Pasonanca Park | Zamboanga City

Information

Landmark: Pasonanca Park
City: Zamboanga City
Country: Philippines
Continent: Asia

Pasonanca Park, Zamboanga City, Philippines, Asia

Pasonanca Park is a public recreational area located in the Pasonanca district of Zamboanga City, Philippines. Known as the "Little Baguio" of the south due to its elevation and cooler climate, it serves as the city’s primary ecological and tourism hub.

Visual Characteristics

The park features dense tropical vegetation, landscaped gardens, and rolling hills at an elevation of approximately 150 meters. It contains three distinct swimming pools-one for children, one for adults, and a natural Olympic-sized pool fed by the Pasonanca River. Architectural elements include a famous treehouse built atop a large mahogany tree and a convention center characterized by modernist concrete lines.

Location & Access Logistics

The park is situated approximately 7 kilometers north of Zamboanga City Hall. Access is via Pasonanca Road and Governor Ramos Avenue. Public transport is available through "Pasonanca" route jeepneys departing from the city center (Canelar or Downtown areas). Private vehicle parking is available at the entrance and near the Boy Scout grounds.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Development began in 1912 under the administration of General John J. Pershing and was completed during the term of Mayor Cesar Climaco in the 1960s. The area is classified as a protected watershed and serves as a buffer zone for the Pasonanca Natural Park, which provides the city’s primary water supply.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can rent the Pasonanca Treehouse for overnight stays, which includes a bedroom and balcony. The park hosts the Jardin de Maria Clara Lobregat, a botanical garden specializing in orchids and roses. The Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) permanent camp site within the park is used for regional jamborees.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms and changing rooms are located near the swimming pool complex. The park includes open-air amphitheaters and several covered pavilions for shade. 4G and 5G cellular signals are generally strong throughout the main park areas. Food vendors and small "sari-sari" stores are located along the perimeter and at the park entrance.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for photography is during the early morning hours (06:00 to 08:00) when mist often settles in the valley. The most favorable weather occurs during the dry season from December to May. Weekend afternoons typically see the highest visitor density at the pool area.

Facts & Legends

A local tip for visitors is that the Pasonanca Treehouse was originally built to accommodate foreign guests and journalists during the city’s local festivals. A unique historical fact is that the park has won multiple national awards in the Philippines for being the "Cleanest and Greenest" park.