Maralag Milagrosa - About Milagrosa

Barangay Milagrosa, located in the Municipality of Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay, was originally called “Baluno,” a name derived from the abundance of a large fruit-bearing tree found in the area. On March 20, 1969, Jesuit missionaries persuaded the community to rename it “Milagrosa,” which translates to “miraculous” in English, in honor of a miracle believed to have occurred following a devastating war. The barangay’s history is deeply rooted in cultural and economic transitions that have shaped its development. People of Milagrosa celebrate their fiesta day annually during October 7 and March 20 as Araw ng Milagrosa or also known as the foundation day of Milagrosa.

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Milagrosa is composed of seven puroks and spans a total land area of 504 hectares. It is bordered to the north by Barangay Kauswagan, to the east by Barangay Alegria, to the west by Barangay Payongan, and to the south by Barangay Bella. The barangay is located at approximately 7.5257° latitude and 122.9706° longitude on the island of Mindanao. Its elevation is estimated at 72.1 meters, or 236.5 feet, above mean sea level.

Milagrosa is one of the 27 barangays in Alicia and is situated 7 kilometers east of the municipal center. Before Spanish colonization, the area was inhabited by indigenous communities engaged in agriculture, fishing, and trade. During the Spanish colonial period, it became a site of resistance against Moro Muslim groups and indigenous people. After U.S. colonization, modern infrastructure, education, and farming practices were introduced. The barangay’s leadership began with Juan Naquita, followed by Juan Baynosa and Juan Ngales. Today, Barangay Milagrosa faces challenges related to rural development and infrastructure improvements.

As of 2024, Barangay Milagrosa has a total population of 1,618 residents living in 458 households. It is a vibrant and culturally diverse community, home to a rich mix of ethnic groups. The majority of the population is Bisaya, comprising 54%, followed by Subanen at 31%. Other ethnic groups include Ilonggo, Tausug, Cebuano, Chavacano, Boholano, and individuals of mixed ethnicity. This diversity also reflects the barangay’s varied religious affiliations, with Roman Catholicism being the dominant religion, followed by other groups such as Alliance, Grace, and Body of Christ. Religious beliefs are highly valued, and residents actively attend their respective churches, especially on weekends.

The cultural and religious diversity of Milagrosa is also evident in the variety of dialects spoken by its residents, creating a unique and harmonious blend of traditions and backgrounds. Additionally, the community has a strong appreciation for traditional practices such as hilot (traditional massage) and the cultivation of medicinal herbs like gabon, sambong, and lagundi for home treatments.