Northern Samar Bulletin

11/12/2025

11/12/2025

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 || 𝐔𝐄𝐏 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐓𝐰𝐨-𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐲 𝐏𝐍𝐔

The University of Eastern Philippines (UEP) proudly celebrates another milestone as it is honored by the Philippine Normal University (PNU) as a National Partner for two consecutive years. The recognition was formally bestowed today, December 11, during the President’s Day 2025 and Year-End Assembly (Pasasalamat at Pagpupugay) held at the PNU HRD Auditorium.

Representing UEP President Dr. Cherry I. Ultra, Prof. Brenfred N. Romero received the award on behalf of the University. This distinction highlights UEP’s continuing commitment to strengthening teacher education, research collaboration, and capacity-building initiatives that contribute to national educational development.

UEP, through President Ultra, extends its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Bert J. Tuga, PNU President, for acknowledging UEP’s steadfast partnership and shared vision for elevating the standards of teacher education in the country. This recognition affirms UEP’s dedication to cultivating meaningful collaborations that uplift educators, students, and communities.

The University looks forward to further expanding its collaborative programs with PNU and other national partners as it continues to champion quality education and academic excellence.

Together, we celebrate partnership, service, and the shared mission of shaping the future of Philippine education.

10/12/2025

𝗥𝗲𝗽. 𝗘𝗱𝘄𝗶𝗻 𝗖. 𝗢𝗻𝗴𝗰𝗵𝘂𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗚𝗨𝘀 𝗧𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

Representative Edwin C. Ongchuan of the 2nd District of Northern Samar welcomed the progress of his priority measure, House Bill No. 602, during the December 9 meeting of the House Committee on Local Government. The bill seeks to institutionalize the Local Economic Development and Investment Promotions Officer or LEDIPO position in all local government units to professionalize economic planning and strengthen local investment facilitation across the country.

During the deliberations chaired by Representative Florencio T. Miraflores, the Committee opened discussions on HB 602 together with other measures creating specialized local government offices. In his speech, Representative Ongchuan requested that the explanatory note of the bill be included in the official record and presented Northern Samar’s experience as a strong example of why the measure is necessary.

He said, "In Northern Samar, our Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office has significantly contributed to the advancement of various renewable energy projects and other investment opportunities. The Department of Energy has recognized Northern Samar as the first province in the Philippines to adopt a Green Lane policy, ensuring that renewable energy investments are fast-tracked while still upholding environmental safeguards and sustainability standards. For these efforts, Northern Samar was awarded the Sustainable Energy Award 2025 in the LGU category, underscoring our commitment to clean, efficient, and forward-looking energy development."

He emphasized that the success of Northern Samar shows how empowered economic development offices can open investment opportunities, support MSMEs, catalyze local growth, and strengthen competitiveness. He added that institutionalizing LEDIPO positions nationwide will allow all LGUs, especially emerging and underserved areas, to benefit from the same capacity and support.

The Committee’s discussion signals a significant step forward in the legislative process of HB 602 and brings the measure closer to consolidation and eventual approval. Representative Ongchuan expressed confidence that with the support of the Chair and the members of the Committee, the bill will help replicate Northern Samar’s success stories in other regions of the Philippines.

10/12/2025

09/12/2025

Northern Samar is gearing up to welcome the return of international cruise ship, the Coral Geographer!

On December 11, 2025, the Coral Geographer Cruise Ship is returning to the breathtaking wonders of Biri and the serene La Laguna Mangroves Eco Park in Lavezares.

With every cruise arrival, we continue to showcase not only our landscapes and seascapes, but also the warmth, culture, and hospitality that make Northern Samar a memorable destination.

Here’s to another meaningful and successful cruise visit!

Credits: Northern Samar Provincial Tourism Office

09/12/2025

Good news! Approved na ang Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) ng pinakabagong Agriculture Scholarship Program ng Provincial Government! Ito ay hudyat na kaunting panahon nalang, maaari nang ipatupad ang programa.

Ang PGNS Agriculture Scholarship Program ay hinihikayat ang mga kabataan na kumuha ng kursong agrikultura at maging kasapi sa produksyon o sa agri-enterpreneurship. Katumbas nito ay mga benepisyo tulad ng libreng bayarin sa kolehiyo, living allowance, book at uniform allowances bawat semester.

Nanatiling backbone ang agrikultura sa ating probinsya kaya sa pamamagitan ng HCO framework, ang inyong Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ay magpapatupad ng iba't ibang programa na magbubukas ng oportunidad para sa mga mamamayan at makakatulong sa pag-unlad ng probinsya. Sa ilalim ng scholarship program na ito, hindi lamang magiging accessible ang edukasyon para sa mga nangangailangan, sa kalaunan ay magiging instrumento ito sa pagsulong ng sektor ng Agrikultura sa probinsya.

Maraming salamat sa lahat ng mga naging bahagi ng milestone na ito.

08/12/2025

07/12/2025

The officers of the Vice Mayors League of the Philippines (VMLP) Northern Samar Chapter led by President and Catubig Vice Mayor Galahad Vicencio(second,right) are shown here during the 29th VMLP National Convention and Election of Officers in Manila last week.Among in photo is San Roque Vice Mayor Jocelyn Uy-Curso,Public Relations Officer(third from right)

05/12/2025

04/12/2025

𝐃𝐈𝐃 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖 || 𝐋𝐨𝐰-𝐥𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠?

Northern Samar, surrounded by bodies of water, is among the most typhoon-exposed provinces in the country. With an average of 20 tropical cyclones entering the Philippines each year, the province regularly experiences strong winds, heavy rains, and storm surges, especially at peak from June to November. This constant exposure places communities at risk, particularly those in low-lying and coastal areas.

According to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), Catubig, Las Navas, Lavezares, and San Jose are among the most flood-prone municipalities, while Laoang, Catarman, Palapag, Pambujan, Lope De Vega, Mondragon, San Isidro, and Gamay are classified as moderately at risk to flooding.

Meanwhile, according to the list and assessment of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), areas in Northern Samar that are susceptible to flooding include Allen, Bobon, Catubig, Lavezares, Mondragon, Pambujan, Rosario, and San Roque. Other municipalities like Catarman, Bugko (Mondragon), Mapno (Palapag) and Gamay are also listed as vulnerable, especially those with river systems.

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐮𝐬?
• Disruption of livelihoods as it causes massive economic losses for farmers, fisherfolks, and local economies.
• Cause extensive damage to homes, classrooms, roads, bridges, and other infrastructures.
• Adversely affect essential services like power and communication.
• Heightened the exposure to leptospirosis, malaria, and other severe health crises.
• May also lead to mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Natural habitats and wildlife are destroyed, harming ecosystems and aquatic life.
• Flooding may also cause soil erosion which can lead to landslides.

Building a safer Northern Samar starts with awareness, preparedness, and collective action. By understanding how flooding affects us, we strengthen our resilience, improve disaster response systems, and protect our communities against the adverse effects of this kind of calamity.

Let us stay informed, stay prepared, and build a safer Northern Samar!

For more information of the flood-prone barangays in Northern Samar, kindly click this link:
https://www.facebook.com/civildefensePH/posts/1351032167066551

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pXwrfyOc23gsEk4spSesQwQ1vQHuh3OT/view?fbclid=IwY2xjawOeIm1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR6XxNEAFg5LahgrIBQapfBi8e1GhdukDTBEA9Tj2rGdVpey4LoMhk3O1ensPg_aem_h5VOIYg5aueBOwU3O3i86A

Sources:
• Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office
• https://bagong.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/information/about-tropical-cyclone
• MGB-Brgy-List_Dec 03, 2025_8AM_GSM100-WRF150.pdf