Sibugay

Sibugay, officially Zamboanga Sibugay, is a province in the Zamboanga Peninsula region of the Philippines. It sits along the western coast of Mindanao and is named after the Sibuguey River and Sibuguey Bay, which form a significant geographic feature of the area. The provincial capital is Ipil. The province was established in 2001, carved from the eastern portion of Zamboanga del Sur, and is part of Region IX.

Geographically, Sibugay includes coastal areas along Sibuguey Bay as well as inland lowlands and hills. Its terrain supports agricultural activity, fishing, and emerging agro-industrial development. The coast provides access to marine resources, while inland parts sustain farming and small-scale enterprises.

Administratively, the province is subdivided into municipalities and barangays, with Ipil serving as the political and economic center. The local government focuses on rural development, infrastructure, and service delivery to growing communities.

Demographics and culture reflect a predominantly rural population. The common language is Cebuano, with Filipino and English used in official communications. The population is largely Christian, with Roman Catholics and Protestants forming major groups, alongside minority Muslim communities and indigenous Subanen peoples. The economy remains agriculture-driven, with rice, corn, coconuts, and other crops complemented by fisheries and small-scale industries. Sibugay is also investing in tourism and environmental stewardship to diversify its growth and preserve local heritage.