Siocon History, Philippines

A lively municipality situated north of the province of Zamboanga del Norte, Siocon is a place where farmers settled long before the Spanish conquerors came into the picture. Its historical background made this place a rich tourist attraction. It is by nature that people would want to know the place’s history and connect it with what it has become in the present. As a good example, this municipality, though with the slow changes, has been shaped into a peaceful and a productive place.

Found in the Kayatian Hills were Chinawares, that further proved its ancient system. The mentioned relics supported the existence of Siocon way before the discovery of the Philippines by Magellan. Agreeing with Filipino historians, we do have an advanced structure for doing business and production that flourished on its own.

The early people, who were farmers, grew crops such as rice, corn and camote for their sustenance. They also cultivated coconuts and abaca. Coconut trees were of many uses to the early settlers. The first settlers of Siocon were Tausog who, in the past, inhabited places near the shore. Maguindanaos, Subanons, and Kalibugans, too, were among the pioneer residents of the municipality and these groups settled in the hinterlands.

Oddly, for some reason, the people of Siocon celebrate March 10, 1937 as the “Araw ng Siocon” when in fact it was approved to be a regular Local Government Unit on the 23rd day of December in the year 1937. Before it became a different municipality, Siocon was another place under Sibuco, a municipal district where the office of the former president was located. And because it was progressing and its population was growing, it was made into another municipality. Mr. Dionisio E. Riconalla was appointed to be the first Siocon’s municipal mayor.

Siocon, situated southwest of the city of Dipolog, was one of the Spanish headquarters. This spot became a historical landmark. The headquarters, known as Port Santa Maria, underwent restorations and is one of the well known historical places in the entire country.

Compared to Siocon ten years ago, back then it was a struggling town, and now with current improvements and progression in general, Siocon has become a beautiful area in Zamboanga del Norte. They in part, owe it to the past, which molded its people and the place into what it is now, and also to their assertive leaders who strived for their progress.