Siocon Travel Guide, Philippines

Siocon, the Philippines - Overview: The Big View of a Small Town

Siocon is situated on the northern region of Zamboanga City and Region IX and to the southwest of Dipolog City. It covers an area of 504 square kilometers. On December 23, 1936, the government of Siocon attained its status as a local government. However, Siocon as a municipality was acknowledged on March 10, 1937. Prior to this, Siocon was a part of Sibuco, where the president held their office.

The region has a moderate and mild climate where rainfall is very evenly distributed.

History of this place reveals the fact that this place had been inhabited long before the Spaniards came. The Maguindanaos, the Subanaos and the Kalibugans were the first settlers. During this time, Port Santa Maria was Spaniards’ headquarter. The ancient people were farmers, who used to raise crops such as corn, rice, comates and coconut.

On September 2, 1991, a resolution was passed - the Orchid was declared as the municipal flower of Siocon. Composed of green leaves and white flowers, it represented the female populace. Similarly, Narra is considered as the national tree. Since it is red and white, it clearly represents the male populace. The timber obtained from Narra is commonly used to build furniture and houses.

There are basically four major sources of income for the people of this region. Rice is the major resource. The Sulu Sea is the major fishing area. Timber is abundant in the Virgin Forest and coconut is also grown abundantly. The area covered by the forest is 32,605 hectares. The municipality has only one license of operation for the forests. Similarly, minerals including coal are exploited and used commercially. The region is surrounded by genesis, quartzite and supertine rocks. The metamorphic rocks are covered by tuffs and basalt.

Since the municipality is very small, there are no lodging houses or hotels in the area. Only pension houses are available. A gymnasium, which has a capacity of 14,000 spectators has organized many basketball games. Very near to the gymnasium, there are tennis, basketball and badminton courts. Cockpit is a major recreational place during weekends.