Palapag, officially the Municipality of Palapag ( war, Bungto han Palapag; tl, Bayan ng Palapag), is a 3rd class
municipality
A municipality is usually a single administrative division having corporate status and powers of self-government or jurisdiction as granted by national and regional laws to which it is subordinate.
The term ''municipality'' may also mean the go ...
in the
province
A province is almost always an administrative division within a country or sovereign state, state. The term derives from the ancient Roman ''Roman province, provincia'', which was the major territorial and administrative unit of the Roman Empire ...
of
Northern Samar
Northern Samar ( war, Amihanan Samar/Norte san Samar; tl, Hilagang Samar), officially the Province of Northern Samar, is a Provinces of the Philippines, province in the Philippines located in the Eastern Visayas Regions of the Philippines, regio ...
,
Philippines
The Philippines (; fil, Pilipinas, links=no), officially the Republic of the Philippines ( fil, Republika ng Pilipinas, links=no),
* bik, Republika kan Filipinas
* ceb, Republika sa Pilipinas
* cbk, República de Filipinas
* hil, Republ ...
. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 34,034 people.
It is located in the northernmost part of
Samar Island
Samar ( ) is the third-largest and seventh-most populous island in the Philippines, with a total population of 1,909,537 as of the 2020 census. It is located in the eastern Visayas, which are in the central Philippines. The island is divided in ...
.
Etymology
The name Palapag, according to locals is derived from the word “''Palpag''” (in the
Waray-Waray language
Waray (also known as Waray-Waray or Bisaya/Binisaya nga Winaray/Waray) is an Austronesian language and the fifth-most-spoken native regional language of the Philippines, native to Eastern Visayas. It is the native language of the Waray people ...
it means ‘pounding a post using a wooden stick’ or pulping the bark of a bakhao).
The first group of Spaniards who came to Palapag, as they did not know the name of the place, they asked in Spanish language to a group of people pulping the bark of a bakhao tree about the name of the place. They thought that they were asked what they were doing, so they answered in vernacular language “''nagpapalpag''”, which means pulping the bark of a tree. From that time on, the place was called Palpag by the Spaniards.
History
Pre-Hispanic
Ages before the coming of the Spaniards, the Philippines was already settled. Each settlement was an independent kingdom known as barangay. About one hundred families consisted each barangay. Each barangay had a ruler called datu, also known as hari or raja. He exercised executive, legislative and judicial power in the barangay. During wartime, he was the commander of barangay warriors. The datu usually obtained his position by inheritance, wisdom, wealth or physical strength.
The early Filipinos had their own form of government. They had both oral and written laws. The unwritten laws were the customs which were passed down from generation to generation and the written laws were promulgated by the datus.
In Samar, there were already settlements located along the coast and the river before the Spaniards arrived. These settlements called bungto were ruled by a datu, also called the ginaopan or gindolohan. The datus who ruled the bayside settlements or alongside deep harbors were the most richest and powerful.
The society in prehispanic Samar was composed of datu, the freemen or timawa, the tuhay or mamahay which were also known as aliping namamahay in the Tagalog region, and the hayuhay or ayuway which were equivalent of the aliping sagigilid.
Spanish Era
Arrival of the Jesuit Missionaries
On the year 1585, during the reign of Spanish Governor-General Don
Santiago de Vera
Santiago de Vera was a native of Alcalá de Henares, Spain and the sixth Spanish governor of the Philippines, from May 16, 1584, until May 1590.
Governorship
Governor Gonzalo Ronquillo de Peñalosa and Domingo de Salazar, the first bishop of M ...
, the Spaniards established Palapag as pueblo and named it Palpag. Later on, it was renamed as Palapag, the present name of the town.
The responsibility of bringing the Gospel on the Island of Samar was tasked to Fathers Francisco Otaco, Bartolome Martes and Brother Domingo Alonso on October 15, 1596. They first established their mission residence in
Tinago (Tarangnan) on the western coast of
Samar
Samar ( ) is the third-largest and seventh-most populous island in the Philippines, with a total population of 1,909,537 as of the 2020 census. It is located in the eastern Visayas, which are in the central Philippines. The island is divided in ...
. At that time, Tinago was one of the most ancient and most populated villages upon the arrival of the Jesuits. On 1598, a fine church was built in
Tinago and six other smaller ones were constructed near the mission residence.
When the people of Palapag heard and learned about the wonderful things that happened in Tinago and on the entire western coast of Samar, they started to appeal with the missionaries to establish a mission residence in their villages. Because of this appeal, the Jesuits sent a small group of missionaries to Palapag.
Palapag Royal Port
''The Royal Port of Palapag and the
Manila Galleons
fil, Galyon ng Maynila
, english_name = Manila Galleon
, duration = From 1565 to 1815 (250 years)
, venue = Between Manila and Acapulco
, location = New Spain (Spanish Empire) ...
''
The people of Palapag or Ibabao and the missionaries played an all-important role in sheltering and securing the richly laden
Manila galleons
fil, Galyon ng Maynila
, english_name = Manila Galleon
, duration = From 1565 to 1815 (250 years)
, venue = Between Manila and Acapulco
, location = New Spain (Spanish Empire) ...
returning from
Acapulco
Acapulco de Juárez (), commonly called Acapulco ( , also , nah, Acapolco), is a city and major seaport in the state of Guerrero on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, south of Mexico City. Acapulco is located on a deep, semicircular bay and has bee ...
, Mexico.
The first trans-Pacific voyage of galleon occurred on 1565. For some two hundred and fifty years, the treasure laden vessels sailed almost annually in the
Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest of Earth's five oceanic divisions. It extends from the Arctic Ocean in the north to the Southern Ocean (or, depending on definition, to Antarctica) in the south, and is bounded by the continen ...
contended with the disease,
scurvy
Scurvy is a disease resulting from a lack of vitamin C (ascorbic acid). Early symptoms of deficiency include weakness, feeling tired and sore arms and legs. Without treatment, decreased red blood cells, gum disease, changes to hair, and bleeding ...
, beriberi, hunger, sea storms, and Dutch and English piracy. It was vital both economically and spiritually to the Spanish outpost.
The galleon shipped spices to
Mexico
Mexico (Spanish: México), officially the United Mexican States, is a country in the southern portion of North America. It is bordered to the north by the United States; to the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; to the southeast by Guatema ...
from
Manila
Manila ( , ; fil, Maynila, ), officially the City of Manila ( fil, Lungsod ng Maynila, ), is the capital of the Philippines, and its second-most populous city. It is highly urbanized and, as of 2019, was the world's most densely populate ...
and upon returning from
America
The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territorie ...
, the vessels were loaded with wealth doubled when it left Manila.
Throughout the period of galleon trade, Palapag Port harbored these richly laden ships from Moro and Dutch pursuits. Sometimes these vessels sought refuge from unfavorable winds or seas or merely drop their anchor for water, food or fuel then continue their voyage though the San Bernardino Strait.
These ports were located off the coast of Palapag. The first one was on the outskirts called Cajayagan and the other one the so-called inner ports which were more secure than the first was called Calomotan. From there, the
galleon
Galleons were large, multi-decked sailing ships first used as armed cargo carriers by European states from the 16th to 18th centuries during the age of sail and were the principal vessels drafted for use as warships until the Anglo-Dutch War ...
continued their voyage passing the villages of
Catarman and
Bobon and made a stopover in the island of
Biri, where they either watched the tide or unload the parcel of their cargo then proceeded to the Strait of San Bernardino.
Provincial and Municipal Government
By 17th Century, Spanish colonist numbered only a few thousand throughout the Philippines had little incentives to settle and carve out the land in the provinces. On the Island of Samar, the land and people were distributed among the Spanish colonists under the
encomienda
The ''encomienda'' () was a Spanish labour system that rewarded conquerors with the labour of conquered non-Christian peoples. The labourers, in theory, were provided with benefits by the conquerors for whom they laboured, including military ...
system. A Spanish who was trusted with encomienda was called
encomendero
The ''encomienda'' () was a Spanish labour system that rewarded conquerors with the labour of conquered non-Christian peoples. The labourers, in theory, were provided with benefits by the conquerors for whom they laboured, including military ...
. He was tasked to collect
tributes
A tribute (; from Latin ''tributum'', "contribution") is wealth, often in kind, that a party gives to another as a sign of submission, allegiance or respect. Various ancient states exacted tribute from the rulers of land which the state conqu ...
, recruit abled-bodied males for public services or polo and ensure the physical and spiritual well-being of the inhabitants. But because of abuses, the system was abolished.
In order to enhance their administration on the colony, the Spaniards did not abolish the old barangays and merged it into towns called pueblos and the groups of pueblos were called alcaldia or districts headed by alcalde mayor.
When the Jesuits were expelled in Samar in 1768, there were sixteen pueblos had already established but only fifteen pueblos had Jesuit parish priest resident and were already divided into three residences, the east, north and the west coasts. The center of the north-east coasts referred to as Ibabao, was Palapag, while for the west coast was
Catbalogan
Catbalogan, officially the City of Catbalogan ( war, Siyudad han Catbalogan; fil, Lungsod ng Catbalogan), is a 5th class component city and capital of the province of Samar, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 106,44 ...
and at the same time the capital of
Samar Island
Samar ( ) is the third-largest and seventh-most populous island in the Philippines, with a total population of 1,909,537 as of the 2020 census. It is located in the eastern Visayas, which are in the central Philippines. The island is divided in ...
. Being the capital, it was there where the provincial government personnel numbering no more than three or four Spaniards including the governor. His prime duty was to collect revenues, pay the accounts and balance the books. He had executives, judicial and legislative functions.
As of 1830, a royal order was issued substituting civilian governor by a military governor. He assumed office on 1830 as the first military governor of Samar and the number of government personnel was increased. For administrative purposes, he suggested the division of Samar into three administrative districts, the west, north and the east coasts. It was approved on 1867 in
Manila
Manila ( , ; fil, Maynila, ), officially the City of Manila ( fil, Lungsod ng Maynila, ), is the capital of the Philippines, and its second-most populous city. It is highly urbanized and, as of 2019, was the world's most densely populate ...
and in the Council of Administration in
Madrid
Madrid ( , ) is the capital and most populous city of Spain. The city has almost 3.4 million inhabitants and a metropolitan area population of approximately 6.7 million. It is the second-largest city in the European Union (EU), and ...
, however it was not realized. By 1890, the Franciscans divided Samar into three vicariates, the west, north and east coasts.
On the municipal level, the pueblo was headed by a
Gobernadorcillo
The ''gobernadorcillo'' (, literally "little governor") was a municipal judge or governor in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period, who carried out in a town the combined charges or responsibilities of leadership, economic, and judic ...
elected annually. He was both the judicial and executive officer, the general supervisor and ensure of public order, the main collector of tributes and in charge of the repair and maintenance of public buildings and roads. In order to perform his task efficiently he had to work closely with the priest for support and visto bueno of documents. His subordinates were called cabeza de barangay who was in charge of collecting tributes and other taxes of each family. Aside from them, there were also three superintendents and assistants of fields, livestock, police and lieutenants (tenientes) and police for every visita and barrio. With the increased of pueblo officials the role of the priest was reduced.
Geography
Palapag is bounded on the north by the vast
Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Ocean is the largest and deepest of Earth's five oceanic divisions. It extends from the Arctic Ocean in the north to the Southern Ocean (or, depending on definition, to Antarctica) in the south, and is bounded by the continen ...
, on the east by the municipality of
Mapanas, on the west by the municipality of
Laoang
Laoang, officially the Municipality of Laoang ( war, Bungto han Laoang; tl, Bayan ng Laoang), is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Northern Samar, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 61,607 people.
It is ...
and on the south by the municipality of
Catubig
Catubig, officially the Municipality of Catubig ( war, Bungto han Catubig; tl, Bayan ng Catubig), is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Northern Samar, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 32,174 people.
Hi ...
. The town center is located in the north-eastern part of the municipality. Its physical features are characterized by mountainous part on the east and a relatively plain on the north-western side of the municipality. Palapag has a total land area of .
Climate
The climate falls under
Type 2, no distinct dry season with a very pronounced rainy season, maximum rain period generally occur in December and January. It has an average annual rainfall of per year with an average annual temperature of . The warmest month mean temperature is .
This climate type in Palapag plays an important rule to its agricultural economy. Although the agricultural land area is wide enough for the farmers, mostly the cultivation is being limited by the excessive rainfall and the regular sweeping of the typhoon on Samar Islands.
Barangays
Palapag is subdivided into 32
barangays
A barangay (; abbreviated as Brgy. or Bgy.), historically referred to as barrio (abbreviated as Bo.), is the smallest administrative division in the Philippines and is the native Filipino term for a village, district, or ward. In metropolitan ...
.
* Asum (
Poblacion
''Poblacion'' (literally "town" or "settlement" in Spanish language in the Philippines, Spanish; ) is the common term used for the administrative center, central, downtown, old town or central business district area of a Philippines, Philippi ...
)
* Bagacay
* Bangon
* Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. (
Poblacion
''Poblacion'' (literally "town" or "settlement" in Spanish language in the Philippines, Spanish; ) is the common term used for the administrative center, central, downtown, old town or central business district area of a Philippines, Philippi ...
)
* Binay
* Cabariwan
*
Cabatuan
* Campedico
* Capacujan
*
Jangtud
* Laniwan (
Poblacion
''Poblacion'' (literally "town" or "settlement" in Spanish language in the Philippines, Spanish; ) is the common term used for the administrative center, central, downtown, old town or central business district area of a Philippines, Philippi ...
)
* Mabaras
* Magsaysay
* Manajao
* Mapno
* Maragano
* Matambag
* Monbon
*
Nagbobtac
* Napo
* Natawo
* Nipa
* Osmeña
* Pangpang
* Paysud
* Sangay
* Simora
* Sinalaran
* Sumoroy
* Talolora
* Tambangan (
Poblacion
''Poblacion'' (literally "town" or "settlement" in Spanish language in the Philippines, Spanish; ) is the common term used for the administrative center, central, downtown, old town or central business district area of a Philippines, Philippi ...
)
* Tinampo (
Poblacion
''Poblacion'' (literally "town" or "settlement" in Spanish language in the Philippines, Spanish; ) is the common term used for the administrative center, central, downtown, old town or central business district area of a Philippines, Philippi ...
)
Demographics
Economy
Transportation
The municipality is not directly connected by land to other regions of the Philippine archipelago; it still relies on the wharfs provided by the Barangay's near coastal areas (Barangay Sumoroy and Barangay Pangpang) through motorized boats on going to and from the town. It has a small port in Barangay Mapno but currently idle, no facilities yet provided for the port users.
Education
Elementary:
* Palapag Central Elementary School
* Cabatuan Elementary School
Secondary:
* Sumoroy Agro-Industrial School
* Capacujan National High School
* Cabatuan National High School
* Pangpang National High School
* Jangtud National High School
Tertiary:
*Eastern Visayas Central Colleges (EVCC)
*Colegio de Nuestra Seniora de la Assuncion
References
External links
*
Philippine Standard Geographic CodePhilippine Census InformationLocal Governance Performance Management System
{{Authority control
Municipalities of Northern Samar