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Revision as of 01:12, 28 May 2011

City of Pagadian
Bandar Eng'd a Pagadian
Gembagel G'benwa P'hagadi-an/Bagbenwa P'hagadi-an
Lungsod ng Pagadian
Ciudad de Pagadian
Dakbayan sa Pagadian
City
(From top left, clockwise): Along Rizal Avenue with Gaisano Capital on the left, the City Hall, entrance to Fishermens' Village, fishing boats in Pagadian Bay, Best Emporium, Springland Resort pool, Sto. Nino Cathedral, Pagadian's icon: The tricycle.
(From top left, clockwise): Along Rizal Avenue with Gaisano Capital on the left, the City Hall, entrance to Fishermens' Village, fishing boats in Pagadian Bay, Best Emporium, Springland Resort pool, Sto. Nino Cathedral, Pagadian's icon: The tricycle.
Nickname: 
Little Hongkong of the South [1]
Motto: 
"Uswag Pagadian!"
Map of Zamboanga del Sur showing the location of Pagadian City.
Map of Zamboanga del Sur showing the location of Pagadian City.
CountryPhilippines
IslandMindanao
RegionWestern Mindanao, Region IX (Regional Center)
Class2nd Class City[2]
ProvinceZamboanga del Sur
Barrios or Barangays54
Highest PointMount Palpalan
Town EstablishedMarch 23, 1937
City EstablishedJune 6, 1952
Government
 • TypeCity Legislative Council
 • 1st District, Zamboanga del SurRep. Victor Yu
 • MayorSamuel S. Co (re-elect)
 • Vice-mayorRomeo Pulmones (re-elect)
Area
 • City333.8 km2 (128.9 sq mi)
 • Urban
8.4548 km2 (3.2644 sq mi)
 • Metro
325.34 km2 (125.61 sq mi)
Elevation
100 m (300 ft)
Population
 (2007)
 • City161,312
 • Demonym
Pagadianon
 • Language(s)
Cebuano Filipino English IlonggoSubanen Ilocano Iranun Maguindanao Tausug Samal Chavacano
Time zoneUTC+8 (PST)
ZIP Code[3]
7016
Area code+62
Ecclesiastical ProvinceArchdiocese of Ozamiz
Episcopal PolityDiocese of Pagadian
Patron SaintSto. Niño de Cebu
Diocesan HeadBishop Emmanuel Treveno Cabajar, C.SS.R.
Websitehttp://www.pagadian.org

The City of Pagadian (Filipino: Lungsod ng Pagadian, Cebuano: Dakbayan sa Pagadian, Spanish/Chavacano: Ciudad de Pagadian, Iranun: Bandar Eng'd a Pagadian, Subanen:Gembagel G'benwa P'hagadi-an/Bagbenwa P'hagadi-an) is located in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, in the island of Mindanao. It is the regional government seat of Zamboanga Peninsula (Region 9) of the Republic of the Philippines.

Overview

The city started its humble beginnings as a stopover for traders who ply the road between the Spanish town-fort of Zamboanga on the southern tip of the Zamboanga Peninsula and other bigger towns to the north of the old province of Zamboanga. Apart from its sheltered bay and good fishing grounds, it was not a place where anyone envisioned a city would be founded upon it, as it mostly consists of rolling terrain. In the course of its local history, steady waves of different kinds of people settled into the place. Eventually these people came to love the area's hilly features and called among themselves "Pagadianons."

The Pagadian tricycle.

The iconic symbol of Pagadian is its uniquely designed tricycle built to adopt to the city's hilly terrain. The locals claim with pride that it is the only place in the Philippines one can see a public transport inclined at about 25-40° angle.[4][5][6]

Geography and Topography

Pagadian City view from the Rotonda

Situated on the northeastern side of the Western Mindanao region, Pagadian is the capital city of Zamboanga del Sur[7] province. It is bounded by the municipalities of Tigbao and Dumalinao on the southwest, Lakewood on the west, Labangan on the east and northwest, and Midsalip on the north.

About 45% of the total city area is steeply sloping terrain of hills and mountains on the northwestern portion that covers an estimated 15,090 hectares. Mt. Palpalan, Mt. Timolan, Mt. Pinokis, and Mt. Sugar Loaf are the four tallest peaks. Areas in the direct north and central part, have gentle to moderate slopes, making up 47% of the total. The remaining 8% is level or nearly level which makes up most of the eastern and the southern parts of the city. The urban area covers about 845.48 hectares. Elevation of the urban area of the city ranges from 1 MSL (mean sea level) near Pagadian Bay to about 100 MSL in the area of Barangay San Jose.

The Tiguma, Bulatoc, Gatas, and Balangasan Rivers, drain to Pagadian Bay and serve as natural drainage.

Due to its topography and elevation, most of the city's 54 barangays do not experience flooding. The low-lying southern and eastern part of the city sometimes experience flooding, most especially during heavy rains.

Climate

It is located within the tropics of the northern hemisphere which has pronounced dry season from January to March and rainy season from April to December. The region is generally not affected by tropical storms and typhoons as it is located outside the Philippine Typhoon Belt. Temperatures range from 22.2 °C (72.0 °F) to 32.9 °C (91.2 °F). The prevailing winds are the southwest wind that blow shot gust wind from over the sea during dry seasons going northeast, and the trade winds brought about by the mountain range. Rainfall distribution is moderate from 2,500 mm to 3,000 mm annually.

The People

Pagadianons are classified into three (3) main groups which is based primarily on faith and heritage: (a) The Subanens (or any other indigenous tribe/s who had been living in the area before the advent of Islam in Mindanao), (b) the Muslim (Bangsamoro) settlers who came from other parts of Mindanao and other places such as Sabah and Indonesia, and (c) the Christian settlers who generally are from the Visayas and Luzon.

Majority of Pagadianons speak the Cebuano language (part of the Bisaya family of languages). The national language, Filipino (Tagalog) is widely understood and is the native tongue of a small percentage of the population. Iranun, Maguindanao, Maranao, Tausug, and Samal dialects are used by the Muslim community. The Subanen dialect is exclusively used by the Subanen people, the original inhabitants of the area. Remaining percentage of the population are classified as Ilonggo, Chavacano and Ilocano speakers. As in the case with the rest of the Philippines, English is understood by virtually everyone and is used as the primary language for business and official purposes.

History

Pagadian Hymn

Pagadian is a beautiful city.
Just like a pearl of the Southern Sea.
With its people so friendly and sincere,
Pagadian's so wonderful to stay.

Every garden is filled with red roses
and the sound of loving music fills the air.
Lovers in the park, softly strumming guitar
Pagadian, you're always in my heart.

People feel the joy and pride of peaceful living.
Thy verdant hills and valleys rich,
where rivers flow.
Breezes from the ocean blue
refreshes the whole night through,
Pagadian I will always be with you.

Origin of the Name

The city proper and surrounding areas of Muricay, Tawagan Sur and White Beach was originally named "Talpokan," an indigenous word that means "a place of numerous springs".[8]

During the early part of the 20th century, the place was called "Pangad-ye-an", a Visayan word that means,"a place to be prayed for" due to a Malaria epidemic that nearly wiped out the early Christian population, majority of which came from the Visayas. An alternative theory suggests that it was named after a bird that the native inhabitants call "Gagadian". The officially accepted origin of its name are words taken from the Iranun dialect, "pagad" (wait) and "padian" (market)[8] which shows that Pagadian had been a trading or a barter area in the past.

Early Settlers

The native inhabitants in the area were the Subanens. Then came Muslim settlers who had converted the people to Islam. A sizeable number of those "lumads" who refused to be converted eventually settled in the highlands.

The early inhabitants were under the leadership of Datu Akob an Iranun Datu whose daughter caught the fancy of Datu Macaumbang also an Iranun (Sultan of Taga Nonok) from Malabang - Tukuran - Pagadian City. With the approval of Sultan Datu Akob, Datu Macaumbang married Bai Putri Panyawan Akob the former’ beautiful daughter of the Royal Datu of Pagadian City and Royal Bai Putri of Raya.[9] Upon the death of Datu Akob, his son-in-law, Datu Macaumbang (Sultan of taga Nonok) , assumed leadership then he established the territorial boundaries of the present city proper, from Balangasan River in the West of Tawagan Sur River in the East. Beyond the river of Tawagan Sur was the territory of Datu Balimbingan. At one time, Datu Macaumbang requested the assistance of the Philippine Constabulary due to the dreaded banditry and piracy. A detachment led by Col. Tiburcio Ballesteros stationed at Malangas landed at the place and stationed themselves at Dumagoc Island. The arrival of the soldiers restored peace and order thereby attracting the influx of settlers from far-flung regions of the Visayas and Luzon, and from the neighboring places of Mindanao.[9]

In 1950 the barrios of Dinas, Legarda, Mirapao, Migpulao, Kalipapa, Pisaan, Bubway, Tiniguangan, Tabina and Dimataling was transferred to the newly-created town of Dimataling.[10] In 1956 the barrios of Dumalinao Proper, Begong, Nilo, Tigbao, Ticwas, Balongating, Baguitan, Pantad, Napolan, Tagulo, Camanga, Maragang, Sibucao, Tina, Guling, Miculong, Baga, Rebucon, and Mambilik were separated from Pagadian City and constituted into Dumalinao.[11]

Spread of Christianity

Sto.Niño del Cebu

Christian settlers started arriving in the early part of the 20th century, most of which came from Cebu, as evident on the veneration of the Santo Niño de Cebú. The increasing Christian population prompted the creation of the Parish of Pagadian in 1938 and was administered jointly by the Jesuits, Columban and Filipino priests. The original Sto. Niño Church of Pagadian was right across the city plaza, built on the site where the San Jose Parish church now stands; Fr. Sean Nolan,SSC served as the first parish priest. The present Sto. Niño Cathedral is now located in Santiago District and was built in 1968.[12]

Pagadian Parish became a diocese on November 2, 1971 and is a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Ozamiz. Msgr. Jesus B. Tuquib served as the first bishop and was installed on February 24, 1973.[12] At that time, the Columban Fathers took care of the apostolic services for the first 13 parishes in the newly-formed diocese. They also took after the missions of the Jesuits.[12]

As of 2008, the Diocese of Pagadian has 24 parishes.[13]

The city celebrates its Annual Fiesta every 3rd Sunday of January in honor of its patron saint, the Holy Child Jesus (Sto. Niño) which also coincides with the feastday of Cebu City.

                                         Places of Worship in Pagadian
Dome of a mosque in Sta. Lucia District
A minaret in Banale, Pagadian City
Sto. Nino Cathedral
San Jose Parish Church

From Cityhood to the Present

Pagadian today is a developing city growing at a steady pace. A large part of the businesses deals with retail and trade; there is an emerging service sector in the city of which the hotel industry has improved much due to the transfer of some of the Regional Offices of Zamboanga Peninsula.

Timeline

Date/Year Significant Events
pre-1920s The present-day Pagadian had its beginnings as a sitio of Margosatubig.
July 1927 It became a barrio under the Municipal District of Labangan, Zamboanga upon the implementation of Executive Order no.70.[14]
1934 The transfer the seat of the Labangan Government to Pagadian was made through the efforts of Director Teofisto Guingona, Sr. who was commissioned by Philippine Governor-General Leonard Wood to find out the possibility of transferring the seat of government of the Labangan municipality to another place. A conference was first held, together with the Datus and the early Christian settlers as the idea of the transfer was at first largely opposed by the Christians. Eventually, a consensus was reached when the designated committee led by Datu Balimbingan of Labangan and with the consent of Datu Macaumbang surveyed the western part of the present area and found Talpokan, a part of the barrio of Pagadian, deemed as a suitable place for such transfer. At the same time, Datu Macaumbang donated 260 hectares of land to Christians who were willing to transfer to the area.[15]
March 23, 1937 Pagadian became a municipality through Executive Order 77. Its ascendancy was due to the eager initiative of then Assemblyman Juan S. Alano, with the Hon. Jose Sanson appointed as Acting Mayor. A regular election was soon held with the Hon. Federico Jamisola elected as the first officially elected Municipal Mayor. The Municipality of Pagadian was formed by merging the municipal districts of Labangan and Dinas,[16] as a result, making Labangan a district under its former barrio. The newly created town had 19 barangays or districts.[17]
June 6, 1952 Congressman Roseller T. Lim authored R.A. 711 dividing Zamboanga into two provinces - Norte (north) and Sur (south).
September 17, 1952 Pagadian became the capital town of the newly established province of Zamboanga del Sur.
June 21, 1969 It became a chartered city through R.A. 5478, becoming the third city in the Zamboanga Peninsula (Administrative Region).
August 16, 1976 The city was one of the hardest hit areas in the Moro Gulf earthquake and tsunami of 1976, considered as the most devastating tsunami disaster in the Philippines in recent times.[18] Pagadian was the major city in the area that was struck by both the earthquake and tsunami and sustained the greatest number of casualties.[18][19]
October 1990 President Corazon Aquino issued the Executive Order 429 that designated Pagadian City as the Center for Region 9.[20]
November 12, 2004 After having waited for more than a decade, Pagadian officially became the Regional Center for Region IX- Zamboanga Peninsula[7] despite Zamboanga City government's opposition to the transfer.[21]
December 22, 2010 Memorandum Circular No. 11 was signed by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. by the authority of President Benigno C. Aquino III directing a moratorium to temporarily suspend the transfer of Zamboanga Peninsula regional offices from Zamboanga City to Pagadian City pending the study on the matter by designated government agencies. Regional offices that have already relocated to the city are not affected by this.

Festivals

The city celebrates its fiesta every January, showcasing the Pasalamat Festival, fluvial parade (regatta), trade exhibits, the Mutya ng Pagadian beauty pageant, carnival shows as well as a civic military parade. On every 21 June, Pagadianons celebrate the Araw ng Pagadian in commemoration of its founding as a chartered city; and as Capital of Zamboanga del Sur, the city hosts the annual provincial celebration in September with agro-trade exhibits, a civic-military parade, cultural presentations and sports competitions.

The Megayon Festival is a week-long celebration that coincides with the Zamboanga del Sur anniversary in September. It honors the tri-people settlers: the Subanens, BangsaMoro Muslims and Christians.[22] "Megayon" is a Subanen word which means Unity and Solidarity. The festival was officially established on August 3, 2006 as the celebration of the founding of the province through Provincial Ordinance No. 016-2006. A showcase of three distinctly different cultural heritage in songs, dances, rituals of peace, foods and crafts, its main goal is to foster unity and understanding among the three cultures. Organized environment-related activities, peace and development forum, and indigenous sports competitions[23] are also being held.

Pagadian City also officially celebrates the Chinese New Year. This was initiated by Mayor Samuel S. Co who assumed office in 2004. It honors the local Chinese community which had contributed significantly to the local economy.

Governance

Pagadian City Hall

Pagadian City belongs to the 1st District of Zamboanga del Sur. The local Sangguniang Panglungsod (City Legislative Council) is administered by the Mayor, with the assistance of the Vice-Mayor. It has ten elected councilors and one representative each from the Sangguniang Kabataan (Youth Council) and Association of Barangay Captains (ABC).

It is politically subdivided into 54 barangays of which 13 of these are classified as urban.

  • Alegria
  • Balangasan (urban)
  • Balintawak
  • Baloyboan
  • Banale
  • Bogo
  • Bomba
  • Buenavista
  • Bulatok
  • Bulawan
  • Camalig
  • Dampalan
  • Danlugan
  • Dao
  • Datagan
  • Deborok
  • Ditoray
  • Dumagoc (urban)
  • Gatas (urban)
  • Gubac
  • Gubang
  • Kagawasan
  • Kahayagan
  • Kalasan
  • Kawit (urban)
  • La Suerte
  • Lala
  • Lapidian
  • Lenienza
  • Lison Valley
  • Lourdes
  • Lower Sibatang
  • Lumad
  • Lumbia (urban)
  • Macasing
  • Manga
  • Muricay
  • Napolan
  • Palpalan
  • Pedulonan
  • Poloyagan
  • San Francisco (urban)
  • San Jose (urban)
  • San Pedro (urban)
  • Santa Lucia (urban)
  • Santa Maria (urban)
  • Santiago (urban)
  • Santo Niño (urban)
  • Tawagan Sur
  • Tiguma (urban)
  • Tuburan (urban)
  • Tulangan
  • Tulawas
  • Upper Sibatang
  • White Beach

Economy

Industry

Boats along the Pagadian fishport.
City Agora
Rizal Avenue

Agriculture is the primary economic resource, with the production of rice, corn, coconut, fruit and root crops. There are special programs like the Plant-now-Pay Later and Grains Production Enhancement Program that are made available for the local farmers; the City Livelihood Development Assistance Program (CILDAP) also extends loans to those who need financial assistance for their livelihood. Production of livestock such as hogs, goats, cows and poultry is also a growing local industry.

Pagadian Bay and the outer Illana Bay (Iranun Bay) abounds with a wide variety of fish species and crustaceans; seaweed culture farming is flourishing in waters off the bay while fishponds near or along the bay yields milkfish, prawns and crabs. A number of large deep-sea fishing vessels that venture into the Sulu Sea and farther off to South China Sea make Pagadian fishport their base of operation.

Another income-generating industry is mining. The mining area located 1.5 km southeast of Barangay Lison Valley proper approximately forty-nine kilometers from the city proper yields gold, copper and molybdenum.

Production of raw materials like seaweeds, coco processing, cassava constitute a large part of the local economy; small-scale manufacturing of furniture and decors made out of wood, bamboo, rattan, steel and plastic; handicrafts made out of bamboo, rattan, coco shell, wood, marine shell, ceramics, and weaving.

Banking

To date, there are eight (8) privately-owned, two (2) government-owned, five (6) rural banks, two(2) local thrift banks and one (1) cooperative bank in the city. The Philippines biggest banks- Metrobank, Banco de Oro and Philippine National Bank also serve the city.

Places to stay, shop and dine

Pagadian Bay Plaza Hotel
Best Emporium Pagadian

The move of the Regional Center[7] from Zamboanga City prompted a need for more hotels and pension houses in the city.

Hotel Alindahaw is the premier hotel in the city. It is located across Gaisano Mall. Other mid-size hotels include Pagadian Bay Plaza, Hotel Guillermo, Hotel Camila and the New Roxan Hotel. The city is yet to have a 5-star hotel as it is essentially not a prime tourism get-away, although a recent surge in the hotel and pension-house constructions around the city is evident due to the current influx of visitors primarily to do business, among other things.

Gaisano Capital Pagadian is the biggest mall in the city, followed by Peoples Plaza, a department store owned by a local Chinese businessman. Another store, Best Emporium is owned by a Chinese family from Zamboanga City. C3 Mall (City Commercial Center) is owned by the City Government of Pagadian. It is the site of the historic Shopping Center, where the old market and the transportation terminal were once located.

Homegrown mid-size stores such as D'beam Hypermart and Cariaga Hypermart are flourishing. These stores are the legacy of the local businessmen who had managed to build this city from its beginnings as a trading settlement to what it is now.

Fine dining is available in restaurants mostly located inside the city's hotels such as Alindahaw Cafe and Guiller Cafe-Restaurant. Fresh seafood and tilapias straight from the fishponds can be availed at Greenhouse Fishing Station and Restaurant.

Tourist attractions

Pagadian City has a number of tourist attractions, though they are not as well-known throughout the Philippines.

  • Pagadian Rotonda - located on the upper reaches of Pagadian City overlooking Pagadian Bay, it is a circular park that intersects North Diversion Road and Pajares Avenue, two of the three major road networks in the city (the other one is Rizal Avenue). The Rotonda has maintained, landscaped gardens. There are horses for horseback-riding and a refreshment store.
  • Dao Dao Islands - are two islands, Dako (big) and Gamay (small). The bigger island covers 1.10 hectares and is a 7-10 minute ride by motorboat from the seaport. It has artificial coral reefs; ideal for swimming, boating and fishing. Dao Dao Gamay is a sandbar and is partially submerged during high tide. White Beach is a stretch of white sand just five minutes via motorboat northeast of the city seaport. Muricay Beach is just a little over 4 km from the city proper, swimming is allowed in some parts but is as yet largely undeveloped. Mangrove and seaweed plantations are nearby.
Pagadian Bay. Dao-dao Dako on center; Dao-dao Gamay on right foreground.
  • Springland Resort - sourced from natural springs in the district of Tuburan. It has swimming pools and a fishpond. The resort also has a multifunction hall and a restaurant designed in Native Filipino Style.
  • Lourdes Waterfalls and Hot and Cold Springs -are natural hot springs in barangay Lourdes, about 32 km. northwest from the urban area. This is tapped by the Pagadian City Water District as a water source for barangay Kagawasan. Lison Valley Waterfalls is located about 42 km. northwest of Pagadian proper, in sitio Santa Lucia. The falls has a height of about 20–25 meters with water outflow of 5 cu. m. per second. The spherical basin, 20 meters in diameter, is ideal for swimming. Ditoray Waterfalls is 14 km from the Pagadian poblacion and 5 km from the center of barangay Ditoray.
  • Manga Falls and Twin Caves - located in barangay Manga, just 7 km. from the city proper. This is a two-layered cascading fall, surrounded by huge trees that are home to white monkeys. The twin caves can be explored along the two-layered waterfalls. It is currently in the process of being developed as a tourist spot. Kendis Cave is about 14 km from Pagadian poblacion and 5 km from barangay Ditoray and not yet accessible to regular traffic as the only way to reach it is through horseback. The cave has large overhead crevices with two interior chambers.
  • Mt. Palpalan - is the promontory within the Pagadian City limits on whose apex the transmitters of major commercial communication systems are built on. With a height of 684 ft above sea level, it has a sweeping vista of Pagadian City and Illana Bay. Mount Susong Dalaga, which means "Maiden’s Breast", is a nearly perfect cone located in barangay Lourdes, and Mt. Pinokis in barangay Lison Valley.
  • Bulatoc Hill, Bogo Hill and Dumagoc Hill - provide panoramic views of Pagadian Bay and surrounding areas.
  • Agro-Tourism and Heritage Complex (AHC) – located a mere 5 minute ride from the center of Pagadian, the AHC has a Cultural Village, representing every town in Zamboanga del Sur, a Butterfly Park, and a Canopy Walk and Zipline.

Education

The Local Government Units (LGUs) supports the education sector through the Day Care Services (DCS) adopting Early Child Care & Development (ECCD) that provides early education for 3-5 year olds. These are established to make children better prepared for the higher levels of learning. The quality of DCS and the available resources vary widely across the geographical areas, with urban Day Care Centers (DCC) generally faring better than those in rural areas.[24]

Privately-owned schools

Name Type of school Information
Saint Columban College primary, secondary, tertiary only private-sectarian tertiary school; largest privately-owned school in terms of assets
Southern Mindanao Colleges, Inc. secondary & tertiary largest privately-owned school in terms of student population
Pagadian Capitol College primary, secondary, tertiary --
Zamboanga del Sur Maritime Institute of Technology maritime school sole maritime school in the city
Mendero College nursing school owned and operated by the Pagadian City Medical Center
Medina College-Pagadian nursing school largest nursing school in the city
Holy Child Academy secondary sister school of Saint Columban College
Pagadian City Montessori School primary --
City Chamber School primary sole Chinese school in the city

| There are also a number of small-size schools which are mostly vocational schools.

Government-owned schools

Name Type of school
Western Mindanao State University tertiary; satellite campus(only)
Pagadian City National Comprehension High School secondary
Lala National High School secondary
Zamboanga del Sur National High School secondary
Zamboanga del Sur School of Arts and Trade secondary
Pagadian City Pilot School primary

| There are also a number of small-size grade schools operated by barangays.

Infrastructure

Transportation and Accessibility

Pagadian Airport front facade
File:FishermansVillagePag.jpg
Entrance to the Fishermens' Village.

Airport. The city is served by a secondary airport that can accommodate both commercial and private aircraft. It is located in Barangay Muricay and Barangay Tiguma, five (5) kilometers from the city proper. It recently had undergone renovation and extension.

Seaport. The port of Pagadian City is served by seven (7) shipping lines operating for both passengers and cargoes. Ports of call include Zamboanga City, Jolo, Siasi, Bongao, Sitangkai and Cotabato City. The seaport is currently undergoing expansion and renovation.

Land Transportation/Road Network. The city has a road network with a total length of 374.07 km of which 311.02 km are barangay roads, 43.26 km are city roads, 5.98 km are city alleys and 13.80 km are national roads. A total of 235.22 km or 62.88% are concrete roads. The city has a total of 289.81 lineal meters of bridges/spillway/box culvert - 3 national bridges, 5 city bridges, 5 barangay bridges, 6 barangay spillways and 1 barangay box culvert.[25]

Four bus companies regularly serve the city for Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro, Ozamiz and Dipolog while buses, minibuses and jeepneys are the means of transportation in the neighboring municipalities of Zamboanga del Sur. Tricycles are the primary transport in the urban center while jeepneys are the usual transportation for the city's rural barangays. Private vehicles constitute the greatest number of registered vehicles in the city.

Television

Itv-8 is a 24-hour local information channel based in Pagadian. ABS-CBN Pagadian (DXLM-TV), TV-3 GMA, and TV-11 NBN also have their private regional public broadcast service stations based in the city. The city is served by two cable companies: PCTV Cable and KISMET Cable. GMA Inc. is planning its GMA News TV Channel 26 after the closing of Studio 23 Channel 24 in Pagadian City and Campus Radio Station. ABC Development Corporation is planning, too, its new major network, TV5 (rival of GMA and ABS-CBN). RPN was defunct since the 1990s.

Television Stations

Callsign Channel Location Owner
DXEJ-TV TV-3 Pagadian GMA Network
DXLM-TV TV-9 Pagadian MIT-RTVN
Currently broadcasting: ABS-CBN
PTV-11 TV-11 Pagadian National Broadcasting Network
DXJR-TV TV-32 Pagadian ABC-TV5
DXPG-TV TV-37 Pagadian GMA Network
Currently broadcasting: GMA News TV

Radio Stations

  • (AM)
Frequency Station Name Call Sign Company Address
603 KHz RMN Pagadian DXPR Radio Mindanao Network San Jose, Pagadian City
792 KHz Bombo Radyo DXPN People’s Broadcasting Service Pagadian City
1269 KHz Radyo Bagting DXBZ Baganian Broadcasting Corporation Sta. Maria, Pagadian City
1377 KHz Radyo Ronda DXKP Radio Philippines Network Gatas, Pagadian City
1566 KHz DXID Association for Islamic Development Incorporated Banale, Pagadian City
  • (FM)
Frequency Station Name Call Sign Company Address
90.3 MHz Campus Radio 90.3 Pagadian DXPN RGMA Network, Inc. Pagadian City
91.1 MHz V91 DXKV CBC Balangasan, Pagadian City
91.9 MHz Radyo Natin DXMD Manila Broadcasting Company Dumagoc, Pagadian City
94.1 MHz Radio1 DXLN MIT-RTVN Balangasan, Pagadian City
96.7 MHz iFM DXWD Radio Mindanao Network San Jose, Pagadian City
99.9 MHz Power 99 DXWO Times Broadcasting System San Jose, Pagadian City
101.9 MHz Islamic Radio Station DXID Association for Islamic Development Incorporated Banale, Pagadian City
106.3 MHz Bell FM DXCA Baganian Broadcasting Corporation Sta. Maria, Pagadian City
107.9 MHz DXGM Zamboanga del Sur Maritime Institute of Technology Pagadian City

Utility

Telecommunications

Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) and Cruztelco are the two major telecommunications providers. A project under the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), the Pagadian City Telephone Exchange (PACITELEX) serves the far-flung barangays that other telephone companies are not yet able to give service. The three major cellular phone service providers in the country such as Globe Telecom, Smart Communications, and Digitel/Sun Cellular also serves the city.

Water and Power Supply

Pagadian City Water District (PCWD) provides the city with potable water supply. Formed in 1976, the PCWD has over 14,000 active service connections and sources its water from deep wells and springs.[26]

Electricity is supplied by the Zamboanga del Sur Electric Cooperative, Incorporated (ZAMSURECO I) from the National Power Corporation Hydro-Electric Plant in Iligan City, sourced from the Maria Cristina Falls. About 77.70% or 42 barangays out of 54 total barangays in the entire city area have 24-hr electricity.

Health Care

Government-owned and/or operated

  • Zamboanga del Sur Medical Center is a government-owned tertiary hospital and is also the largest medical facility in the city. It is located at the Provincial Government Complex, Dao, Pagadian City. Its operations began on October 14, 2008, permanently replacing the now defunct Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Hospital.

Privately-owned and/or operated

  • Pagadian City Medical Center is a two-building tertiary hospital and is currently the largest private medical facility in the city. It is located within the city commercial district.
  • Pagadian City Community Hospital/Jamelarin Community Hospital is one of the earliest medical facilities in the city.
  • Borbon General Hospital, Inc. is a general medical facility located at J. Rizal Street, Balangasan, Pagadian City
  • Metro Pagadian Hospital, Inc. is located at Barangay Lumbia, Pagadian City.
  • Pagadian City Doctors' Hospital is a newly-established general medical facility in the city.
  • Pagadian City Medical Hospital is located at Cabrera Street, Pagadian City
  • Zamboanga del Sur Health Services Cooperative Hospital is located at Santiago, Pagadian City

Notable People from Pagadian

  • Ma. Alicia Elena Ariosa - Search for Miss Earth-Philippines 2011 finalist representing Pagadian (Top 1)
  • Enrique Ona - current Philippine Secretary of Health (2010 - present)
  • Gladys Dueñas - Miss Philippines-International 1995

The Sultanate of Pagadian

Sultan

  • Sultan Pangansayan Macaumbang Radi - 7th Sultan of Pagadian (present)
  • Sultan Bai Umbay Akob Macaumbang - 6th Sultan of Pagadian-1st Female Sultan, she occupied the throne after the death of her father until the 7th Sultan was throned.
  • Datu Macaumbang - 5th Sultan of Pagadian and also known as "Sultan sa taga Nonok"
  • Datu Akob - 4th Sultan of Pagadian

Rajah Muda (Prince)

  • Rajah Muda Duma Elian Jamerol Macaumbang (2009 to present)
  • Rajah Muda Untod Akob Jamerol Macaumbang

Bai a Labi (Princess)

  • Bai a Labi (Princess) Bai Sumalumbay Elian Jamerol Macaumbang - Catong - 8th Bai a Labi (2009 to present)
  • Bai a Labi (Princess) Bai Sauda Akob Jamerol - Bago Al-Hadja - 7th Bai a Labi of Pagadian
  • Bai a Labi (Princess) Bai Putri Concona Akob - Jamerol - 6th Bai a Labi of Pagadian
  • Bai a Labi (Princess) Bai Putri Panyawan Akob - Macaumbang - 5th Bai a Labi of Pagadian

Fast Facts

  • The city was an awardee of the Cleanest and Greenest City in Western Mindanao consecutively, in CY 1998 and CY 1999.[27]
  • Pagadian is represented in the Liga Pilipinas by its own basketball team, the Pagadian Explorers.

References

  1. ^ "Little Hongkong of the South". Retrieved 2009-03-29.
  2. ^ Data on Philippine Cities and Towns (retrieved: 29 October 2010)
  3. ^ "Zip codes in the Philippines". Retrieved 2009-03-29.
  4. ^ Only in the Philippines (retrieved: 31 March 2009)
  5. ^ geomath.multiply.com (retrieved: 31 March 2009)
  6. ^ My Pagadian.com(retrieved: 31 March 2009)
  7. ^ a b c "Interactive Travel Guide on Pagadian City". iguide.travel – Pagadian City. 2009. Retrieved 2009-04-26.
  8. ^ a b "Legend of Pagadian City". Pagadian.com. Retrieved 2009-04-26. [dead link]
  9. ^ a b The Iranon Tribe Blogspot (retrieved: 29 March 2009)
  10. ^ "An act to create the municipality of Dimataling in the province of Zamboanga". LawPH.com. Retrieved 2011-04-09.
  11. ^ "An Act Creating Municipality of Dumalinao in the Province of Zamboanga Del Sur". LawPH.com. Retrieved 2011-04-12.
  12. ^ a b c "History of the Diocese of Pagadian - translated from Cebuano". Pagadian.com. Retrieved 2009-04-26.
  13. ^ "Ucan Diocesan Profiles". UCA News. 2009-04-22. Retrieved 2010-07-11. [dead link]
  14. ^ Labangan Teachers, p69. (retrieved: 29 March 2009)
  15. ^ 1stphilippines.com - Pagadian History (retrieved: 29 March 2009)
  16. ^ History of Zamboanga del Sur, p37-38 (retrieved: 29 March 2009)
  17. ^ History of Zamboanga del Sur, p38 (retrieved: 29 March 2009)
  18. ^ a b "The Philippine Tsunami of 1976". www.drgeorgepc.com. Retrieved 2009-04-26.
  19. ^ Phivolcs Report, Earthquake of 1976(retrieved: 31 March 2009)
  20. ^ Philippines Law Online (retrieved: 16 March 2009)
  21. ^ Ipil News (retrieved: 31 March 2009)
  22. ^ Unsapa.com - ZamboSur Anniversary (retrieved: 26 April 2009)
  23. ^ PIA - Zamboanga del Sur (retrieved: 26 April 2009)
  24. ^ ZamboSur Education (retrieved: 29 April 2009)
  25. ^ Pagadian City Socio-economic Profile (retrieved: 28 March 2009)
  26. ^ Local Water Utilities Administration Website(retrieved: 28 March 2009)
  27. ^ www.buyusa.gov - Pagadian Profile (retrieved: 13 February 2009)
  28. ^ Unsapa.com News (retrieved: 13 February 2009)
  29. ^ Pagadian.org News (retrieved: 13 February 2009)
  30. ^ National Historical Institute (retrieved: 13 February 2009)

7°49′42″N 123°20′4.61″E / 7.82833°N 123.3346139°E / 7.82833; 123.3346139