Samal, Administrative division in Davao Region, Philippines
Samal sits on two islands, Samal Island and Talikud Island, forming a fourth-class component city in Davao del Norte province. A narrow strait separates the two landmasses, while the entire area features tropical vegetation and many coastal stretches.
The municipality was founded on July 8, 1948, and gained city status in 1998 through Republic Act No. 8471. This elevation brought greater local governance and new responsibilities in the region.
The name comes from the Sama-Bajau people, the first settlers who shaped island life through their seafaring ways. Their connection to the ocean still shows in fishing villages and coastal settlements.
Ferries and barges run regularly between the islands and Davao City, offering the main access route. Motorcycle taxis operate locally and are the usual way to travel between coastal settlements.
The city divides into three districts: Babak, Kaputian, and Peñaplata, each with its own local offices and community centers. This structure helps manage governance across the scattered island areas.
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