List of barangays in Zamboanga City

Zamboanga City, a highly urbanized independent component city in the Zamboanga Peninsula region of the southwestern Philippines, is subdivided into 98 barangays, the smallest administrative divisions that function as primary local government units for community governance, public order, and basic services such as health, education, and infrastructure maintenance.^[1][2] These barangays are organized into two congressional districts—the West Coast District encompassing 38 barangays and the East Coast District covering 60—to facilitate legislative representation and resource allocation, with each barangay led by an elected captain and council handling local ordinances and dispute resolution.^[1] The divisions reflect the city's diverse geography, including urban core areas, coastal zones, and inland rural settlements, supporting a population exceeding 977,000 as of the latest census data while addressing challenges like urban expansion and disaster resilience in a region prone to seismic activity and tropical storms.^[2]

Administrative Background

Historical Development of Barangay System

The concept of the barangay in the Philippines derives from pre-colonial balangay, referring to small, kinship-based settlements of 30 to 100 families led by a datu or chieftain, which formed the basic socio-political units across archipelago communities, including early Subanen groups in the Zamboanga region dating back 2,000 to 6,000 years.^[3] These units emphasized communal self-governance, resource sharing, and defense, often centered around coastal or riverine areas conducive to trade and agriculture. Spanish colonization from the 16th century disrupted this structure through the encomienda system and reduccion policy, consolidating indigenous groups into centralized pueblos and barrios under friar-supervised towns, with Zamboanga's fortified presidio established in 1635 around Fort Pilar serving as a hub for such administrative divisions amid ongoing Moro resistance.^[4] Under American administration starting in 1901, Zamboanga evolved from a Moro Province capital to a chartered city by 1936, retaining barrios as the smallest rural or semi-urban units subordinate to municipalities, with governance formalized through elected councils but limited autonomy focused on local maintenance and taxation.^[3] The post-independence era under the 1935 Constitution continued this barrio framework until martial law reforms, culminating in Presidential Decree No. 557 signed on September 21, 1974, by President Ferdinand Marcos, which universally renamed all barrios as barangays, devolved powers for grassroots governance, and mandated elected captains and councils to handle dispute resolution, infrastructure, and community services as the "basic political unit."^[5] In Zamboanga City, this national shift integrated with local expansions; prior conversions included subdivisions like the 1972 executive order by Mayor Joaquin Enriquez Jr. dividing the original Poblacion barrio into multiple units such as Zones I-IV to accommodate urban growth, while the city's highly urbanized status from November 22, 1983, preserved barangay roles amid decentralization under the 1987 Constitution and Local Government Code of 1991, which further empowered them via the Lupong Tagapamayapa for mediation.^[6] The roster stabilized at 98 barangays by 1991 with the creation of Kasanyangan, reflecting deliberate boundary delineations to balance population distribution and administrative efficiency without subsequent additions.

Legal Framework and Governance

The barangays in Zamboanga City operate under the framework established by Republic Act No. 7160, the Local Government Code of 1991, which defines them as the basic political and administrative subdivisions of municipalities and cities throughout the Philippines.^[7] This code mandates decentralization of governance, granting barangays autonomy in exercising powers devolved from national and local levels, subject to national laws and city ordinances, with the aim of promoting local self-reliance and citizen participation.^[8] In Zamboanga City, as a highly urbanized independent component city, barangay creation, division, merger, abolition, or boundary alteration requires approval via ordinance by the Sangguniang Panlungsod, ensuring alignment with city planning while meeting criteria such as minimum population and land area thresholds specified in the code.^[7] Governance at the barangay level centers on the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU), led by the punong barangay as the chief executive, elected directly by residents for a three-year term during synchronized local elections, with the most recent held on October 30, 2023.^[9] The punong barangay enforces ordinances, manages administrative functions, and represents the barangay in inter-local dealings, including coordination with the Zamboanga City government through bodies like the Barangay Affairs Section for clearances and support services.^[10] The legislative arm, the Sangguniang Barangay, comprises the punong barangay as presiding officer and seven regularly elected members (kagawads), plus ex-officio youth representatives from the Sangguniang Kabataan, responsible for enacting resolutions and ordinances on local matters such as peace and order, health, and infrastructure within the barangay's jurisdiction.^[8] Barangay officials derive their authority from devolved powers under the code, including taxation (such as the barangay clearance fee), regulation of local businesses, and delivery of basic services like street lighting and solid waste management, funded partly by the Internal Revenue Allotment share and local revenues.^[7] Accountability mechanisms include recall elections, initiated by at least 25% of registered voters, and oversight from the city mayor, who can review barangay acts for legality.^[9] While the framework applies uniformly, Zamboanga City's barangays face unique challenges in governance due to urban density and security contexts, prompting initiatives like the Seal of Good Local Governance awards to incentivize performance in areas such as financial management and citizen engagement.^[11]

Organizational Divisions

Congressional Districts

Zamboanga City is divided into two congressional districts to elect representatives to the House of Representatives of the Philippines, ensuring representation aligned with population distribution and geographic considerations. This structure was established to address the city's growth and provide focused legislative attention to urban core versus peripheral areas. The districts were formally delineated by Republic Act No. 9269, enacted on March 5, 2004, which split the city's then-88 barangays into an initial 34 for the First District—primarily western urban zones—and 54 for the Second District, covering eastern, southern, and outlying regions.^[12] The First Congressional District centers on the city's historic and commercial hub, incorporating densely populated barangays along the western coastline and inland areas. It emphasizes issues related to trade, port activities, and urban infrastructure. The Second Congressional District spans more expansive rural and semi-urban territories, including coastal islands and agricultural zones, addressing concerns such as rural development, fisheries, and border proximity to neighboring provinces. Subsequent subdivision of existing barangays has expanded the total to 98, with the First District now encompassing 38 barangays and the Second 60, maintaining the west-east divide while adapting to demographic shifts.^[13] Elections for each district occur every three years, with representatives serving terms beginning June 30 following certification of results by the Commission on Elections.

Geographic Districts

Zamboanga City's 98 barangays are clustered into 13 geographic districts to support localized administration, infrastructure management, and community services, independent of the two congressional districts aligned with the city's west and east coasts. This spatial organization emphasizes practical governance over electoral divisions, enabling efficient resource allocation based on terrain, population density, and accessibility. As of 2020 census data, these districts vary in size and demographics, with urban-focused ones like Zamboanga Central containing high-density zones and rural ones like Vitali featuring expansive agricultural lands. The districts comprise Ayala, Baliwasan, Curuan, Islands, Labuan, Manicahan, Mercedes, Putik, Santa Barbara, Santa Maria, Tetuan, Vitali, and Zamboanga Central. For instance, the Baliwasan district covers 155.39 hectares with a population of 17,932 residents, reflecting mixed urban-rural traits. Similarly, Tetuan district includes expansive areas like Mampang at 950.8 hectares and 31,975 inhabitants, oriented toward northern peripheries. Zamboanga Central district integrates core zones such as Zone IV, spanning 60.14 hectares with 1,174 residents, highlighting compact urban administration. These groupings aid in addressing specific challenges like coastal erosion in island and Labuan districts or inland development in Manicahan and Putik.^[14][15][6]

Urban-Rural Classification

Zamboanga City is politically subdivided into 98 barangays, of which 58 are classified as urban and 40 as rural, according to the city's official demographic reporting.^[16] This division supports urban planning, resource allocation, and infrastructure prioritization, with urban barangays typically featuring higher population densities, commercial activity, and access to utilities such as electricity and water systems serving over 90% of households in those areas.^[16] The classification aligns with national standards set by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), where urban barangays meet thresholds including a minimum population of 1,000 residents or a density exceeding 1,000 persons per square kilometer, alongside predominant non-agricultural employment and urban infrastructure like paved roads and health centers. Rural barangays, by contrast, are characterized by lower densities, agricultural reliance, and limited facilities, often encompassing peripheral areas with land uses dedicated to farming or forestry. In Zamboanga City, urban barangays house the majority of the 977,234 residents recorded in the 2020 Census, driving economic hubs like the port district and commercial zones. Urban expansion has progressively reclassified former rural areas, reflecting infrastructure investments and migration patterns; for instance, the urban count rose from 30 in 2005 to 58 by 2017, correlating with a household population growth to 855,418 in urban zones.^[16] Rural barangays, concentrated in the city's outskirts, contribute to agricultural output but face challenges like uneven service coverage, with only partial electrification in some remote units as of the mid-2010s. This dichotomy underscores the city's dual economic structure, balancing metropolitan growth with peri-urban sustainability.^[16]

Demographic Profile

Population and Density Statistics

Zamboanga City is administratively subdivided into 98 barangays, which collectively housed a total population of 977,234 according to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing.^{[1] [2]} This figure reflects a growth of approximately 13.4% from the 861,799 recorded in the 2015 census, driven by natural increase and migration patterns typical of urbanizing areas in the Zamboanga Peninsula.^[1] The city's land area spans 1,414.70 square kilometers, yielding an overall population density of about 691 persons per square kilometer.^[1] Density varies significantly across barangays, with urban cores exhibiting higher concentrations due to commercial and residential development, while rural outskirts remain sparsely populated owing to agricultural and peripheral land uses. Barangay-level densities are not uniformly reported by official sources, but aggregation indicates urban barangays—classified by the Philippine Statistics Authority based on criteria such as population size, density thresholds exceeding 1,000 persons per square kilometer in built-up areas, and infrastructure presence—account for the bulk of residents.^[17] Population distribution is uneven, with the ten most populous barangays comprising over 25% of the city's total residents. Talon-Talon leads with 38,708 inhabitants, followed by Calarian (37,263), Tumaga (33,320), and Mampang (approximately 39,000 based on proportional shares).^{[2] [18]} Smaller rural barangays, such as those in peripheral districts, often have populations under 1,000, like Apaya with 953.^[17] This disparity underscores the city's dual urban-rural character, where 58 barangays are designated urban, housing roughly 86% of the population in denser zones, compared to 40 rural ones with lower densities suited to less intensive settlement.^[1]

Ethnic and Religious Demographics

Zamboanga City's population exhibits significant ethnic diversity, reflecting its history as a colonial outpost and migration hub in western Mindanao. Major groups include Zamboanguenos, a creole population of mixed Filipino, Spanish, and indigenous ancestry who primarily speak Chabacano, a Spanish-based creole language; indigenous peoples such as the Subanen, Yakan, Sama-Bajau, and Tausug; and substantial Visayan (Cebuano-speaking) migrants from central Philippines.^[19][20] Muslim ethnic groups like the Tausug and Sama predominate in certain coastal and rural barangays, while urban areas feature more mixed Christian and Chabacano communities. No comprehensive city-level ethnic census breakdown is publicly detailed by the Philippine Statistics Authority beyond national aggregates, but linguistic data proxies indicate Chabacano as a primary mother tongue for a plurality, alongside Cebuano, Tausug, and Hiligaynon.^[21] Religiously, the city is divided between Christianity and Islam, with variations across its 98 barangays. The 2020 Census of Population and Housing reports Roman Catholicism as the largest affiliation, comprising 57.69% of the 977,234 residents (563,773 individuals), concentrated in urban and Christian-majority barangays. Islam follows at 37.31% (364,646 adherents), primarily among Tausug, Sama, and Yakan communities in barangays like those in the coastal districts or Campo Islam, where Muslim populations can approach 100%.^[22] Remaining affiliations include Protestant denominations (e.g., Evangelicals and Iglesia ni Cristo), other Christians, and minor groups, totaling about 5%, with no religion reported at under 0.1%. This distribution underscores Zamboanga's interfaith dynamics, shaped by historical Spanish evangelization and Moro resistance, though exact barangay-level religious data remains limited in official releases.^[23]

Enumeration of Barangays

Barangays in the First Congressional District

The First Congressional District of Zamboanga City comprises 38 barangays, encompassing key urban and peri-urban areas in the western and central portions of the city, including zones along the coastline and inland hills.^[24] This apportionment originated from Republic Act No. 9269, approved on March 19, 2004, which divided the city's then-single district into two to ensure more equitable representation based on population distribution, with the first district retaining 37 barangays initially as specified in the law, though current administrative listings reflect 38.^[12][24] The barangays, as delineated by the City Government of Zamboanga, are:

• Ayala
• Baliwasan
• Baluno
• Cabatangan
• Calarian
• Camino Nuevo
• Campo Islam
• Canelar
• Capisan
• Cawit
• Dulian – Pasonanca
• Labuan
• La Paz
• Limpapa
• Maasin
• Malagutay
• Mariki
• Pamucutan
• Pasonanca
• Patalon
• Recodo
• Rio Hondo
• San Jose – Cawa-Cawa
• San Jose – Gusu
• San Roque
• Sinubung
• Sinunuc
• Sta. Barbara
• Sta. Maria
• Sto. Niño
• Talisayan
• Tulungatung
• Tumaga
• Zone I
• Zone II
• Zone III
• Zone IV^[24]

Barangays in the Second Congressional District

The Second Congressional District of Zamboanga City comprises 61 barangays, serving the eastern coastal areas, islands including Sacol and Vitali, and portions of the downtown commercial zone. Established under Republic Act No. 9269 approved on March 19, 2004, the district was formed by assigning the barangays not included in the First District to ensure balanced representation based on population and geography at the time.^[12] Subsequent administrative alignments, including for infrastructure services, confirm the current composition with 61 barangays as of 2023.^{[25] [26]} The barangays in the district, as delineated for the Zamboanga City Second District Engineering Office under Republic Act No. 11994, are:

• Arena Blanco
• Boalan
• Bolong
• Buenavista
• Bunguiao
• Busay
• Cabaluay
• Cacao
• Calabasa
• Culianan
• Curuan
• Dita
• Divisoria
• Dulian (Upper Bunguiao)
• Guisao
• Guiwan
• Kasanyangan
• Lamisahan
• Landang Gua
• Landang Laum
• Lanzones
• Lapakan
• Latuan
• Licomo
• Limaong
• Lubigan
• Lumayang
• Lumbangan
• Lunzuran
• Mampang
• Manahpa
• Mangusu
• Manicahan
• Mercedes
• Muti
• Pangapuyan
• Panubigan
• Pashimanta
• Pasobolong
• Putik
• Quiniput
• Salaan
• Sangah
• Sta. Catalina
• Sibulao
• Tagasilay
• Taguiti
• Talabaan
• Talon-talon
• Taluksangay
• Tetuan
• Tictapul
• Tigbalabag
• Tigtabon
• Tolosa
• Tugbungan
• Tumalutab
• Tumitus
• Victoria
• Vitali
• Zambowood^[26]

Alphabetical Listing of All Barangays

Zamboanga City is subdivided into 98 barangays, the smallest administrative units in the Philippines.^[1] These barangays are listed below in alphabetical order, reflecting the official enumeration as of the latest available data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.^[1]

• Arena Blanco
• Ayala
• Baliwasan
• Baluno
• Barangay Zone I
• Barangay Zone II
• Barangay Zone III
• Barangay Zone IV
• Boalan
• Bolong
• Buenavista
• Bunguiao
• Busay
• Cabaluay
• Cabatangan
• Cacao
• Calabasa
• Calarian
• Camino Nuevo
• Campo Islam
• Canelar
• Capisan
• Cawit
• Culianan
• Curuan
• Dita
• Divisoria
• Dulian (Upper Bunguiao)
• Dulian (Upper Pasonanca)
• Guisao
• Guiwan
• Kasanyangan
• La Paz
• Labuan
• Lamisahan
• Landang Gua
• Landang Laum
• Lanzones
• Lapakan
• Latuan
• Licomo
• Limaong
• Limpapa
• Lubigan
• Lumayang
• Lumbangan
• Lunzuran
• Maasin
• Malagutay
• Mampang
• Manalipa
• Mangusu
• Manicahan
• Mariki
• Mercedes
• Muti
• Pamucutan
• Pangapuyan
• Panubigan
• Pasilmanta
• Pasobolong
• Pasonanca
• Patalon
• Putik
• Quiniput
• Recodo
• Rio Hondo
• Salaan
• San Jose Cawa-cawa
• San Jose Gusu
• San Roque
• Sangali
• Santa Barbara
• Santa Catalina
• Santa Maria
• Santo Niño
• Sibulao
• Sinubung
• Sinunoc
• Tagasilay
• Taguiti
• Talabaan
• Talisayan
• Talon-talon
• Taluksangay
• Tetuan
• Tictapul
• Tigbalabag
• Tigtabon
• Tolosa
• Tugbungan
• Tulungatung
• Tumaga
• Tumalutab
• Tumitus
• Victoria
• Vitali
• Zambowood