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)
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.
By Air:
Take a flight bound for Cagayan de Oro or Zamboanga
City. From there, there are chartered flights
headed to Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay
By Air-Land:
Fly from Manila to Zambaonga, Pagadian, or Dipolog
City and take a bus to Ipil. There are many bus
companies that ply the route. From Pagadian the
bus trip takes about 6-8 hours. From Dipolog City
it takes 10 to 11 hours. From Zamboanga City,
it takes 6-8 hours.