Samal

• FAST FACTS

Samal is located at the eastern side of Bataan, It is bounded on the north by the municipality of Orani, the south by Abucay, on the west by Mt. Natib and Manila Bay on the east. It is 114 kilometers away from Manila.

It is composed largely of uplands and hills covering approximately eighty percent (80%) of its whole area. The lowlands and plains, which comprise approximately twenty percent (20%) of the land area, are generally flat, gently rising towards the hills.

The total population is 24,560 as of 1995 with 4,858 households.

Samal abounds with agricultural produce such as palay, corn, vegetable, fruits rootcrops, coffee and cutflowers. Livestock, poultry and aquatic resources such as shellfish, crabs, prawns, shrimps and different species of fish are also available in the area.

• Legend

A group of Spaniards were on their way to this town by boat when their attention was attracted by something floating on the water. With unusual curiosity, they looked at the floating object. Each one of the Spaniards asked the natives who were with them what the name of the floating object was. The native answered "samel", which meant that it was a covering that is attached to the banca to protect the passengers from the hot sun or from rain. This covering was made of nipa leaves and woven together. The Spaniards repeated, "samel, samel" after the natives. Ever since that time, the town has always been called Samal.

• Background

Founded as a municipality on April 20, 1941, under the patron Saint Catherine of Sienna. The town's colorful share of historical upheavals is best remembered by its gallant heroes that chose to die honorably and courageously for the sake of freedom.

The town has pioneered in different kinds of businesses. The first ice plant was constructed in this town under the management of Joaquin Ma. Joson, a prominent businessman in Bataan. Wooden shoe ("bakya") making in this province was first started in Samal. Industrialization came with the establishment of the first pulp mills in the country - the Bataan Pulp and Paper Mills, Inc. situated in the scenic slope of Mt. Natib.

Samal is the only town in Bataan which has manufactured arrow root flour through native processes. This flour is made into biscuits/cookies called "araro" which are native delicacies perfect to "pasalubong"

This town is also endowed with rich marine aquatic resources and highly productive farmlands.

Source: http://www.bataan.gov.ph