Jolo, Sulu facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jolo Tiyanggi Tausug: تِیَڠْگِ
Municipality
Municipality of Jolo
Flag Seal
Map of Sulu with Jolo highlighted
OpenStreetMap
Jolo Location in Philippines
Country	Philippines
Region	Zamboanga Peninsula
Province	Sulu
District	[[{{#property:P7938}} | — Lua error in Module:Wd at line 1804: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).]]
Established	February 11, 1904
Barangays	8 (see Barangays)
Government
• Type	Sangguniang Bayan
Area
• Total	22.24 km2 (8.59 sq mi)
Elevation	70 m (230 ft)
Highest elevation	430 m (1,410 ft)
Lowest elevation	0 m (0 ft)
Population  (2020 census)
• Total	137,266
• Density	6,172.0/km2 (15,985/sq mi)
• Households	20,354
Economy
• Income class	1st municipal income class
• Poverty incidence	53.14 % (2021)
• Revenue	₱ 306.7 million (2020)
• Assets	₱ 143.4 million (2020)
• Expenditure	₱ 294.9 million (2020)
• Liabilities	₱ 16.95 million (2020)
Service provider
• Electricity	Sulu Electric Cooperative (SULECO)
Time zone	UTC+8 (PST)
ZIP code	7400
PSGC	[https://psa.gov.ph/classification/psgc/?q=psgc/barangays/{{#pro000&regcode={{&provcode= p {{#property:P988}} ]
IDD : area code	+63 (0)68
Native languages	Tausug Sama Yakan Sabah Malay
Website	www.jolo.gov.ph

Jolo is a busy municipality and the capital city of the Sulu province in the Philippines. It is officially known as the Municipality of Jolo. In 2020, about 137,266 people lived there.

What's in a Name?

The name Jolo comes from the old Spanish spelling of Sulu. This word originally referred to the entire Sulu Archipelago. The Spanish used to say it as "Xoló," which sounded like "sholo." Later, it changed to "Joló," sounding like "holo."

Some people also say that Chinese traders named Jolo. They called it hó lō͘, which means "Good Place" or "Good Route." This was because they noticed that goods left on Jolo's shore were always safe. Many people in Jolo today still have Chinese family roots.

Jolo's Past

Early Times

In the 1300s, Arab traders arrived in Jolo. They introduced Islam to the people living there. The main group of people on the island are the Tausūg people. They are part of the larger Moro people group.

The Tausugs had their own independent state called the Sultanate of Sulu. Jolo was the main center for this sultanate. The Sultan's home was first in Astana Putih, which means 'White Palace.' Later, the capital moved to Maimbung.

Spanish Rule

The Spanish tried to take control of the Muslim areas in Mindanao. They had already taken over islands in the north. But they found it hard to conquer the well-organized sultanates in the south.

Trading in Jolo

The Sultanate of Sulu traded with many nearby places. They also traded with countries as far away as China. They often bought rice from the northern Philippines because Jolo didn't grow enough.

Chinese traders also came to Jolo. They helped with trade and many even moved there. These Chinese traders eventually became very important in Jolo's economy. They helped connect Jolo with places like Singapore and Zamboanga City.

Spanish Control Begins

In 1876, the Spanish managed to gain some control over Jolo. They even built a small walled city there. In 1878, the Sultan of Sulu agreed to Spanish rule over Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. However, the Spanish only had full control over military bases and some settlements.

Trade Changes

Trade in Jolo faced problems in 1892. Several trading ships were lost in storms. This made traders from Singapore hesitant to do business unless they were paid in cash. Because of this, and fears of higher taxes, many Chinese traders left. Jolo lost its important role as a major trading hub.

American Rule

After the Treaty of Paris in 1898, the United States took over the Philippines from Spain. The Americans tried to include the Muslim areas into the new Philippine state. They used force to take control of the southern regions. The Sultanate of Sulu was officially ended in 1936.

Jolo's Location and Land

Jolo town is on the northwest side of Jolo Island. This island is southwest of the Zamboanga Peninsula on Mindanao island. It sits between the provinces of Basilan and Tawi-Tawi. The Sulu Sea is to the north, and the Celebes Sea is to the south.

Jolo is a volcanic island that covers about 890 square kilometers. The Sulu Archipelago is a chain of islands between Mindanao and Borneo. It has about 900 islands, some from volcanoes and some from coral. The last known volcanic activity near Jolo was in 1897. It caused big tsunamis in the area.

Neighborhoods

Jolo is divided into 8 main areas called barangays. Each barangay has smaller parts called puroks or sitios.

• Alat
• Asturias
• Bus-Bus
• Takut Takut
• Tulay
• San Raymundo
• Chinese Pier
• Walled City

Weather in Jolo

Jolo has a tropical rainforest climate. This means it's always very warm or hot, very humid, and rainy.

People of Jolo

Languages Spoken

Most people in Jolo speak Tausug. English is also used, especially in schools and offices. Some traders speak Hokkien and Malay. Other languages you might hear are Sama and Yakan.

Religions in Jolo

About 99% of the people in Jolo practice Islam. There are also Christians, including Roman Catholics and Protestants. The Tausugs were among the first Filipinos to become Muslim. This happened when a missionary named Karim ul-Makhdum came to Sulu in 1380.

The Tulay Central Mosque is the largest mosque in Jolo. There are many other mosques around town. The Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral is the biggest Catholic church. The Jolo Alliance Evangelical Church is also present, being the first Protestant church in the area since the 1900s.

Jolo's Culture

Tausug woman in traditional garb, performing the Pangalay

The Moro people are the main group in the Bangsamoro region, which includes Jolo. Most people in Jolo are Tausugs. The word "Tausug" means "people of the current." This is because they were known as skilled sailors and traders. Tausugs are also known as a brave warrior tribe.

Before Islam, Tausugs followed their own traditions called Adat. They lived in communities led by datus, who were like chiefs.

Tausug art and crafts show influences from both Islamic and Indonesian cultures. The Pangalay is a popular dance at Tausug weddings. These weddings can last for weeks! Dancers move to music from instruments like the kulintangan and agong. Another dance, Pangalay ha Agong, is a courtship dance where two warriors compete for a woman's attention.

Many people in Jolo have Chinese ancestors. Between 1770 and 1800, many Chinese came from South China to trade and stayed. By 1803, there were about 1,200 Chinese living in Jolo town.

Jolo's Economy

Poverty Incidence of Jolo

Downtown Jolo

Local Industries

Many people in Jolo work in agriculture. They grow crops like coconut, cassava, abaca, and coffee. They also grow fruits such as lanzones, jackfruit, durian, mangosteen, and marang.

Fishing is a very important industry in Jolo. Other jobs include building boats, weaving mats, and making coffee or preserved fruits.

Banking Services

Several banks operate in Jolo to serve the community. These include the Philippine National Bank, Metrobank, and Land Bank. You can also find ATMs at some bank branches.

Helping Jolo Grow

Jolo's economic growth has faced challenges due to instability and the presence of some armed groups. This has made the region one of the poorer areas in the country. However, the situation has been improving.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has helped Jolo. They funded a "farm-to-market" road to help farmers sell their crops. In 2007, the US Ambassador announced plans to improve the Jolo Airport.

The Philippine government has also invested in Jolo. In 2008, a project started to improve the water supply system in Jolo. This project involved local and international partners working together.

Images for kids

• 

  Jolo town proper, Tulay Mosque bay view

• 

  Map of Sulu with Jolo highlighted

• 

  Aerial view of Jolo, 1936

• 

  Tulay Central Mosque, the largest mosque in Sulu

• 

  View of Jolo, with USNS Mercy in the background.

See also

In Spanish: Joló para niños