The Island Garden City of Samal was created from the merger of the Municipalities of Babak, Samal, and Kaputian by virtue of Republic Act No. 8471 which was signed by former President Fidel V. Ramos on January 30, 1998 and overwhelmingly ratified later by its residents on March 7 of the same year.

By political jurisdiction, the Island Garden City of Samal is a component city of the Province of Davao del Norte. As a result of the merger, the three Municipalities ceased to exist, thus the newly created city assimilated all the jurisdiction, assets, and physical characteristics of the former Municipalities which now become its three Sanggunian Districts - with Babak as District I, Samal as District II where the political seat of government is located, and Kaputian as District III.

LOCATION

Island Garden City of Samal is located at the heart of Davao Gulf, separated from mainland Mindanao by the same body of water. The island is accessible via 10-15 minute motorboat ride from Km-11 Sasa, Davao City to Babak port, 45-minute ride from Sta. Ana wharf, Davao City to Kaputian port on board similar transports. Roll-on/Roll-off ferryboats that carry vehicles and trucks are also plying the route from Babak District to Sasa, Davao City. The city has seaports located at Kaputian, Babak, Kinawitnon and Sta. Cruz of Talicud Island.

PHYSICAL FEATURES

There are two main Islands in IGaCoS. Samal Island and Talicud Island which are located at the Southern point. Other smaller islands namely, Malipano, Big Ligid and Little Ligid are also part of the city. In terms of land area, IGaCoS has a total of 30,130 has. The island has an estimated length of 34 kms. And width of 15 kms., which is characterized by mountain ranges at the eastern part with an estimated elevation of 532 meters above sea level at Tayapoc and Puting Bato point. The flat terrain is found largerly at the northwestern and central parts of Babak District. The gently sloping areas are found mostly along the coastlines, which is about 118 kms. The island also has the following major rivers and lakes -- Binoling River, Tagbaobo River and Bagsak Lake.