Barangays ZIP code 6718 | Time zone PST (UTC+8) Area 129.1 km² | |
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Neighborhoods Cagsumji, Barangay Beslig, Solsogon | ||
Santa Margarita (Waray: Bungto san Magsohong) is a 4th class municipality in the province of Samar, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 26,348 people.
Contents
- Map of Santa Margarita Samar Philippines
- Barangays
- History
- Natural attractions
- Alimango Festival
- References
Map of Santa Margarita, Samar, Philippines
Formerly known as Magsohong, it is bounded to the north by the city of Calbayog and to the south by Gandara.
Barangays
Santa Margarita is politically subdivided into 36 barangays.
History
The town used to be a barrio in Calbayog named Magsohong, but on June 29, 1878, the principalía of Magsohong, petitioned the Gobierno Superior to establish Magsohong as an independent pueblo. They argued that Magsohong was four hours away from Calbayog, it already had a casa real or a Juzgado de Paz of nipa, a church with a techada (roof) of nipa; a convent; an escuela also made of wood and nipa; and had more than 300 tributos. The petition was endorsed by the cura parroco, the Gobernadorcillo as well as the principalía of Calbayog. Fourteen years later, Royal Decree No. 25 dated September 25, 1892 approved the establishment of the pueblo of Magsohong renamed Sta. Margarita. The new pueblo had three visitas: Balud, San Bernardo, and Londara. However, it remained under the parish of Calbayog.
Natural attractions
Alimango Festival
July 25 (Alimango Festival) - this dance festival revolves around the courtship between the female alimango (mud crabs found in fishponds) Atabayi and the male Amamakhao. It also depicts the capture of the alimango with the use of the bobo and giant bentol. Dancers, dressed as alimango, flex their hands as if to bite. Snare drums and talutang highlight the fast rhythm of the dance.