20/07/2026
Let us remember in prayer today the unreached barangays of Zamboanga del Sur.
Today, let us pray for the unreached barangays in ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR. May the following information about the province help us as we pray for it and its people:
Profile
• Region: Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX)
• Cities: 1 (Pagadian)
• Capital: Pagadian City
• Municipalities: 26
• Barangays (PSGC,2025): 779 (including that of Zamboanga City; Rank: 15/82)
• Area (2013): 5,914.16 square kilometers (including that of Zamboanga City; Rank: 30/81 )
• Population (POPCEN,2024): 2,063,975 (including that of Zamboanga City; Rank: 15/82)
Church Saturation Progress
• No. of Unreached Barangays (Phil.Church Update,2025): 401
• Total Number of churches (Phil.Church Update,2025): 1,061
Challenges & Opportunities
Total Number of Churches (Phil. Church Update, 2025): 1,061
Challenges & Opportunities
• As a first-class province with an annual regular income of ₱2.91 billion (2024), Zamboanga del Sur has the financial capacity for large infrastructure and social services. However, 61.99% of its workforce relies heavily on agriculture and fisheries. This makes many rural households highly vulnerable to fluctuating market prices and extreme weather hazards like droughts, floods, and landslides.
• With 779 barangays spanning rugged, mountainous terrains, difficult topography severely limits access to basic services and regular church ministry. Despite these barriers, the province boasts the largest school division in Region IX (over 800 public and private schools), highlighting a massive, strategic harvest field among the youth.
• The province is highly diverse, comprised of Bisaya (47.7%), Cebuano (24.0%), various Moro groups (such as the Maguindanao, Iranun, and Tausug), and a small population practicing traditional animism. The Subanen are the largest indigenous group (17.9%), many living in upland areas near their sacred Mount Pinukis watershed, presenting unique opportunities for culturally respectful, holistic ministry.
• While Roman Catholics make up the majority (65.7%) and Muslims comprise 6.9%, there is a vibrant Born-Again and Protestant presence—led by CAMACOP (42,823 members), UCCP, ALAB, and Assemblies of God. These bodies are uniquely positioned to partner with community development programs to show Christ’s love during times of crisis.
May the words of Acts 2:44-47 (NLT) guide your prayers for Zamboanga del Sur, the believers in it, and its churchless barangays:
"And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved."
Prayer:
Gracious and Merciful Father, we come before You with hearts full of hope for those who do not yet believe in You, and for the 401 unreached barangays in Zamboanga del Sur where no community of believers currently exists.
Just as in the days of the Early Church—when believers gathered in unity, shared freely, and worshiped with glad and sincere hearts—we ask that You move mightily across this province. Open the eyes of the diverse peoples of Zamboanga del Sur, including the Subanen and Moro communities, to Your truth. Soften hearts to Your love so they may encounter the true joy, peace, and purpose found only in Jesus.
We lift up the many barangays tucked away in isolated and mountainous terrains. Lord, overcome the barriers of difficult geography. Strengthen and protect church planters, and stir the hearts of local believers to cross these rugged frontiers. Gather your people to form new, vibrant fellowships where they can grow in Your Word and shine as a collective witness.
Equip the existing 1,061 churches to step out in unity and radical generosity. Empower them to stand as beacons of hope, demonstrating the Gospel through both powerful words and practical compassion during times of economic hardship and natural calamities. May You grant them goodwill among all people, and may You daily add to their fellowship those who are being saved.
We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen.