Gamay, Northern Samar

Gamay, officially the Municipality of Gamay (Bungto san Gamay; Bayan ng Gamay), is a 4th class municipality in the province of Northern Samar, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 23,367 people.

In the east, it is bounded by the Pacific Ocean, in the south by Lapinig, in the north-west by Mapanas and Catubig.

History
In the past, Gamay was once a barrio within Palapag, one of the oldest towns in Samar, known for its strong religious beliefs. Legends and stories recount how the town acquired its name. According to a prevalent tale among the locals, a visiting Spaniard inquired about the name of the place to a lady who was weaving on a loom. Misunderstanding the question, she thought he was asking about her activity and replied "Gamay," which in the local dialect means 'fine'. This term refers to the finest strands of abaca, distinguishing them from medium and thicker strands known as "Urubayon" and "Kadagkuan," respectively.

The settlement, now known as Binongto-an, was established in the 14th or 15th century by descendants of seafaring Malays who migrated to the Philippine Archipelago. It wasn't until the late 16th or 17th century, with the arrival of Christianity brought by the Spaniards, that the name Gamay became prominent.

Despite facing raids from Muslim groups, particularly in the area of Binayaan, the Christian settlers in Binongto-an remained steadfast in their faith, eventually relocating near the river mouth by the sea to escape the attacks.

Until 1949, Gamay remained a barrio of Palapag. Subsequently, during the American period, there was resistance from the locals, resulting in the surrender of over 400 revolutionary soldiers known as "Pulajanes."

Over time, the municipality progressed, leading to its legal separation from Palapag. This separation was initiated by Rafael A. Gomba, a native of Gamay, who was then the Mayor of Palapag. Through the enactment of Republic Act No. 90 on February 26, 1947, Gamay attained municipality status within the island province of Samar.

Initially, the incumbent barrio officials assumed roles as the new municipal officials. However, on November 9, 1965, following the division of Samar into three provinces (Western, Eastern, and Northern), Gamay became a municipality within Northern Samar.

Government
The Municipal Government also has its own executive, legislative and judicial bodies.


 * Executive

The seat of the executive branch of the local government of Gamay is at the Municipal Hall located at the municipal proper itself with the municipal mayor acting as the local chief executive.
 * Legislative

The legislative department is represented by the local Sangguniang Bayan composed of ten (8) elected Regular Members and two (2) Ex-officio Members headed by the Municipal Vice Mayor as the presiding officer thereof.


 * Judicial

Municipal Trial Court - located at the Municipal Ground, Barangay Central.


 * Constitutional Bodies

Commission on Elections

Current Municipal Officials (since 2022)
Mayor: RAQUEL T. CAPOQUIAN

Vice Mayor: CLARITA P. GOMBA

Sangguniang Bayan Members

Regular Members


 * CYRIL C. COSTUNA
 * EMMA J. LONGCOP
 * JUAN B. CLACITO
 * BELARMINO P. ALBINO
 * BANILO M. CASTILLO
 * HONORIO E. REBAY
 * ORLANDO M. NUEVA


 * TERESITA T. VALLES

Ex-officio Members


 * EDDIE D. PELEMBERGO, JR. (SK Federation President)
 * NIMFO G. JALDO (Liga ng mga Barangay Chapter President)

Former Municipal Mayors

 * Egildo T. Banawis
 * Rafael A. Gomba
 * Farbeciano N. Bello
 * Nicolas D. Doxi
 * Julina P. Doxi
 * Enrique "Henry" C. Gomba
 * Atty. Rodolfo "Odol" M. Capoquian
 * Dr. Timoteo "Tim" T. Capoquian
 * Clarita "Cayet" P. Gomba

Education
Elementary


 * Anito Elementary School
 * Bangon Elementary School
 * Bato Elementary School
 * Bonificio Elementary School
 * Cagamutan Central Elementary School
 * Cabarasan Elementary School
 * Cadac-an Elementary School
 * Cade-an Elementary School
 * Dao Elementary School
 * G.M Osias Elementary School
 * Guibwangan Elementary School
 * Gamay Central Elementary School
 * Gamay East Elementary School
 * Gamay West Elementary School
 * Henogawe Elementary School
 * Libertad Elementary School
 * Lonoy Elementary School
 * Luneta Elementary School
 * Malidong Elementary School
 * Rizal Elementary School
 * San Antonio Elementary School

High School


 * Anito National High School
 * Bangon National High School
 * Cagamutan National High School
 * Gamay National High School
 * Gala Vocational School

Barangays
Gamay is politically subdivided into 26 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.


 * Anito
 * Bangon
 * Bato
 * Baybay (Poblacion)
 * Bonifacio
 * Burabod (Poblacion)
 * Cabarasan
 * Cadac-an (Calingnan)
 * Cade-an
 * Cagamutan del Norte
 * Cagamutan del Sur
 * Central (Poblacion)
 * Dao
 * G. M. Osias
 * Guibuangan
 * Henogawe
 * Libertad (Poblacion)
 * Lonoy
 * Luneta
 * Malidong
 * Occidental I (Poblacion)
 * Occidental II (Poblacion)
 * Oriental I (Poblacion)
 * Oriental II (Poblacion)
 * Rizal
 * San Antonio