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Zamboanga Sibugay –
Sea snake Sanctuary and Oyster Haven
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
Famous For ...
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.
Places of Interest
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.
Festivals
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. |
