Zamboanga
(2000 pop. 603,000). Located at the tip of the Zamboanga Peninsula in the Mindanao Island group in the Philippines, the City of Zamboanga is a chartered city independent of the province of Zamboanga del Sur in terms of funding, administration, and so on. The early Malay settlers known as Subanons ("people of the river") named the place Jambangan or Tambangan ("land of flowers"), and the city is still known for its many species of flowers, especially orchids. The Samal and Badjao ethnic groups who came to the city in their vintas or native boats called it Samboangan, referring to the wood poles they used to dock their boats.
The Spanish established a small garrison on the site in 1596, but they failed to hold it in the face of repeated attacks by the Moros, various Muslim ethnic groups of Malay descent who had dominated the area from the 1400s. In 1636, the Spanish reestablished themselves in what is now known as Fort Pilar, which remained the center of Spanish rule in the southern Philippines for three hundred years. A testimony to this long Spanish presence is the use of Chavacano, the chief local dialect, which is based on Spanish.
When the Americans came in 1898, the city became the capital of Moro province, which encompassed all of Mindanao and Sulu Islands. Zamboanga City attained its cityhood status on 12 October 1936 under Commonwealth Act 9 and was formally inaugurated as the City of Zamboanga on 26 February 1937. The city became a headquarters for the Japanese during World War II but was retaken by U.S. troops in March 1945.
Today the city is a trade center and port for the southern Philippine products of copra, hemp, timber, and fish. It is also a center for Moro brass and bronze ware and a collection point for the many varieties of shells found locally. In terms of religious background, the population of Zamboanga City is 75 percent Christian and 25 percent Muslim. It is considered a Christian enclave in the heart of the Muslim region of the Philippines.
Further Reading
Action Asia. (1999) Adventure and Travel Guide to the Philippines. Hong Kong: Action Asia.
Curaming, Lilian M., and Leonardo N. Mercado, eds. (1999) 100 Years of Filippino Muslim-Christian Relations. Zamboanga City, Philippines: Silsilah.
Department of Tourism, the Philippines. (1994) Spirit of Place. Manila, Philippines: Department of Tourism.
Höbel, Robert. (1981) The Philippines. Hong Kong: Robert Rovena.
Lancion, Conrado, Jr. (1995) Fast Facts about Philippine Provinces. Manila, Philippines: Tahanan.
Mayuga, Sylvia, et. al. (1988) Philippines. Hong Kong: APA Publication.
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