[2] Attempts to create a new province from Zamboanga del Sur date as far back as the 1960s.

The proposed province was to compose all municipalities of Zamboanga del Sur under the 3rd legislative district at that time—Alicia, Buug, Diplahan, Imelda, Ipil, Kabasalan, Mabuhay, Malangas, Naga, Olutanga, Payao, Roseller Lim, Siay, Talusan, Titay, and Tungawan.

9575, a bill proposed by Congressman Hofer, was signed into law as Republic Act No.

A majority vote of those who participated in the plebiscite was required to approve or disapprove of the creation of Zamboanga del Sur.

Registered voters of Zamboanga del Sur and Pagadian City at the time of the plebiscite were eligible to vote.