Zamboanga del Norte – Twin City Province

As the name implies, Zamboanga del Norte has two cities, Dipolog and Dapitan, which are rich in history and culture. Dapitan is dubbed as the ‘Shrine Capital of the Philippines’ since this is where Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal stayed in exile and brought progressive changes in the city. Dipolog on the other hand is known as the ‘Orchid City’ since most households have this plant growing in their yard.

Here in Zamboanga del Norte, history, culture, and progress blend well together. Aside from cultural and historical landmarks, the province has started to show signs of progress and development brought about by the rise of tourism in the province. Soon, Zamboanga del Norte will become one of the prime destinations in the country.

Demographics

1. Population – 907, 238 (as of 2007 Census)
2. Land Area – 7, 301 sq. km
3. Capital – Dipolog City
4. Language/Dialect – Chavacano, Cebuano, English, and Filipino
5. Divisions

Cities (2)

• Dapitan City
• Dipolog City

Municipalities (25)

• Leon B. Postigo (Bacungan)
• Baliguian
• Godod (17)
• Gutalac
• Jose Dalman (Ponot)
• Kalawit
• Katipunan
• La Libertad
• Labason
• Liloy
• Manukan
• Mutia
• Piñan (New Piñan)
• Polanco
• Pres. Manuel A. Roxas
• Rizal
• Salug
• Sergio Osmeña Sr.
• Siayan
• Sibuco
• Sibutad
• Sindangan
• Siocon
• Sirawai
• Tampilisan

Dapitan Shrine/Rizal Shrine
Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal spent his last four years in exile in Dapitan from 1982 – 1986. Here, he spent most of his time as a scientist, physician, teacher, scholar and writer, artist, farmer and even businessman.

Gloria de Dapitan
It is a commercial business center which boasts of world-class facilities such as amusement parks, bowling centers, shopping centers, and theater.

Dakak Park and Beach Resort
The very popular Dakak Beach is most known for its beautfiully shaped cove and powdery white sand, and as a diving mecca in Mindanao. Pristine blue waters, excellent dive sites with an abundance of coral reefs, and a magnificent sunset horizon characterize this tropical eden.

Cultural

Tulwanan Village
Location: Sitio Tulwanan, Brgy. Lugdungan, Dilolog City, Zamboanga del Norte
It was the original settlement of Dipolog's early inhabitants, the Subanons. It is located about six kilometers from the city proper and along Dipolog River, through which the Subanons transported their products to trading posts and markets in the early days.

Rizaliana Museum
Location: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
It is a modern concrete building constructed in 1972, which houses all Rizaliana books, periodicals, and other historical exhibits. Part of it also serves as the office of the Rizal Shrine curator.

Historical

Rizal Shrine
Location: Brgy. Talisay, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s more or less sixteen (16) hectares estate has been declared a national shrine and is being administered by the National Historical Institute. By the year 2020, Dapitan is poised to become the Dr. Jose Rizal Heritage Center of the Philippines, owing to the wealth of Rizal memorabilia and memorable places associated with the hero.

Dapitan City Plaza
Location: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
Occupying an area of more or less one hectare (2.711 acres), the Dapitan City Plaza was developed and beautified by Dr. Jose Rizal, the Philippines' National Hero, with the assistance of Gov. Carcinero. His plan had been to make it comparable to the plazas he had seen in Europe.

Relief Map of Mindanao
Location: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
The area is more or less, 900 square meters in size. Dr. Rizal made this map from August to September 1892 assisted by Francisco Paula de Sanchez, Rizal’s favorite teacher in Ateneo de Manila. It was intended as a motivating device for teaching geography and history to his pupils in Dapitan.

Casa Redonda
Location: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
It is an octagonal dwelling that served as the quarters for Dr. Jose Rizal's pupils. Later converted to a clinic, it was here that George Tauter, the foster father of Josephine Bracken, had his eye operation.

Casa Cuadrada
Location: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
It is the main house that served as the residence of Dr. Jose Rizal together with members of his family, who came to visit him every so often. It has been faithfully reconstructed using its original light native materials.

Casa Real Marker
Location: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
In this area stood the official residence and administration building of Don Ricardo Carnicero, the politico-military governor in Dapitan during the Spanish regime. The Casa Real had a similar structure as the City Hall, except that the Casa Real had three balconies: one in front, one each in the left and right side. It was demolished in the 1920’s to give way for the construction of a medical personnel dormitory of the old Rizal Memorial Hospital by the Americans.

Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Cathedral
Location: Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte
Constructed by the Spanish friars sometime in 1894, records show that the original altar was designed by Dr. Jose Rizal, the sketch of the altar was patterned after that of San Ignacio Church in Manila.

Monument of Three Prominent Dipolognons
Location: Dipolog City Hall, Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte
The monument features three Dipolognons who have made a mark in the history of the province.

1. Hon. Pascual T. Martinez - the first municipal mayor of Dipolog (1913-1918). He was later elected Municipal Mayor in 1918 following the First General Election of Dipolog and served until 1921.
2. Rev. Fr. Nicasio Y. Patangan - First Filipino Diocesan Priest of Mindanao. Appointed Parish Priest of Dipolog in May 1940 and served the office until 1967.
3. Eugenio R. Margate - He discovered the Margate System Of Planting Rice. Authored the book "Humay", 100 Kabanes Matag Hektarya." He was declared by Free Press as "Man Of The Year" in 1954. He served as Technical Assistant in the field of Agriculture during the Administration of Presidents Ramon Magsaysay and Carlos P. Garcia.

Filipino-Japanese Memorial Marker
Location: Brgy Dicayas, Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte
A World War II memorial stands over a battleground where Filipino and Japanese soldiers clashed fiercely and many lost their lives. The memorial is accessible in 15 minutes from the city proper via the highway.

Man-made

Gloria de Dapitan
Location: Sunset Blvd., Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
Literally means “to bring glory to Dapitan,” the commercial business center which boasts of world-class facilities such as amusement parks, bowling centers, shopping centers, and theater. Visitors can also buy pasalubongs in the area.

Mi Retiro Rock
Location: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
A naturally heart-shaped rock, it is so called because it was where Dr. Jose Rizal had scribed the beautiful verses of his poems, "Mi Retiro" and "Himno a Talisay." It is also known as Batong Lumayag as it appears to be afloat during high tide. Presently, it lies within an artificial lagoon. A 500-seat open-air amphitheater is located beyond Mi Retiro Rock

P’gsalabuk Circle / Dipolog Fountain
Location: Estaka-Turno intersection, Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte
The statutes represent the tri-people of Mindanao, which symbolize the diverse cultures prevailing in Dipolog. The bowl raised to heavens is a gesture of thanksgiving and offering to God Almighty for the generous outpouring of graces and blessings, bountiful harvests and sustained peace and prosperity.

OISCA Children's Forest Park
Location: Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte
Marvel at all of 64 hectares of lush forests, flora, and fauna, giving trekkers and nature buffs an unforgettable experience with nature at its best. A showcase of nature conservation and ecological balance, the forest park is a declared bird sanctuary that is home to exotic birds. It is a joint project of the Japanese OISCA organization and the city government of Dipolog.