Пағиадиан: Филиппиннің Замбоанга-дель-Сур провинциясының астанасы

Capital of Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines

Pagadian, officially the City of Pagadian (; Subanen: Gembagel G'benwa Pagadian; Maguindanaon: Kuta nu Pagadian, كوت نو ڤڬديان; Iranun: Bandar a Pagadian, بندر ا ڤاڬاديان; ; ), is a 1st class component city and the capital of the province of Zamboanga del Sur, Philippines. It is the regional center of Zamboanga Peninsula and the second largest city in the region and in the province, after the independent city of Zamboanga. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 210,452 people. The city will be converted to a highly urbanized city by the virtue of Proclamation No. 1247, signed by President Rodrigo Duterte dated November 8, 2021. Pagadian began as stop over for traders who plied the road between the old Spanish fort town of Zamboanga on the southwestern tip of the Zamboanga Peninsula and other bigger towns to the north of the old Zamboanga Province. Except for its sheltered bay and good fishing grounds, it was not a promising site because it is situated on steeply rolling terrain. In the course of its local history, waves of different kinds of people came to stay, and eventually called among themselves "Pagadianons". The iconic symbol of Pagadian is its uniquely designed tricycle built to adopt to the city's hilly terrain. It is the only place in the Philippines with a public transport inclined at about 25 40° angle. In recent years, these iconic inclined public transport has been slowly being replaced by modernized tricycles, locally called "bao bao" a kind of auto rickshaw, due to the latter's fuel efficiency, less noise and being environment friendly due to its smoke less emissions.

The city proper and surrounding areas of today's barangays of Muricay, Tawagan Sur and White Beach was originally named Talapukan, an indigenous word that means "a place of numerous springs." The officially accepted origin of its name are words taken from Iranun, pagad ("to wait") and padian ("market")

Upon the death of Datu Akob also known as Datu Mimbalawag, his son in law, Datu Macaumbang (Sultan of Taga Nonok) assumed leadership; 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 rampant banditry and piracy in the area. 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 other places. Pagadian Parish became a diocese on November 2, 1971, and is a suffragan of the Archdiocese of Ozamis. Msgr. Jesus B. Tuquib served as the first bishop and was installed on February 24, 1973.

The present day Pagadian had its beginnings as a sitio of Margosatubig. On July 1927, it became a barrio under the Municipal District of Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur upon the implementation of Executive Order no.70.

The transfer the seat of the Labangan Government to Pagadian was made in 1934 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. On March 23, 1937, Pagadian became a municipality through Executive Order 77 due to the eager initiative of then Assemblyman Juan S. Alano, with the Jose Sanson appointed as acting mayor. Norberto Bana Sr. was elected as the first officially elected municipal mayor after the regular elections. The Municipality of Pagadian was formed by merging the municipal districts of Labangan and Dinas, as a result, making Labangan a district under its former barrio. The newly created town had 19 barangays or districts. (In 1950 the barrios of Dinas, Legarda, Mirapao, Migpulao, Kalipapa, Pisaan, Bubway, Tiniguangan, Tabina and Dimataling which were under the Municipality of Pagadian, were incorporated into the newly created town of Dimataling. In the same manner, 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 constituted into Dumalinao in 1956.)

Pagadian was occupied by Japanese troops during World War II. From November 5 to 20, 1944, the combined American and Filipino troops attempted to take the town from the Japanese. Sixteen Japanese soldiers were killed, but they remained in possession of Pagadian. The establishment of the general headquarters of the Philippine Commonwealth Army and the Philippine Constabulary were stationed in Pagadian and active from November 21, 1944, to June 30, 1946, during and in the aftermath of World War II, including the military operations and engagements against the Japanese and liberated areas in Mindanao from November 21, 1944, to August 15, 1945. Pagadian was the major city in the area that was struck by both the earthquake and tsunami and sustained the greatest number of casualties.

The 1970s brought a period of numerous concurrent conflicts on the island of Mindanao, including Dumingag and Zamboanga del Sur. This included land dispute conflicts arising from the influx of settlers from Luzon and Visayas, and from the Marcos administration’s encouragement of militia groups such as the Ilaga. often involving the warrantless detention, murder, and physical, sexual, or mental torture of political opponents, student activists, journalists, religious workers, farmers, and others who fought against the Marcos dictatorship. In Zamboanga del Sur, these were often attributed to military endorsed Militias, which included the Ilaga and a number of armed cult groups, which were used to enhance the military's numbers as it fought various resistance movements. Within Pagadian itself, documented human rights violations directly associated with the Philippine Constabulary included the killing of political prisoners at the Pagadian City Jail, while incidents of violence associated with the Militias and armed cult groups included violence during the leadup to the 1981 Philippine presidential election and referendum,, including that of Catholic church worker Mateo Olivar at a checkpoint in Barangay Labangan, which led to local outrage in the Pagadian parish, and Olivar’s eventual honoring as a Martyr of the resistance against the dictatorship at the Philippines’ Bantayog ng mga Bayani memorial. But it was not until November 12, 2004 that Pagadian officially became the Regional Center for Region IX Zamboanga Peninsula due in part to the opposition of Zamboanga City, the former regional center, which delayed the process of the transfer.

Proclamation No. 1247 was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on December 8, 2021, which sought to convert Pagadian into a highly urbanized city.

Pagadian is on the northeastern side of the Western Mindanao region, bordering on Illana Bay. 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. Sugarloaf (1,376 m.), Mt. Pinukis (1,213 m.), and Mt. Palpalan (650 m.) are the three notable mountain 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, most of the city's 54 barangays do not experience flooding. The low lying southern and eastern part of the city occasionally experience flooding, especially during heavy rains.

Located within the tropics of the northern hemisphere, Pagadian has a pronounced dry season from January to March and rainy season from April to December. The area is generally not affected by tropical storms and typhoons as it is located outside the Philippine Typhoon Belt. Temperature ranges from The prevailing winds are the southwest wind that blow from over the sea during dry seasons going northeast, and the trade winds brought from the mountain ranges. Rainfall distribution is moderate from annually.

The people of Pagadian (Pagadianons) are classified into three main groups which is based primarily on faith and heritage: (a) the Subanens (or any other indigenous tribes who had been living in the area before the advent of Islam in Mindanao), (b) the Muslim settlers who came from other parts of Mindanao and other places such as Sabah and Indonesia, and (c) the Christian settlers who generally came from the Visayas and Luzon. The majority of Pagadianons speak the Cebuano language. The national language, Filipino (Tagalog) is widely understood and is the native tongue of a small percentage of the population. Maguindanaon, Iranun, Maranao, Tausug, and Samal languages 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 Hiligaynon and Zamboangueño speakers. As with the rest of the Philippines, English is widely understood and is used as the primary language for business.

Pagadian posted an average annual regular income of P662,511,106.21 from fiscal year 2009 to 2016, thus classifying it as a 1st class component city in the Philippines. As of 2023, it is the 7th wealthiest city in Mindanao with a total asset of P5.568 Billion. The city has an increasing number of businesses in the service sector mainly due to the transfer of the regional offices from Zamboanga City resulting to an influx of visitors from other towns and cities in the Zamboanga Peninsula. This is evident on the current bullish construction trend in the city. Some malls already had made a presence but the most prominent is the city owned mall, City Commercial Center or C3 Mall, which was built in 2011. However, agriculture is still considered the primary economic resource with the production of rice, corn, coconut, fruit, root crops and animal husbandry. Special funding assistance programs by the government are made available for local farmers; the City Livelihood Development Assistance Program (CILDAP) extends loans to those who need financial assistance for their livelihood. 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. Pagadian Bay and the outer Illana Bay (Iranun Bay) abound with a wide variety of marine products; 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 as far as the South China Sea make Pagadian fishport their base of operation. Another income generating industry is mining in an area located 1.5 km southeast of Barangay Lison Valley proper approximately forty nine kilometers from the city proper which yields gold, copper and molybdenum.

The City Fiesta is celebrated every third Sunday of January in honor of its patron saint, the Holy Child Jesus (Santo Niño) which coincides with the feastday of Cebu City. It is officially called the Pasalamat Festival highlighted with a fluvial parade (regatta), trade exhibits, the Mutya ng Pagadian beauty pageant, carnival shows and a civic military parade. On every June 21, the Araw ng Pagadian is celebrated in commemoration of its founding as a chartered city; 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. "Megayon" is a Subanen word which means "Unity and Solidarity". The festival is a showcase of three distinctly different cultural heritage in songs, dances, rituals of peace, foods and crafts, to foster unity and understanding among the three cultures. Environment related activities, peace and development forum, and indigenous sports competitions are being held. Pagadian City also officially celebrates the Chinese New Year. It honors the local Chinese community.

The Pagadian Rotunda is a roundabout and circular park that overlooks Illana Bay where the North Diversion Road and F. S. Pajares Avenue converges, two of the three major roads in the city center (the third one being Rizal Avenue). Plaza Luz is a park located across Pagadian City Hall. The park has a musical dancing fountain that is usually turned on at 6:00 in the evening. Dao Dao Islands. The name is shared by two islands within Illana Bay; thus the addition of Dako (big) and Gamay (small) to the names of the islands for simple distinction. "Dao Dao Dako" is the bigger island which is about a hectare and is about 7 to 10‑minute ride by motorboat from the seaport. It has artificial coral reefs made of old tires. "Dao Dao Gamay" is technically not an island, but a sandbar that partially submerges during high tide. Springland Resort is a natural springwater resort, it has three swimming pools, a fishpond and multi function halls for gatherings. Balas is the literal translation for "white sand" in the local dialect. It is classified as a white sandbar. A number of caves and waterfalls can also be found in remote barangays of the city. The Provincial Government Complex is the civic, sports and cultural center of the Province of Zamboanga del Sur of which Pagadian is the capital. A standard sized oval track and field, standard sized swimming pools and buildings for indoor/outdoor sports as well as a cultural village and the Unity Park, a monument to the Tri people group (the Lumads, Moslems and Christians) who settled in Pagadian, are located there.

Tricycles or Bao Bao are the primary public transport in the urban center while jeepneys usually ply the city's rural barangays. Private vehicles comprises the largest percentage of the traffic. Buses, minibuses, and jeepneys are the modes of transportation for transients bound for the neighboring municipalities and other parts of Zamboanga del Sur. These short travel transports also serve the bus terminal which is located downtown. Airport. The city is served by a Principal Airport Class 1 (or major domestic). It is located in Barangay Muricay, approximately five kilometers from the city proper. The airport serves as the only air portal in the Province of Zamboanga del Sur with direct flights to and from Manila and Cebu. Seaport. The port of Pagadian City is served by shipping lines operating for both passenger and cargo vessels. Ports of call include Zamboanga City, Jolo and Siasi in Sulu, Bongao and Sitangkai in Tawi tawi, and Cotabato City. Integrated Bus Terminal (IBT Main). Served by two major bus companies and several other smaller Public Utility Vehicles(PUVs), i. e. vans, the terminal sits atop the hill as the station for both Eastbound and Westbound transport, particularly for public transports bound for Zamboanga City, Butuan, Ozamiz City, Dipolog,
Iligan City, Cagayan de Oro, Cotabato City, Kidapawan City, Digos City, Davao CitY, Tacurong City, Koronadal City, and General Santos City. Integrated Bus Terminal (Annex Palacio), Served by several mini bus companies and other smaller PUVs, the terminal sits in urban Sta. Lucia District, as the station for both Eastbound and Westbound transport, particularly for public transport bound for neighboring towns especially in the Baganian Peninsula area.

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. Various cellular phone service providers in the country serve the city. Water and Power Supply Pagadian City Water District (PCWD or PAWAD) provides the city with potable water supply. Formed in 1976, PCWD has over 14,000 active service connections and sources its water from deep wells and springs. Electricity Electricity is supplied by the Zamboanga del Sur I 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 out of 54 total barangays in the entire city have 24 hour supply of electricity.

91.1 Voice Radio (Kaissar Broadcasting Network)
91.9 Radyo Natin (Manila Broadcasting Company)
93.5 FMR (Philippine Collective Media Corporation)
94.1 Radio One (MIT Radio TV Network, Inc.)
96.7 iFM (Radio Mindanao Network)
98.3 Energy FM (Ultrasonic Broadcasting System)
99.1 Muews Radio (Sagay Broadcasting Corporation)
99.9 Radyo Bisdak (Times Broadcasting Network Corporation)
103.1 Radyo Kidlat (Zamboanga del Sur I Electric Cooperative, Inc.; affiliated with Philippine Broadcasting Service)
103.9 LCM FM (Subic Broadcasting Corporation; operated by Loud Cry Ministries)
104.7 Radyo Sakto (Malindang Broadcasting Network Corporation)
105.7 Brigada News FM (Baycomms Broadcasting Corporation/Brigada Mass Media Corporation)
106.3 Bell FM (Baganian Broadcasting Corporation)
107.1 Juander Radyo (Capitol Broadcasting Center; operated by RSV Broadcasting Services)
88.7 CocoyBags Radio
101.5 DXID FM Islamic Radio