Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte, Philippines

Island Garden City, Davao del Norte is within Region XI – Davao, in the Republic of the Philippines.

People of Island Garden City of Samal

• As of the 2020 Census, the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) had a population of 116,771.
• In 2015, the city recorded a population of 104,123, reflecting a growth rate of over 12% in five years.
• Samal Island was originally settled by indigenous groups including the Mansaka, Mandaya, and Muslim communities from the northern and eastern coasts of the undivided Davao Province. These groups later formed the identity of the now-recognized Sama Tribe.
• The major dialect spoken is Cebuano, though Mansaka and Mandaya languages are still used in tribal communities. While these dialects reflect local heritage, English is the official medium of instruction in all schools, ensuring educational access and national integration.

Location of Island Garden City of Samal

• IGaCoS is located in the Davao Gulf, just 2 kilometers off the coast of Davao City. Its geographic coordinates are approximately 7.0796°N latitude and 125.7127°E longitude.
• The city spans a land area of 301.30 square kilometers, comprising Samal Island and the smaller Talikud Island. The terrain includes coastal plains, rolling hills, and limestone formations. The climate is tropical, with average temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C and rainfall distributed throughout the year.
• The City Hall is located in Barangay Peñaplata, which also serves as the administrative center of the city.
• Most people reach Samal via ferry from Davao City. The Babak Wharf and Kaputian Port are the main entry points. Travel time by ferry is approximately 15–30 minutes. The nearest airport is Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City, and the Port of Davao serves as the nearest major seaport.

Tourist Attractions of Island Garden City of Samal

• Monfort Bat Sanctuary: Home to the world’s largest colony of fruit bats, recognized by Guinness World Records.
• Kaputian Beach: Known for its powdery white sand and turquoise waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
• Hagimit Falls: A multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by lush forest, perfect for nature lovers and picnics.
• Vanishing Island: A sandbar that appears during low tide, offering a unique beach experience.
• Pearl Farm Beach Resort: A luxury resort known for its pristine beachfront and iconic stilted cottages.
• Samal Festival: Held every March, this annual celebration features street dancing, cultural exhibits, and coastal parades showcasing the island’s heritage and natural beauty.

Economy of Island Garden City of Samal

• IGaCoS’s economy is primarily driven by:
  • Tourism: With over 30 resorts and thousands of rooms, Samal is the largest resort city in the Philippines.
  • Agriculture: Coconut, banana, and root crops are cultivated in rural barangays.
  • Fisheries: Coastal communities engage in aquaculture and marine fishing.
  • Small-scale manufacturing: Handicrafts, food processing, and souvenir production support local livelihoods.
• While city-specific GDP data is limited, IGaCoS contributes significantly to Davao del Norte’s economy through tourism, agriculture, and inter-island trade. The city is classified as a 4th-class component city.

Educational Institutions of Island Garden City of Samal

• Young residents pursue higher education at:
  • Samal Island City College (SICC): A local government-funded institution offering programs in education, business, and information technology.
  • Holy Cross of Davao College – Babak Campus: Offers degrees in accountancy, marine transportation, psychology, and engineering.
  • University of Mindanao – Peñaplata Campus: Offers programs in business administration, education, and IT.
  • The Samal Institute: A private institution in Babak offering vocational and academic programs.
  • Public schools: The city has over 75 public schools, including elementary, junior high, and senior high schools, supported by DepEd Region XI.

History of Island Garden City of Samal

• Samal Island was originally settled by indigenous groups from the northern and eastern coasts of the undivided Davao Province. Over time, a mixed population of Mansakas, Mandayas, and Muslims formed the cultural identity of the Sama Tribe.
• The Island Garden City of Samal was officially created on March 7, 1998 through Republic Act No. 8471, signed by President Fidel V. Ramos. It was the first amalgamated city in Philippine history, formed by merging the municipalities of Babak, Samal, and Kaputian.
• The city was envisioned as a “garden city,” blending sustainable tourism, urban development, and environmental preservation. Since its creation, IGaCoS has grown into a top tourist destination in the Davao Region and a model for island governance.
• Today, Samal is part of the Metropolitan Davao area and continues to evolve as a resilient, livable, and eco-friendly city. Its strategic location, cultural richness, and natural beauty make it a vital contributor to regional development.

Elected Officials of Island Garden City of Samal

• As of the 2025 elections, IGaCoS is led by:
  • Mayor: Hon. Lemuel “Toto” Reyes
  • Vice Mayor: Hon. Richard “Chang” Guindolman
  • Representative (2nd District of Davao del Norte): Hon. Alan R. Dujali
  • City Councilors:
    • Babak District: Lemuel T. Reyes, Edwin M. Jansol, Austerio F. Obenza, Michael D. Robledo Sr.
    • Peñaplata District: Ruel H. Bantillo, Ginaphine P. Colmenares, Noland L. Dacer, Gie-arr R. Valdez
    • Kaputian District: Jan Albert R. Ortiz, Aldwin M. Jumao-as, Ricardo A. Tacsanan, Metodio D. Obenza
• For full election results and updates, visit: Island Garden City of Samal Election Results.

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