Brief History of Samal Island
Discover the rich history and ancestral roots of Samal Island
The Early Inhabitants and Ancestral Roots
Samal Island was settled by indigenous people coming from the northern and eastern coasts of the undivided Davao Province. A large mixed population of Mansakas, Mandayas and Muslims composed the identification of the now so called Sama Tribe.
These primeval settlers were organized into communities and were dynastically ruled by a Datu up to the early part of the American Regime.
18th Century
The beginning of Christianization and major cultural shifts on the island.
Evolution of Governance
In the early part of the 18th century, governance shifted when Christianization came in. The first mass was celebrated in Barangay San Jose of Samal District in 1928.
Key Date
June 8, 1948
District Municipality created under EO No. 151 by President Elpidio Quirino.
On May 28, 1953, Babak Municipality was created under Executive Order No. 590 which was signed by President Ferdinand E. Marcos.
Key Date
May 28, 1953
Babak Municipality created under EO No. 590.
Samal District
The Second District which is the government center of the City got its district name SAMAL, from the early indigenous settlers forming into one tribe called “Sama” and its barangay name Peñaplata from the Sama term “Malibasa” which means a place where honorable people who love peace live in perfect harmony.
Samal District
First District derived its name BABAK from an abundant shrubs called “Tagbak” and a big tree called “Bakbak” used as landmarks.
White sand in the local dialect “Puting Balas” is the origin of the name KAPUTIAN, which is the Third District.
“The creation of an urban center in a rural environment that would set a new horizon of modernity and prioritize quality public service delivery.”
The Vision of Hope & Unification
In 1996, the high ranking officials led by Congressman Rodolfo P. del Rosario and Provincial Governor Prospero S. Amatong moved on to usher Samal a new vision of hope before its Golden Anniversary in 1998.
Congressman Rodolfo P. Del Rosario passed the bill that resulted to the passage of Republic Act # 8471, which paved the way for the integration of the three municipalities into one local government unit that is now called the Island Garden City of Samal.
SIGNED
January 30, 1998
By President Fidel V. Ramos
APPROVAL
March 7, 1998
Overwhelmingly approved via Plebiscite
City Inauguration: June 30, 1998
Almost four months after the plebiscite, on June 30, 1998, the new city began exercising its corporate powers, officially starting its journey as one of the country’s premiere government tourism zones.