‘TOL VIEWS

Far down the region of Zamboanga Peninsula is a young but rapidly growing province called Zamboanga Sibugay. Formerly part of Zamboanga del Sur and created through Republic Act 8973 ratified on Feb. 22, 2001, Zamboanga Sibugay is an emerging tourism hub for the region and is abundantly blessed with pristine beaches, caves, waterfalls and other naturally scenic attractions. More than two decades after its creation, Zamboanga Sibugay continues to tread the path to progress through synergy, visionary leadership and good local governance. The province’s economy primarily rests upon agriculture being a major producer and exporter of rice, corn, marine and aqua-culture products. The two week-long celebration of Zamboanga Sibugay’s founding anniversary is in fact highlighted by various festivals that showcase the province’s rich and unique culture and history such as the Sibug-Sibug Festival centered on keeping the province as the Talaba (Oyster) capital of the Philippines. Tourism is an emerging industry in Zamboanga Sibugay as its white sand coasts are comparable with the more famous Boracay and Puerto Princesa beaches. With the establishment of more travel facilities to connect Zamboanga Sibugay to the rest of the world, I am confident that the province can be a leading tourism center in the Mindanao region. Young and quiet as the province may be, Zamboanga Sibugay is making a name for itself having been recognized in 2017 as one of the country’s top rice producing provinces. With ample support in terms of agricultural research and development, as well as acquisition of new technology and equipment for modernized agriculture, Zamboanga Sibugay may be the country’s hope of producing enough rice for domestic consumption as well as export. With the abundance of natural resources, the unity and support of the people, and governance thrusts geared toward growth and sustainability, Zamboanga Sibugay promises to be that thriving local community envisioned in RA 8973. I join all Sibugaynons in thanksgiving and prayer for peace and progress to come upon Zamboanga Sibugay, for its communities to remain weaved into a shared fabric of culture, history and faith, and for its local servant leaders to remain anchored on integrity and honor.