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Northern Samar - History
In the late 16th century, the San Bernardino Strait was a part of the galleon trade route of the Spaniards between Manila and Acapulco. A royal port was established in the cove of Palapag, a town east of the capital, where the trade vessels were repaired by experienced native shipbuilders. In the mid-17th century, many of these Samareņos migrated to Cavite after they have been recruited by the Spanish authorities to work at the new shipyard there. Many Caviteņos may therefore trace their roots to this now sleepy coastal town. The only evidence of its busy maritime past is a tall, lonely stone tower used as a lookout point for invading Moslem pirates.
Northern Samar is one of the three Samar provinces created on June 19, 1965 by virtue of Republic Act No. 4221. The province is relatively young but it has vital religious and historical significance. The small island of Capul was the capital of the province of Samar in 1848 to 1852. Capul was formerly named Abak, after the ancient ruler of Java who brought the first setters to the enchanting island. In the latter period of the 16th century, especially in 1596, it was among the first places to be evangelized by the Spaniards.
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