincial capitals, cities and municipalities, but international telegraphic links are not provided. This telegraph system includes a relay (repeater) station located at Bandera Hills, Abong-Abong.
Fax machines for local use are commercially available at the City Post. International fax services are not provided. Telex services on the other hand, are provided for local and international calls.
There are four Internet Service providers (ISPs) in the city, providing the city's links to the world.
Like any other key cities, Zamboanga offers courier services to major cities in the country and to any other countries. There are at least a hundred telegraph stations/counters located strategically within the City.
There are 15 Post Offices to serve the entire population. Program like Project Mercury or Kidlat Sulat was launched to hasten the delivery of mails.
The city has 25 radio stations of which 13 are frequency modulated (FM) stations and the rest are operating on amplitude-modulated (AM) band. There are also seven regular TV stations broadcasting by affiliate stations and/or by relay station in the region and three Cable TV stations.
There is one broadcasting station under the Catholic Media Network-Veritas, an AM which is based in Zamboanga City
Infrastructure
Airport
Zamboanga City has an international airport and one of the biggest sea ports in the Philippines. Zamboanga International Airport is the main airport serving Zamboanga City in the Philippines. The airport is Mindanao's third-busiest airport after Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City and Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro City. It is the gateway to one of Southeast Asia's fastest growing business and culture hubs and to the entire western Mindanao area. The airport covers a total land area of 270 hectares. The airport is officially classified as an international airport by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.
Seaport
Zamboanga City has 10 seaports/wharves, with 25 shipping lines and 4 shipyards. It is the transshipment point for domestically and internationally traded products. For the different vessel types, 50 are passengers, 25 cargoes, 12 barges and 7 tugboats.
Zamboanga City also has a Free Port Economic Zone.
Power
The Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative is the franchise holder of electric power distribution covering the entire jurisdiction of the city and its ten island barangays. Zamboanga city is one of the biggest electric energy consumers in entire Mindanao, due to high demands of canning factories and other heavy industrial companies in the city. Moreover, there are 5 substations producing electric power in the city.
Some of the far land islands in the city of Zamboanga do not have electric power due to lack of funds to connect electricity in some islands. But the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) brings optimism to the people living in the islands for they are now able to use electricity using solar energy. Zamboanga City has 98 barangays, all of it having the convenience of electricity.
Water
The Zamboanga City Watershed is only a few kilometers north of Zamboanga City, at the tip of the Zamboanga Peninsula in southwestern Mindanao. It has the largest block of old growth lowland dipterocarp forest remaining in this part of Mindanao. It has a rolling terrain with moderate to steep slopes. This watershed is the only source of potable water for Zamboanga City, and the Tumaga River also provides industrial and irrigation water for the area around the city.
Many threatened and restricted-range endemic species have been recorded in or near this area, including recent records of Mindanao Bleeding-heart, Philippine Dwarf-Kingfisher, Philippine Leafbird and Little Slaty Flycatcher, and Zamboanga Bulbul which is confined to Western Mindanao and Basilan. Most of the recent sightings are made in the Pasonanca Watershed, the southwestern part of the Zamboanga City Watershed.
Zamboanga City relies heavily on surface water from the Tumaga River for its water supply. Currently, the ZCWD is servicing only 48% of the total population of the total water production, 38% is accounted water.
Given the projected population and the fact that the city is a highly urbanizing one, it is likely that future water requirements will not be satisfied unless other sources such as rivers and springs must be tapped to augment water supply sources.
Water supply is provided mainly by the Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD). There are three pumping stations that are currently producing 1,304 cu.m daily.
Transportation
The common mode of transportation in Zamboanga is by a jeepney or a tricycle. Buses are used for long-distance travels, there are bus companies serving the city to other major cities in Mindanao. There are also bicycles with sidecars (locally known as sikad) which are used to ferry passengers in short distances. Taxi service in the city is not well-established, although there are some independent taxis.
The Port of Zamboanga is an international port of entry. It has a schedule passenger trip to Sandakan, Malaysia, a cruise ship destination and several shipping lines offer regular trips from and to Davao, Cotabato, Dipolog/Dapitan, General Santos, Pagadian, Jolo, Bongao, Isabela City, Cebu City, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Bacolod and Manila.
Education
Literacy rate (Simple literacy) is 86.41 percent in the diocesan territory.
The formal education in Zamboanga City is patterned after the American system, with English as the medium of instruction. Schools are classified into public (government) and private (non-government). Classes start in June, and end in March. The majority of colleges and universities follow a semester calendar from June to October, and November to March. There are a number of foreign schools with study programs.
The general pattern of formal education follows by five stages:
Pre-primary level - nursery and kindergarten offered in most private schools;
Primary level - six years of basic education;
Secondary level - four years of high school education;
Tertiary level - usually takes four years, sometimes five and in some cases as in medical and law schools.
Graduate level - additional two or more years of schooling.
Zamboanga plays host of numerous first-rate colleges and universities. These educational institutions attract many students in the province, as well as from the other parts of the country. The city of Zamboanga has a several prestigious private schools in Southern and Western Mindanao. Most of these private schools or institutions are administrated by Catholic missionaries.
Most of the universities and colleges in the city which offer different courses with the same standard of teaching to that of others schools in the Philippines. Thus, pursuing a degree in the city is not difficult.
Records show that educational institutions in the city have produced topnotchers in board examinations as well as competent men and women in the government and private sectors.
Cultural dimension
Dia de Zamboanga (Feb. 26, 1937)
The date when Zamboanga was declared a chartered city under the Commonwealth Government. Charter Day of the City became a non-working holiday. A roster of special activities are lined up annually to mark the occasion.
Holy Week (March/April)
A city procession known as the Santo Entierro (Holy Funeral) on Good Friday highlights the observance of the season of Lent. Celebrated in barangays Sta. Maria, Tetuan, and the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Parish, the Santo Entierro is a procession of Christ's images, many of the Stations of the Cross, along the city's main streets, depicting his last hours before, during, and after the Crucifixion.
Flores de Mayo (May 1-31)
A religious feast celebrated in all Catholic churches in honor of the Virgin Mary. Little children in white gala dresses walk up the altar to offer flowers to the image of the "Blessed Mother," as she is the Catholics call her. In some parts of the city, the traditional Santacruzan is also held. The Santa-cruzan is a procession of the Reyna Elena and other local beauties with their escorts, decked out in Maria Clara gowns and barong tagalogs, along major streets.
Zamboanga Hermosa Festival - Fiesta Pilar (Oct. 3-12)
Highlighted by the Oct. 12 Fiesta Pilar in honor of the miraculous image of Our Lady of the Pillar at the legendary Fort Pilar. The festival features week-long novena masses, cultural shows, agricultural fairs, cultural exhibits, a two-day mardi gras parade, the bandoreal, a regatta, torch parades, fireworks, and carnivals. The festival commences with a solemn procession and a grand mass at the Fort. With thousands of pilgrims converging in Zamboanga City, this is the peninsula's biggest festival.
Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Dec. 8)
Feast day of Zamboanga City, commemorating the Blessed Virgin's Immaculate Conception; traditionally celebrated with a procession and a concelebrated mass highlighted by either First Communion or Ordination rites.
Fonda de Barangay
Week-long celebration in the Barangay/Barrios honoring their patron saints. The celebration usually starts with novena masses held every day for 9 straight days prior the feast day of the patron saint.
"Hari Raya" - "Day of Celebration"
A time for reconciliation and the renewal of relationships. Hari Raya is the day of celebration after the Muslim month of Ramadan.
Brief History
ARCHDIOCESE OF ZAMBOANGA
(Archdiocesis Zamboangensis)
Created Diocese: April 10, 1910
Elevated to Archdiocese: May 19, 1958
Comprises the City of Zamboanga
Suffragans: the Prelatures of Ipil and Isabela, Basilan and the Apostolic Vicariate of Jolo
Titular: Our Lady of Pillar
Secondary Patron: St. Pius X, Pope
From 1607 to 1910 the entire island of Mindanao was under the Diocese of Cebu and Jaro. On April 10, 1910, Pope Pius X created the Diocese of Zamboanga and gave it jurisdiction over the whole island of Mindanao, including the adjacent islands of the Sulu Archipelago and the island of Cagayan de Sulu.
The faith first came to Zamboanga in 1635 with the arrival of the first missionaries, Father Melchor de Vera and Father Alejandro Lopez, both Jesuits. The Spanish authorities were always at war with the Muslims then. Their efforts to subdue the Muslims always resulted in reprisal raids in Zamboanga and the Visayan Islands. In Zamboanga, Fort Pilar, in honor of Our Lady of the Pillar, was constructed in 1636. Two Jesuits priests died as martyrs in their efforts to win the Muslims through diplomacy - Father Francisco Paliola and Father Alejanrdo Lopez.
On Jan. 20, 1933, Pope Pius XI divided the Mindanao area into two - the whole southern portion, including the Sulu Archipelago, under the jurisdiction of Zamboanga, and the northern portion under the Diocese of Cagayan de Oro. In 1951, Cagayan de Oro was elevated to an archdiocese, the first in the island of Mindanao. And all episcopal jurisdictions in Mindanao and Sulu, including that of Zamboanga, became suffragans of this archdiocese.
The Diocese of Zamboanga was further divided when the Diocese of Davao was established and separated in 1949; the Prelature of Cotabato in 1950; the Prelature of Isabela, Basilan, in 1967, and finally the Prelature of Ipil in 1980.
Zamboanga was raised to an archdiocese on May 15, 1958 by Pope Pius XII. As an ecclesiastical province, the Archdiocese of Zamboanga now comprises the City of Zamboanga and part of the province of Zamboanga del Sur. As suffragans it has the Prelature of Ipil, also in Zamboanga del Sur, the Prelature of Isabela, Basilan, and the Apostolic Vicariate of Jolo. Its titular patroneses is Our Lady of the Pillar, and its secondary patron is St. Pius X, Pope.
The Second Plenary Council of the Philippines adopted the Community of Disciples as the prime model of the Church, with the special attribute of being a Church of the Poor. For the church in Zamboanga, the challenge is to incarnate in the archdiocese the vision of PCP II.
History of the City
The evolution of the name "Zamboanga" provides an interesting insight into its historical background. The early Malay settlers called the region "Jambangan", which means Land of the Flowers.
These Malays who built their settlements by the river banks were the subanons that is the "People of the River". Their chief, Saragan, lived with his family atop the legendary Mount Pulumbato that today lords over Pasonanca and Climaco Freedom Park (formerly Abong-Abong Park) then later on, the Samals and the Badjaos who came on their frail vintas also settled here, building their frail huts along the shorelines and confused "Jambangan" with "Samboangan" which comes from the word "Sabuan", the wooden pole used to help push their vintas in shallow waters or to tie them for anchorage purposes.
The Spanish colonizers found difficulty in pronouncing "Samboangan" and instead called the place "Zamboanga".
It was in 1569 when the Spaniards made their presence felt with a small Catholic Mission established briefly at La Caldera, now known as Recodo.
Much later on June 23, 1635, the cornerstone of what is now known as Fort Pilar was laid by Father Melchor de Vera, a Jesuit Priest-Engineer and the Spanish authorities. This date marked the change of the name of the place from Samboangan to Zamboanga. It is the city's founding date.
In 1899, immediately after the Spanish-American War in the Philippines, the United States of America established full authority in Zamboanga. A special form of government was established in Mindanao and Sulu. Zamboanga was made the capital. The first form of which was the Moro province and during the 12 years of its existence, the American Military Government in the Philippines converted Zamboanga into a city in the Commission Form, the first province of Mindanao to become a city. However, the government of the Moro Province was abolished to give way to a new form of government, the Department of Mindanao and Sulu. This form of government entrusted to the Filipino residents of Zamboanga practically all positions in government.
The Commonwealth of the Philippines on 1936 declared Zambaonga a Charter City. Progress and development in Zamboanga continued and in 1983, the Minister Interior Jose Roño proclaimed Zamboanga City a highly urbanized city.
The website of Diocese is available at: www.zamboangaarchdiocese.com
< Last updated on: June 20, 2011 >
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