chartered city and port, western Mindanao, Philippines, situated on Dapitan Bay of the Sulu Sea. One of the principal cities located on the Zamboanga Peninsula, it lies 8 miles (12 km) northwest of Dipolog, the largest settlement of the region. José Rízal (Rizal, José), the Filipino patriot whose writings inspired the nationalist movement, was exiled there from 1892 to 1896. The dwelling in which he stayed survives. Dapitan's main industries are fishing (round scad, sardines, bonito, and anchovy) and agriculture. Copra is the most important commercial agricultural product. In recent years city planners have tried to capitalize on the area's picturesque location and lush vegetation in marketing Dapitan as a centre of ecotourism. Inc. city, 1963. Pop. (2000) 68,168.