Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte

Dipolog City map location

History

 

During the Spanish regime in 1834, the settlement is already governed by a Spanish Provincial Government of Misamis. Appointed “Capitan” who is the town executive together with a “Teniente” and “Aguacil” maintains law and order in the area. As time goes by, more and more Boholanos, Cebuanos and pioneers from Negros settlers came to stay in the town. In 1903, Dipolog and other neighboring township were separated and were annexed to the Provincia Mora which later became Zamboanga province under the decree approved by the President of the Second Philippine Commission, Judge William H. Taft. Then on March 4, 1904 an American Provincial Secretary delivered a written order converting Dipolog into Barangay of Dapitan to be represented by two councilors and two policemen to maintain peace and order. Residents disapprove of this move, thus protests were presented. A few years later, Dipolog regained back its township and a town hall was constructed after a few months.

On July 1, 1913, Dipolog townhood was formally announced from the balcony of the Town Hall. Then on June 6, 1952, a bill was passed and was later approved as Republic Act 711 creating Dipolog as the capital of Zamboanga Del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur with Pagadian as the capital town. It was only on June 1, 1970 when Dipolog officially became a chartered city by virtue of Republic Act 5520 signed by President Ferdinand E. Marcos.

Population/ Language/ Area

 

Currently the City has a population of 99,862 people in 20,461 households. The predominant language used is Cebuano by about 97.00% of the population.

Dipolog City has a total land area of 137 km² or 13,628 hectares, surrounded by hills to the south and the Pacific Ocean in the north. Dipolog is an agricultural community that comprises 9,093.99 hectares or 71.82% and 89.538 hectares of fishpond used for agricultural purposes. Other land use is based on residential which composed of 14.09% of the total land area, commercial, industrial, and use of institutional facilities. The city has an elevation of 2.5 meters above the sea level.

Products and Services

 

The City is now is now one of the major options of local and foreign investors. Dipolog is abundant with economic and natural resources in terms of agriculture with fishpond areas and fishing grounds; fish production with approximately 56 fish species being produced, as well as livestock production such as carabao, cattle, horse, goat and pig.

Business Opportunity

 

Potential investment areas range from agri-based processing such as activated charcoal, dessicated coconut, broiler contract growing, livestock raising, cattle fattening; construction, furniture, marble, low-cost housing projects, feed mill; food processing or packaging such as meat and fish processing, mango processing and packaging.

Tourist Spots

 

  • 3003 Steps to Linabo Peak – This is Dipolog’s highest elevation point – 486 meters above sea level. It has a concrete step winding along a tunnel of verdant trees that leads to peak. Fourteen Stations of the Cross punctuate the way up. At the peak, one can find a community chapel for prayer and contemplation and is a favorite retreat during Lenten season.
  • Sicayab Beach – The beach is a seven-kilometer stretch of fine gray sand and is situated four kilometers away from the city proper. This is a favorite hangout of foreign and local tourists during holidays and weekend.
  • Pamansalan – Oisa Forest Park – This park is a 64-hectare lush forest ideal for trekkers and nature buffs. The park is a joint project of the City Government of Dipolog and the OISCA (Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement) of Japan and features the Agro-Forestry Training Center, an Eco-Tech Secondary Education Building and a mini Research Center. Also found in the park is the famous Sungkilaw Falls.