The ( on the island of
Mindanao in the
Philippines . It is one of the first
Chartered cities and the sixth largest in the country.
Philippine Commonwealth Act No. 39 of 1936 signed by President
Manuel L. Quezon on
October 12 ,
1936 in
Malacañang Palace created and established Zamboanga as a chartered city. It has been known as "''El Orgullo de Mindanao''" (The Pride of Mindanao), nicknamed the "City of Flowers", and affectionately called by
Zamboangueños as "''Zamboanga Hermosa''" - Spanish for "Beautiful Zamboanga". Today, the city is commercially branded for tourism by the city government as "".
Zamboanga City's birthday as a chartered city coincides with the day when the popular Fiesta del Pilar is celebrated in honor of the city's patron saint,
Our Lady Of The Pillar , whose statue is prominently embossed above the façade on the northern side of the meter-thick walled fort called ''El Real Fuerza de Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza'' (also called ''El Real Fuerza de San José'' in its early days). This Spanish military fort was built on
June 23 ,
1635 by the Spanish Jesuit priest Fr. Melchor de Vera in defense against pirates and slave raiders. Zamboanga City is one of the oldest cities in the country and the most hispanicized. It is also one of the largest cities in the world in terms of area, with over 1,480 km&
2, including its 28 surrounding islands.
According to the 2000 census, the city has a population of 700,078 people (2005 pop. est.) in 177,152 households. It is the 6th most populous in the country. Zamboanga City has been the center of commerce, trade, health services, and education for all of the Western Mindanao Region. It is the seat of the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority (popularly known as
Zamboecozone ). The people of Zamboanga speak a unique creole language called
Chavacano which is a blend of
Spanish and local dialects, but mainly using
Cebuano as its
Substrate Language .
Zamboanga is home to three universities:
Ateneo De Zamboanga University ,
Western Mindanao State University , and the newly-elevated
Universidad De Zamboanga . The city is also home of the first
Catholic Diocese in Mindanao, today's
Archdiocese Of Zamboanga , created in
1910 and elevated to an
Archbishopric in
1958 .
The city is located on the southernmost tip of the
Zamboanga Peninsula , on the island of
Mindanao . It is 460
Nautical Mile s south of
Manila , 365 nautical miles northeast of
Kota Kinabalu in
Malaysia , and 345 nautical miles northeast of
Manado in
Indonesia . It is bounded on to the west by the
Sulu Sea , to the east by the
Moro Gulf , and to the south by the
Basilan Strait and
Celebes Sea . It is about 1 hour and 50 minutes away by plane from Manila and an hour away from both the cities of
Cebu and
Davao .
The city has a naturally mild climate with a pronounced dry or wet season — relatively dry from November to May, wet during the rest of the year.
Tropical Cyclones or
Typhoons rarely affect the city because it is outside the typhoon
belt. Average temperature is about 28°C or 56 °F, while annual rainfall is 1,362.01 mm.
Zamboanga City has 28 islands off its mainland's coast. They officially belong to the city's jurisdiction and in every aspect. Some of these islands are inhabited, while others are freare in the world. The islands are rich in coral, shell varieties (over half of the world's known shell varieties are found in the Sulu Sea which surrounds these islands), and sea life. The islands are:
- Camugan Island
- Gatusan Island
- Great Santa Cruz Island
- Kablingan Island
- Lambang Island
- Lamunigan Island
- Lapinigan Island
- Little Malanipa Island
- Little Santa Cruz Island
- Malanipa Island
- Panganaban Island
- Pangapuyan Island
- Pitas Island
- Sacol Island
- Salangan Island
- Sinunug Island
- Taguiti Island
- Tictabon Island
- Tigburacao Island
- Tumalutap Island
- Vilan Vilan Island
- Visa Island
- Vitali Island
Zamboanga City has 98
Barangay s:
The area around
Zamboanga Peninsula has been occupied by indigenous people as early as 30,000 years ago. The first inhabitants were the
Subanon s and
Lutao s and later, the Islamized ethnic groups of
Samal s,
Bajau s,
Tausug s, and
Yakan s.
Oral history says the early
Austronesian settlers - the highlander Subanons or the people who live by the ''suba'' or river and the Lutaos of the plains called the place "Jambangan", meaning a place abundant with flowers. Eventually, the lowlanders (the descendants of the early Austronesian settlers), the boat dwellers and sea gypsy tribes - the Bajaus amd Samals collectively called the place "Samboangan." Apparently, "Samboangan" came from the word "Jambangan." In one of the earliest Spanish maps, the place was already called Samboangan which meant as "docking point". Samboangan, though, was thought to have come from the word "sabuan" - the wooden pole used by the Samals and Bajaus in pushing their boats on shallow waters. The early Spaniards called the place "El Pueblo de Lutao" or the place of Lutaos.
Fort Pilar , now an outdoor principal Marian shrine, was founded in
1635 by the
Spanish Colonial Government and was the focus of a number of battles between
Moro pirates and Spanish soldiers until
1718 when modifications to the fort were made.
During the
American Colonial Period , Zamboanga City hosted a number of American regional governors, including General
John J. Pershing who was military commander/governor of the
Moro Province from
1909 to
1914 . The Moro Province was administered directly from the city.
Prior to
World War II , Zamboanga City was the center of commerce, trade, and government in the whole of Mindanao Island, being the capital of the
Moro Province . In the city during the second world war,
Pettit Barracks was where part of the US Army's
43d Infantry Regiment (PS) was stationed. After the invasion of the Philippines, the Japanese occupying forces landed at Zamboanga on
March 2 ,
1942 where they formed a defense headquarters which was eventually taken by
US forces in
1945 .
Zamboanga City has had a diverse history of evolving from a small Spanish fort, a U.S. governed capital of the Moro Province in Mindanao Island, one of the first chartered cities in the Philippine Commonwealth, a war-torn town after World War II under Japanese occupation, to strife-torn city under martial law and recurrent terrorists attacks, and still managing to keep its historical composure and purpose, elevating itself and the entire Zamboanga area in becoming the number one Gross Domestic Productivity (GDP) area in the entire Philippines in 2006. Its steadfast growth and evolution is a reflection of its diversified economy and resourceful people, spearheaded by its responsible city government.
The Philippine Department of Tourism is helping
Celso L. Llobregat , the city mayor, to promote the city as an attractive and safe tourist destination. Its numerous natural, historical, and cultural tourist attractions are a boon to new travelers to this ancient "City of Flowers" and a welcoming return to many seasoned travelers into this wonderful place from decades hence.
In 2007, Zamboanga will be divided into two separate Congressional districts in the eastern and western areas of the city (including the city proper), as a result of the 2000 Census change in population count. After the elections of 2007,
Erbie Fabian re-elected as congressman, will be the first representative of the city's second (east) district. Maria Isabelle Climaco is the representative the first (west) district in the congress.
In recent years, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines Zambasulta chapter wanted to divide Zamboanga City into seven municipalities creating a new province to "hasten the development of rural or remote areas." There are some planned to create a metropolis out of the present day Zamboanga City. Opinions in local tabloids urged Zamboanguenos to support the creation of the province. But most of the Zamboanguenos declined the creation of the province, which proponents of the plan contend will result in damage to the local economy and hold back progress in Zamboanga.
Since 1983, Zamboanga City is a highly urbanized city, independent from
Zamboanga Del Sur . Zamboanga City had its own representation for the Philippine Congress in 1984. The former lone congressional district is divided into two separate districts: the West District (I) from the City Proper to Labuan, and the East District from Tetuan to Limpapa(II). The head of the city's government is Mayor Celso L. Lobregat. The government is composed of a mayor, vice mayor, two district representatives and 8 councilors in each district.
(partial list)
- Vitaliano Agan ( Lakas-NUCD )(1988-stripped 1998)
- Efren Arañez (Lakas NUCD)(''acting,'' 1998)
- Maria Clara Lobregat (LDP)(1998-died 2004)
- Erico Basilio A. Fabian (LDP)(''acting,'' 2004)
- Celso L. Lobregat (LDP) (2004-present)
of Zamboanga City]]
The Zamboanga economy is largely agricultural and aquacultural-based. Agriculture and fishing provide activity and income to 70% of the population. The city territory includes 560 km&
2 of arable lands and 700 km&
2 of permanent crops, mainly coconut. The city's farmers produce 86,000 metric tons of coconut a year, 26,000 metric tons of rice and 11,000 metric tons of corn. Average annual production of fish – from the sea or raised in fishponds inland – is about 1,600 metric tons.
Zamboanga City has emerged in recent years as a principal producer of
Seaweed . Seaweed farming occupies close to 2,000 Zamboangueño farmers and 4.07 km&
2 offshore. Average annual production is 14,000 metric tons. Some consider the city’s economic prospects as bright with the value of investments increasing since 1993. From 1993 to 1994 the increase was 332%. From 1994 to 1995 it was 42%.
Exports grew by 6% in 1995, and it continues to grow. The top export items are coconut oil, marine products, and processed food. As part of its effort to boost economic development, the Zamboanga City government has committed forty-four percent of its total budget to economic and infrastructure projects in recent years.
Zamboanga City is home to 60
Bank s (including branches), 49
Pawnshop s, 20
Credit Cooperative s and seven lending institutions. Most of the banks operate
Automated Teller Machine s. Supplied with energy by the
National Power Corporation , the city at present has more electricity than it can use. In 1994, only 72% of the available power was consumed, with this ratio increasing by three percentage points in 1995.
Local economic planners have concluded that the most viable opportunities for investors are in food processing, wood and forest-based products, coconut-based products, marine products, gifts, toys and house wares, machine and equipment fabrication, garment manufacturing, ceramics, and low-cost housing.
Zamboanga is famous for sardine export to the Philippine market. The
Sardines are also exported to US, Europe, Middle East and the Far East. There are canning factories located in the west coast of Zamboanga producing popular sardine brands: Mega Fishing Corporation (Mega Sardines), Universal Canning Corporation (Family's Brand Sardines), and Columbus Seafood Inc. (555 Sardines, SM Bonus Sardines, Blue Bay Sardines).
Taxi service in the city is not well-established, although there are some independent taxis. The common mode of transportation in Zamboanga is by a
Jeepney or a
Tricycle and coming soon to ride the
City Bus an public utility bus passing in 75% in zamboanga city proper there are two types of
City Bus . the green bus and the blue bus to be zamboanga city as one of the modern cities in the Philippines. A new bus terminal will be created at the MCLL highway in Divisoria-Boalan area to be constructed this year (2007) as one of the most modern bus terminals in Mindanao.
Ninety-nine per cent of the local road network is paved with concrete. In the rural areas, the government has constructed 667 kilometers of farm-to-market roads. A law established a free port and special economic zone in the city known as
Zamboecozone which is the only free port in the country outside of Luzon.
Zamboanga City has 19 seaports and wharves, twelve of which are privately-owned. The biggest and most modern is the government-operated main port which can accommodate 20 ships at any given time. There are 25 shipping lines whose vessels regularly call at the port of Zamboanga.
A new international port will be open soon outside the city proper that can accommodate international ships and vessels from other neighboring countries. This port will be established at the
Zamboecozone , under construction.
Zamboanga City has also fastcraft services to Sandakan, Malaysia. Just check out online the SRN Fastcraft schedule of departures and arrivals on both ports:
The local airport has been upgraded to
Zamboanga International Airport and it will be name by the late Mayor of Zamboanga city as
Maria Clara L. Lobregat International Airport and it has 2,610-meter primary runway, and can serve international flights. The airport will transfer to the Mercedes area as one of the modern airports in the Philippines. It has 3,210-meter runway and a modern terminal building with 5
Jet Bridges as their proposal project.
- Two airline companies are expected to open their routes to the city. The expected date is yet to be announced to open the route here.
- --- Air Asia
- --- Malaysia Airlines
It is believed that Zamboanga City's power surplus is set to grow. A Napocor contractor is currently building a power plant in the east coast that will produce 100 megawatts of electricity. City water is clean and sweet, and its supply is adequate. In 1994 only 48% of the total water production was consumed; in 1995 only 58%.
The Zamboanga City Water District is expanding its reservoir and distribution system to meet the growing industrial demand for water. Zamboanga City is also the communications center of Western Mindanao. Local communications services include conventional and cellular telephone systems with direct distance dialling, paging services, telegraph and facsimile services, and the Internet.
Zamboanga is an important part of
BIMP-EAGA area which stands for Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area. BIMP-EAGA is an agreement among the four Southeast Asian neighbor countries for economic cooperation. It has put Zamboanga City in touch with towns in Malaysia and Indonesia. As a result of contacts arising from BIMP-EAGA, a sea route has been opened between Zamboanga City and
Sandakan in
Malaysia .
-
February 26, 1937- the date when Zamboanga was declared a chartered city under the Commonwealth Government. Charter Day of the City became a non-working holiday. A roster of special activities are lined up annually to mark the occasion.
A city procession known as the Santo Entierro (Holy Funeral) on Good Friday highlights the observance of the season of Lent. Celebrated in barangays Sta. Maria, Tetuan, and the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Parish, the Santo Entierro is a procession of Christ's images, many of the Stations of the Cross, along the city's main streets, depicting his last hours before, during, and after the Crucifixion.
A religious feast celebrated in all Catholic
Church es in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Little children in white gala dresses walk up the altar to offer flowers to the image of the Blessed Mother. In some parts of the city, the traditional Santacruzan is also held. The Santa-cruzan is a procession of the Reyna Elena and other local beauties with their escorts, decked out in Maria Clara gowns and barong tagalogs, along major streets.
An Islamic event celebrating the nocturnal journey and ascension of the Holy Prophet Mohammad.
-
An Islamic event commemorating the end of the Muslim fasting season.
- (Fiesta Pilar)
October 3-12
Highlighted by the October 12 Fiesta Pilar in honor of the miraculous image of Our Lady of the Pillar at the legendary Fort Pilar. The festival features week-long novena masses, cultural shows, agricultural fairs, art/ photo/flower garden exhibits, a two-day mardi gras parade, the bandoreal, a regatta, torch parades, fireworks, and carnivals. It all ends with a solemn procession and a mass at the Fort. With thousands of pilgrims converging in Zamboanga City, this is the peninsula's biggest, most-awaited, and entrancing fiesta!
Feast day of Zamboanga City, commemorating the Blessed Virgin's Immaculate Conception; traditionally celebrated with a procession and a concelebrated mass highlighted by either First Communion or Ordination rites.
An Islamic celebration honoring the birthday of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
- - is the landmark of the city's history and culture. It is presently served as a shrine that is located in the former garrison. Thousands of devotees as well as Mindanao and foreign tourists flock to the shrine and appreciate its significance. The Fort area includes a national museum and a patio. Several events commemorating citywide celebrations and feasts are also held within. [http://dancruz.blogspot.com/2007/05/fort.html
- (city proper) - The construction of this building started in 1905 and was completed in 1907 by the Federal Government Of The United States for the then American Governors of the area which included: Leonard 0. Wood, Tasker H. Bliss, Ralph W. Hoyt, and Gen. John Pershing of World War I fame. Today, this serves as the City Hall of Zamboanga City where the Mayor holds office.
- - a park north of city proper, known for its greenery. It includes a public swimming pool, a treehouse, a campsite and convention centers like Regency Astoria, and the Zamboanga Convention Center.
- - the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Zamboanga; built in 1998-2000, a two-leveled cathedral with a columbarium and a chapel located at the ground floor, and the main church at the second level. It is considered as the most modern cathedral in Mindanao. Originally located in pre-war Zamboanga at the present site of Universidad de Zamboanga, it was reconstructed twice at La Purisima St., in 1956 and 1998.
- - Occupied by US forces under Gen. C. Bates after the Capture of the city on November 15 , 1899 . It was named Pettit Barracks after Col. James S. Pettit, 31st Infantry, US Volunteer Commanding Officer of the Second Military District. He was later promoted to General, became the Inspector-General and later, the in-Charge of Civil Affairs of Zamboanga, Inspector-General's Department, US Infantry. Occupied by Japanese forces in 1942-1945, it was recaptured by US liberation forces on March 10, 1945 and turned over to the Philippines on July 4, 1946.
- - A sports complex of 57,500 square metres considered one of the most modern in the country. Ten contractors and 1,500 workers joined hands to complete the facility in time for the March 6, 1992 Palarong Pambansa (National Games). Total construction cost was a little over P64-million. The latest synthetic rubberized coating known as Super AG was used for the oval, only the second in the world after one in Saudi Arabia .
- - A Muslim dominated barrio located outside of the city proper; known for its colourful mosque
- - a Yakan community in Zamboanga which specializes traditional Yakan weaving and other items like jars and gongs
- in Bolong (La Brisa del Mar, Santo Rosario Resorts), La Vista del Mar, Acapulco Resort, and Zamboanga Golf Course and Beach resort in Calarian, and the Great Sta. Cruz Island.
- are colorful boats traditionally made by the native Bajau , Banguingui , and Tausug s.
- - There are 4 barter markets: BCC Shopping Center in Baliwasan, Sta. Cruz Market, Port Area, and Canelar. These are where one can shop for imported merchandise from Europe, the US, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and the People's Republic of China. On sale are textiles, houseware, blankets, batik cloth, umbrellas, toys, canned goods, toiletries, and electronic items.
- - a baywalk park located at the CDCP compund beside Fort Pilar. Dubbed as the city's version of the Manila Baywalk at Roxas Boulevard. Opens on late 2007 or early 2008.
- - one of the oldest parishes in Zamboanga. The church, reconstructed in 1996 with its stained glass altar completed in 2000, was built in 1860s in honor of the Jesuit founder St. Ignatius of Loyola.
- - now renamed Roseller T. Lim Boulevard, it is famous for the Zamboangueno sunset. The boulevard's main attraction is the Regatta de Zamboanga held during the Fiesta Pilar celebration.
- - named after Gov. John "Blackjack" Pershing, this serves as the city's plaza fronting the former Cathedral (now Universidad de Zamboanga).
- - known for the biggest mountain in the city, Mt. Pulombato (or Pulongbato). The area is famous for the pilgrimage site with cross at the top overlooking the vibrant view of Zamboanga City.
- - located in Boalan. Known for its big swimming pool and slides, delicious and affordable food, drinks and food items at the canteen at sari-sari store prices. Ideal for live-in seminars and functions like birthdays, weddings, and other school activities like socialization and acquaintance party.
- - singer and composer, whose song "Ordinary Song" became a top hit in 2000.
- - Afficionado Perfumes model and singer, who had his first concert here in Zamboanga on July 2007 with Lovi Poe, another Afficionado model and singer/actress. His Zamboangueño parents were based in Australia, where he grew up.
- - beauty queen titlist; co-winner of Magica Dream Girl 1995 with Genesis Canlapan (actress Patricia Javier 's real name) and later semifinalist in the 1997 Miss International in Japan.
- - one of the "Final 12" and the lone Mindanao bet of Philippine Idol First Season.
- - 2002 Miss Earth Semifinalist and first Zamboanguena to win the Miss Philippines-Earth Title.
- - Filipino Sprinter. Represented the Philippines in Several Far Eastern Games in the 1920s.
- - Filipino High Jumper, 1932 Olympics Bronze Medallist in Athletics . He later settled in Bohol and represented it in Congress.
- - Filipino Amateur Boxer. Two-time Bronze Medalist in World Championship in the Light Flyweight division.
As the center of commerce in Western Mindanao, Zamboanga is home to five shopping Malls and numerous department stores, supermarkets and retail stores.
- --- - opened in 1996, it is the first mall in the city. It is also the only mall with cinemas.
- --- - located in Putik, Zamboanga City
- --- - located at the former site of Galeria Zamboanga
- --- - Nunez St., Zamboanga City
- --- - located at Gov. Lim Avenue, Zamboanga City Business District.
- --- - Ma. Clara L. Lobregat Highway, Zamboanga City (soon to rise)
- --- - Ma. Clara L. Lobregat Highway, Zamboanga City (under proposal)
- --- - a 10-storey shopping mall which will open on 2009. Located at Ledesma St. corner Climaco Avenue (under construction)
- --- - located at Tetuan. The mall was opened in the early 1980s. Short-lived, the once largest mall was changed into a barter center and closed in 1996.
- ---- Veterans Ave., Zamboanga City. It has a 2-storey apartment-styled building with a disco (SRO at the Mall) located at its side. Mindanao Cable TV is the only stall in the mall.
- ---- a three-storey shopping arcade consists of Food Paradise Branch, boutiques, novelty stores, entertainment complex and textiles area. It was opened in 1994 and shut down in 2003. It is now occupied by a newer mall, Southway Square.
- ---Shop-O-Rama
- ---OK Department Store
- ---Shoppers' Emporium
- ---Shoppers' Plaza
- ---Shoppers' Square
- ---Shoppers' Center (opens within 2008)
- ---Shoppers' Central
- ---Best Mart
- ---Lim Shi
- ---Young Mart
- ---Golden Bell Supercenter
- ---Golden Bell Grand Center
- ---Golden Bell Bookstore Express
- ---Check Books
- ---Tickl's
- --- Z.C. CitiMart
- ---Dreamville Supermarket- Ayala, Zamboanga City
- ---LB Supermarket (Lim Bros. Realty complex)
- ---Budget Wise Supermarket
- ---Whoopee Supermart
- - Nunez St. Ext., Zamboanga City. An entertainment complex consists of a karaoke bar, live band concert area and several restaurants and cafes.
- - a disco place dubbed as the "Entertainment Capital of Western Mindanao." It is located at the GBPI building.
- ---- Mindpro Citimall
- ---- Midtown Plaza
- ---- Southway Square
- ---- once the home of Regal Movies in Zamboanga
- ---- closed in 2002
- ---- now Novo store
- ---- burned down in 1994
- ---- now occupied by Julie's Bakeshop and other stores
- ---- burned down in 2007
- ---- now STI branch
- ---- not functional since 2003
- ---- the only mall-based and now existing cinema complex originally consists of three cinemas. Each theater is now divided to 2 cinemas, e.g. Cinema A is now presently divided into Cinema 1 (former Balcony) and Cinema 2 (former Orchestra).
- ---Garden Orchid Convention Center- Garden Orchid Hotel
- ---Marcian Convention Center- Marcian Garden Hotel
- ---Zamboanga City Colliseum- Tetuan, Zamboanga City
- ---Zamboanga City Convention Center- Pasonanca, Zamboanga City
- ---Regency Astoria- Pasonanca, Zamboanga City
- ---Patio Palmeras Convention Center- Patio Palmeras, Sta. Maria Road, Zamboanga City
- - Climaco, Mindpro Citimall, Plaza Pershing,Southway Square Mall, Veterans Avenue, San Jose Road, Gov.Camins Avenue, Yubenco Star Mall (satellite branch), Shoppers Central (takeout counter)
- - La Purisima fronting Metropolitan Cathedral
- - Mindpro, Camins, Southway Square
- - Citimart, La Purisima, Baliwasan, Mindpro (Takeout and Restaurant), Climaco Avenue, Climaco Ave. cor Gov. Lim, Yubenco
- - La Purisima, Southway Square
- - Nunez Midtown Plaza, Limtown Center
- - Canelar, Climaco branches
- - Mindpro, La Purisima Ateneo, WMSU branches
- -Pasonanca, Zamboanga City
- - Best Japanese Restaurant in Mindanao at Skypark Hotel
- -Pasonanca, Zamboanga City
- - Gov. Ramos Avenue, Sta. Maria
- -Don Alfaro St., Tetuan Zamboanga City
- - La Vista del Mar Resort, Calarian
- (formerly Sunburst)
- - Campaner cor. Brillantes
- -Rizal St., Veterans Ave., Brilliantes St. Branches
- - Unichan Buidling, Veterans Avenue fronting WMMC
- - Pasonanca Park
- - La Purisima, A-1, Young Mart, Shoppers' Central, Citimart, Pershing
- - Nunez Midtown Plaza
- - Climaco Avenue
- - MCLL Highway, Mercedes Zamboanga City
- - Lunzuran Road, Tumaga, Zamboanga City (beside Ateneo High School)
- - Pasonanca Road
- - Gov. Ramos Avenue fronting Sta. Maria Parish Church
- - Gov. Camins Avenue beside Garden Orchid Hotel
- - Gov. Camins Avenue beside Caltex Gas Station
- - Pilar St. and Gov. Lim Avenue
- - 2nd flr. Southway Square Mall (opens august 10, 2007)
- - Mayor Jaldon (Canelar) and Nunez (MP Tower) Branches
- - Rizal St. and Nuñez Branches
- Garden Orchid Hotel - Gov. Camins Avenue, a first class hotel
- Grand Astoria Hotel - Mayor Jaldon Street
- Marcian Garden Hotel - Gov. Camins Avenue
- Lantaka Hotel by the Sea - N. Valderossa Street
- Jardin dela Vina - Gov. Alvarez Avenue
- Hermosa Hotel- Mayor Jaldon St.
- Preciosa Hotel- Mayor Jaldon St.
- Hotel Perlita- Mayor Jaldon St.
- Skypark Hotel- the hotel being the tallest structure in Zamboanga, has the Best Japanese Restaurant in Mindanao
- Azenith Royal Hotel- Gov. Camins Ave.
- Hotel Salwa- the Islamic owned hotel located at Gov. Camins St.
- Mag-V Royal Hotel- San Jose Road
- GC Hotel- Nunez St. beside St. Jospeh Church and Mormon Church
- Amil's Tower- Pilar St.
Zamboanga City is home to three Universities, three Computer college branches and Numerous colleges and institutes in Zamboanga Peninsula Region.
List of the different educational institutions in Zamboanga City:
- --- Ateneo De Zamboanga University - La Purisima St. (The Second Oldest Jesuit School in the Philippines was established in the year 1912 and granted to a university status in 2001).
- --- Universidad De Zamboanga - founded on October 12, 1948. (The new University in Zamboanga from 2005, formerly the Zamboanga Arturo Eustaquio Colleges).
- --- Western Mindanao State University - Baliwasan. (The only state university in Zamboanga, and was established in the year 1904).
- ---Brent Hospital and Colleges Inc. - R.T.Lim Boulevard
- ---Claret School of Zamboanga - Alberto Ruste Drive
- ---Ebenezer Bible College and Seminary - Upper Calarian
- ---ICAS-College Tetuan
- ---Zamboanga State College of Marine Science and Tech. Rio Hondo
- ---Zamboanga Polytechnic College Gov. Camins Avenue
- ---Zamboanga City State Polytechnic College R.T.Lim Boulevard
- ---Western Mindanao Cooperative College Gov.Lim Avenue
- ---J-Jireh High and Colleges School Suterville
- ---Southern City High School/College Pilar Street
- ---Philippine Islamic College Campo Muslim
- ---Filipinas Technical Institute San Jose Road
- ---Mindanao Electronics Institute College (MEIN) San Jose Gusu
- ---Saint Joseph School Gov. Camins Avenue
- --- Pilar College & High School R.T.Lim Boulevard
- ---Saint Augustine School of Nursing Guiwan Highway
- ---Zamboanga General Hospital School of Nursing Sta. Catalina
and more than 98 public and private high school campuses.
- Brent Hospital
- Zamboanga City Medical Center (former General Hospital)
- Zamboanga Doctors' Hospital
- Ciudad Medical Zamboanga (Zamboanga Polymedic Hospital)
- Western Mindanao Medical Center
- Zamboanga Children's Hospital
- Cabato Memorial Hospital
- Universidad de Zamboanga Medical Center (formerly ZAEC Medical Center)
