Exhibiting at IFEX Philippines 2025

The City Government of Zamboanga is the executive and administrative authority responsible for the governance, development, and public service delivery within Zamboanga City, Philippines. Strategically located at the southwestern tip of Mindanao, Zamboanga is known as “Asia’s Latin City” due to its Hispanic cultural heritage and is a key urban hub in Western Mindanao. The local government operates under a mayor-council system and is headed by Mayor John M. Dalipe.

Administrative and Governance Structure

The City Government of Zamboanga functions under the framework of the Local Government Code of the Philippines (RA 7160). It encompasses:

• Executive Branch led by the Mayor
• Legislative Council (Sangguniang Panlungsod) comprised of elected councilors
• Departmental Offices covering civil registry, engineering, health, tourism, disaster risk, and social welfare

Its governance spans 98 barangays and is supported by thousands of civil servants delivering services in line with transparency, inclusivity, and sustainable development.

Core Public Services and Programs

The government provides a wide range of citizen-focused services and programs, including:

• Civil Registry: Birth, death, marriage certificates and related services
• Public Health: Managed through the City Health Office and local hospitals, with outreach programs in vaccination, maternal care, and sanitation
• Social Welfare and Development: Livelihood, child protection, and senior citizen support services
• Engineering and Infrastructure: Roads, bridges, drainage, and government buildings
• Disaster Risk Reduction and Management: Flood mitigation, emergency response, and climate adaptation initiatives

In 2023, Zamboanga’s local government spent over ₱4.7 billion in annual appropriations, prioritizing infrastructure, education, health, and security.

Economic and Investment Promotion

Zamboanga City serves as the regional economic center for Zamboanga Peninsula and the Western Mindanao area. The city’s Zamboanga City Investment and Promotions Office (ZIPO) supports:

• Business registration and permits
• Investment incentives under the Local Investment Code
• Hosting of Zamboanga Business Conference, Barter Festival, and Local Trade Fairs

As of 2023:

• Over 13,000 registered businesses
• Total local revenue: ₱1.4 billion, including ₱300M+ from real property taxes and ₱500M from local business taxes

Tourism and Cultural Development

The Zamboanga City Tourism Office actively promotes the city’s diverse attractions and events, such as:

• Zamboanga Hermosa Festival: One of the country’s oldest religious festivals, held every October
• Paseo del Mar, Fort Pilar, Pasonanca Park, and other heritage sites
• Pink Sand Beach of Sta. Cruz Island – a UNESCO-recognized ecotourism destination

Tourism arrivals in 2022 surpassed 650,000 visitors, with local initiatives boosting eco-tourism and cultural experiences.

Digital Services and Governance Innovation

The City Government is actively digitalizing its operations to improve public access and transparency. Initiatives include:

• Online portals for business permits and clearances
• COVID-19 tracker and digital health certifications
• Engagement via official website and Facebook page with over 130,000 followers

The city is also part of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Smart City roadmap.

Security, Peace, and Public Order

Zamboanga City operates a Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) and maintains inter-agency cooperation with:

• Philippine National Police
• Armed Forces of the Philippines (Western Mindanao Command)
• Philippine Coast Guard and Maritime Forces

This structure supports coordinated responses to emergencies, community policing, and peacebuilding, especially considering the city's strategic and sometimes sensitive geopolitical position.

Sustainable Development and Environmental Programs

Zamboanga’s Environmental and Natural Resources Office (OCENR) oversees:

• Waste segregation and recycling
• Mangrove reforestation projects
• Watershed protection in the Pasonanca Natural Park
• Marine biodiversity monitoring in partnership with DENR and NGOs

The city was recently recognized for achieving 100% solid waste collection coverage in urban barangays.

Future Development Plans

Guided by its 2023–2028 Local Development Investment Program (LDIP) and the Zamboanga City Comprehensive Land Use Plan, future priorities include:

• Expansion of coastal roads and bypass lanes
• Upgrading of Zamboanga International Airport
• Construction of new public market and terminal complexes
• Boosting digital connectivity and tech hubs

With strong fiscal management, inclusive policies, and a focus on modernization, the City Government of Zamboanga continues to drive sustainable urban development and regional progress in Southern Philippines.