Kaputian

The History of Samal Island {17}

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In the early Spanish regime, during the reign of Don Jose Uyanguren of Davao City , a certain Island within the DAVAO Gulf was named “ SAMAL” in recognition to the settlers who migrated from Jolo and Basilan called the “ISLAMIC TRIBAL GROUP” or “ ISAMAL” . Most of the settlers lived along the coastal areas and only few in the hinter lands. Their daily primitive way of acquiring foods is through fishing, farming, and hunting within the vicinity.

The island was created into a municipality named as “ Municipality of Samal” and Barrio Peñaplata was the center for commercial economic and government operation. At that time , the municipal councilors of Samal found its concept of local autonomy and effective delivery of services. They therefore decided to create another municipality in order to be effective and autonomous in governance. Mayor Simplicio Obenza , Sr. made his iniative to the speedy creation of two municipalities.

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Samal Casino Resort {1}

Samal Casino Resort is located in Samal’s Kaputian district. The resort started operating as a hotel and casino in late 1997 with 300 rooms and a ballroom that could accommodate 3,000 people. The Samal Island resort, developed at a cost of more than $250 million in the early 1990s, was valued at P2 billion before it was shut down due to the Asian financial crisis. Samal Casino Resort was Ekran Berhad’s contribution to the East ASEAN Growth Area concept promoted by private business chambers in the region during the early 1990s.

There has been discussion about the re-opening of the casino, but to date it remains closed. It would take a large investment and needs a lot of improvements, from what I understand. The Island Garden City of Samal is losing both real estate taxes (P4 million annually) from the property, and employment opportunities.
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Samal Island Guidebook {5}

Samal Island Guide

I’m very pleased to announce the latest addition to the Journey to Samal Shop (shop closed, post left for info), the Samal Island Guidebook. This is an item that I’ve been wanting to offer for a very long time, but I was never able to arrange it until now.

Without a doubt this is the definitive guide to Samal Island. Hey, it may be the only guide that exists, as far as I know, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worthy of the praise. This is a well done publication by Samal Publishing House, of Davao and Samal. The 116 full color pages include:
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