In the past, Gamay was once a barrio within Palapag, one of the oldest towns in Samar, known for its strong religious beliefs.

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.

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.

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.

Subsequently, during the American period, there was resistance from the locals, resulting in the surrender of over 400 revolutionary soldiers known as "Pulajanes.