Before the resorts and road trippers, before Samal became the Island Garden City, it was home to native groups whose rich culture shaped the island’s identity.
The Sama People: Samal’s First Inhabitants
The island’s name is believed to have originated from the Sama or Sama-Bajau people—seafaring indigenous communities who originally settled in the area. Traditionally boat-dwellers and expert fishermen, the Sama navigated the waters of the Davao Gulf long before colonization.
These early inhabitants had a deep spiritual connection with the sea. Their lives revolved around fishing, boat-building, and seasonal migration. The Sama people valued harmony with nature and respected ancestral practices, such as:
Pagdiwata: spiritual ceremonies to honor nature and ancestors
Agong and Kulintang: traditional musical instruments used during celebrations
Weaving and ornamentation: intricate crafts passed down through generations
Spanish and American Influence
During the Spanish era, Christianization and migration introduced significant changes. Many Sama were pushed further out to sea or into less accessible areas of the island. The Spanish built settlements, and over time, the native way of life evolved, blending indigenous and colonial practices.
In the American period and post-independence era, migrants from Luzon and the Visayas brought new customs, languages, and agricultural methods. Samal became a melting pot of Filipino cultures, but the core influence of the Sama people remained in traditions, place names, and local practices.
Culture Today
Today, the people of Samal are a mix of indigenous Sama, migrants, and descendants of settlers from all over the Philippines. Local festivals like the Hugyaw Madayaw Festival and Kabasan Festival honor the island’s roots and celebrate cultural diversity.
- Visitors can experience the culture through:
- Traditional dance and music presentations
- Food such as tinolang isda, kinilaw, and grilled seafood
- Local markets selling woven goods and handmade crafts
Preserving the island’s native heritage is part of Samal’s identity. By recognizing its cultural roots, the Island Garden City of Samal offers not just beaches and beauty, but also a meaningful connection to the history of its people.
