The Provincial Government of Northern Samar

17/10/2025

𝐊𝐀𝐌𝐔𝐓𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐀𝐍 𝐒𝐀𝐍 𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐇𝐎𝐍
Oktubre 18, 2025

Subay sa forecast san PAG-ASA, magigin mauran sa Norte san Samar yana nga Sabado, October 18, 2025 tungod san Tropical Storm Ramil

Sakop san mga lugar nga ginpailarom sa Storm Signal No. 1 an probinsya, ngan nakaalsa na sa Orange Rainfall Warning an Norte san Samar tungod san ginbabana-bana nga makusog nga pag-uran nga dara san bagyo.

An sentro san bagyo Ramil nakit-an sa may 305km sinirangan san Juban, Sorsogon kanina san alas 4 san aga.

Maghirot kita ngatanan.

Source: DOST PAG-ASA
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1McmCrECAM/

17/10/2025

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭 𝐟𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿

A team from the World Surgical Foundation Philippines (WSFP) went to see Governor Harris Ongchuan, and Vice Governor Clarence Dato recently to personally convey their plan to hold their next Surgical Outreach Program in Northern Samar.

WSFP Executive Director Crisyl Ursabia, along with its Vice President Dr. Henrique Da Roza, Head Nurse Mayo Santiago, and Patient Coordinator Maria Elizabeth Ann Marasigan, gave the province’s top officials a visit on October 15, 2025 to discuss the details of their program. Set to be conducted next year, on March 17-20, 2026, the foundation will provide free surgical services, both minor and major surgeries, to indigent patients in Northern Samar.

The WSFP team were ushered to the Office of the Governor by Provincial Health Officer Dr. Ma. Aurora Vicencio and NSPH pathologist, Dr. Anthony Glenn Luzano.

Aligned with Governor Ongchuan's HCO Framework which prioritizes health, the initiative, in partnership with the Philippine College of Surgeons Surgery in the Underserved Regions and for Education (PCS S.U.R.E) Commission, Philippine Society of Anesthesiologists (PSA), and the Operating Room Nurse Association of the Philippines (ORNAP), provides hope to those battling with health issues that the government and non-government sectors are united in the aim to build a healthy and happy citizenry, consistent with the Provincial Government’s aim to promote inclusive healthcare while also safeguarding the well-being of the community.

17/10/2025

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 || 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐬 𝐎𝐧𝐠𝐜𝐡𝐮𝐚𝐧 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 “𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐢𝐠𝐚𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐚” 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐬𝐚 𝐦𝐠𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐚

Governor Harris, together with Laoang Mayor Charlene Ongchuan, joined the launching of “Benteng Bigas Meron Na para sa mga Magsasaka” held at the NFA Rawis Warehouse, Barangay Rawis, Laoang, Northern Samar, earlier this morning, October 17, 2025.

Implemented by the Department of Agriculture (DA), National Food Authority (NFA), and Food Terminal Inc. (FTI), this program seeks to enable farmers and farmworkers to purchase rice at an affordable price of ₱20 per kilo.

𝘗𝘩𝘰𝘵𝘰 𝘊𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘺: 𝘓𝘎𝘜 𝘓𝘢𝘰𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘷𝘪𝘢 𝘔𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘢𝘭 𝘐𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘖𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘦

17/10/2025

21st Kabataan Caravan inspires youth in Las Navas

Guided by Governor Harris Ongchuan’s vision of nurturing active youth involvement, the Kabataan Caravan continue to travel throughout the province to inspire and empower young individuals through knowledge exchange, skill-building, and values education. It provides a space for young people to grow as leaders and change-makers, strengthening their role in building resilient and progressive communities.

The Provincial Government of Northern Samar, through the Provincial Youth Development Office (PYDO) in partnership with the Office of the Sangguniang Kabataan Provincial Federation, the Local Youth Development Office of Las Navas and the Pambayang Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan ng Las Navas, the 21st Kabataan Caravan once again brought together the youth sector, with the aim of empowering young Nortehanons through meaningful learning sessions, skill-based workshops, and opportunities for active participation in governance.

The program began with a warm Welcome Remarks from Hon. Gerardo Gerard A. Miranda, PPSK Provincial Federation President, who expressed his gratitude for the enthusiastic involvement of the youth and emphasized the importance of leadership, collaboration, and continuous growth among young Nortehanons.

Meanwhile, Ms. Anne Kirsten Tobes, RSW, Provincial Youth Development Officer, underscored the Kabataan Caravan’s continuing goal to reach out to various municipalities—bringing government services, programs, and developmental interventions closer to the youth.

Messages of support were also given by Hon. John Philbert S. Tan, Municipal Mayor of Las Navas; Hon. Vilma Casio Tajanlangit, Sangguniang Bayan Member; Hon. Jose Tendido, Municipal SK Federation President; and Ms. Jzulliana Lorenz L. Deananeas, Local Youth Development Officer. They collectively expressed their support for the initiatives of the PPSK and PYDO in promoting youth participation, welfare, and leadership development across the province.

After the opening program, a Public Hearing was conducted on the Proposed Comprehensive Youth Welfare and Development Code of the Province, providing a space for youth leaders, stakeholders, and participants to share their suggestions and comments. This open discussion aimed to ensure that the proposed code reflects the genuine needs, aspirations, and voices of the young people of Northern Samar.

The activity continued with simultaneous workshops facilitated by different provincial offices and partner agencies. These included:

•Entrepreneurial Skills and Management Seminar by PEDIPO
•Mental Health Awareness by IGOR
•Organic Vegetable Production by PAO
•Adolescent Health and Wellness by PPO
•Waste Segregation Orientation by PGENRO
•Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse /opportunity to register online for the Philippine National Police Academy Cadet Admission Test (PNPACAT) by NSPPO
•Lecture on Safe Spaces Act by PLO

Through these sessions, participants gained practical knowledge and awareness on vital youth and community issues, promoting self-reliance, wellness, environmental responsibility, and protection of rights.

The 21st Kabataan Caravan once again proved to be a dynamic platform for learning, collaboration, and empowerment, strengthening the province’s shared vision of nurturing an active, informed, and responsible youth sector in Northern Samar.

17/10/2025

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 || 𝟑𝟕𝐭𝐡 𝐊𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫’𝐬 𝐑𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲

The 37th Kauswagan Caravan is set to deliver essential government and social services to families in the fertile rice-producing municipality of Catubig, Northern Samar.

During a stakeholders’ meeting held at the UEP Centennial Hall, the Provincial Government of Northern Samar, through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), announced that the upcoming caravan will extend vital assistance to 1,137 residents from Barangays Rebadulla, Manering, C.M. Recto (LOBEDICO), San Francisco, and Calingnan.

To ensure the smooth conduct of the activity, a Stakeholders’ Preparatory Meeting was held this morning, October 17, 2025, aimed at bridging service delivery gaps in remote communities. Representatives from national government agencies, non-government organizations, and partner private sectors pledged their commitment to provide a wide range of services, including medical, dental, and legal counseling; civil and government registrations; and the distribution of food packs, school supplies, seedlings, farm tools, and other essential commodities.

For the first time, St. Scholastica Hospital and Midtown Drugs will participate in the Kauswagan Caravan, offering free medical checkups and medicines to the beneficiaries.

Catubig Vice Mayor Galahad Vicencio expressed his gratitude to the Provincial Government and all participating agencies, emphasizing that residents of the beneficiary barangays are deeply thankful for the opportunity to avail of these much-needed services. Also present during the meeting were the punong barangays and officials of the identified communities.

The 37th Kauswagan Caravan is scheduled to take place on October 24, 2025, in Catubig, Northern Samar.

17/10/2025

Cheers to our new PGNS Doctors!

All four (4) Provincial Government Medical Scholars who took the October 2025 Physician Licensure Examination have passed the board exam, based on the PLE results released last night.

Governor Harris Ongchuan and the Provincial Government takes pride in this achievement of our medical scholars. Congratulations to our new doctors:
1. Dr. Alexis Gene W. Almasco, Allen, Northern Samar
2. Dr. Charisse B. Mercado, Pambujan, Northern Samar
3. Dr. Jeremiah F. Pedrola, Catarman, Northern Samar
4. Dr. Ara Jasmine R. Poche, Mondragon, Northern Samar

The Provincial Government now have 9 doctors produced under the PGNS Medical Scholarship Program, a mark of its success since the initiative was introduced in 2020 during the term of then Governor Edwin Ongchuan.

The program continues, with 10 latest addition to the medical scholars admitted by the Provincial Government this academic year 2025-2026.

16/10/2025

Greetings to the people of Catarman on its Founding Anniversary today, October 17, 2025!

To this flourishing capital of the province, Governor Harris Ongchuan, with Vice Governor Clarence Dato, SP Members and the entire Provincial Government of Northern Samar, rejoice with you on this significant milestone.

Happy anniversary!

𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗬 𝟮𝟱𝟳𝗧𝗛 𝗙𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗔𝗥𝗬, 𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗡!

16/10/2025

𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐎𝐧𝐠𝐜𝐡𝐮𝐚𝐧, 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐉𝐮𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

Spearheaded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government Northern Samar, in partnership with the Diocese of Catarman, the joint celebration of the Jubilee of Government Officials and Employees and kick-off of the Local Government Month saw local elective and appointed officials and employees in Northern Samar immersed in an insightful session on good governance and public service.

Governor Harris Ongchuan and Vice Governor Clarence Dato led local officials – from Board Members to municipal mayors, vice mayors and Sangguniang Bayan members, in embracing the call for a conscientious servant leadership, which was the highlight of the gathering.

The celebration was capped with the holy mass presided by the Most Rev. Bishop Nolly Buco and joined by the Catarman Clergy, symbolic of the Nortehanon community's prayer for divine guidance amidst the many challenges befacing the Filipino nation.

16/10/2025

𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝟰𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘆𝗮𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰

Northern Samar is the fourth largest provincial economy in Eastern Visayas in 2024, recording a gross domestic product of ₱47,486,455 at constant 2018 prices and posting a 3.4 percent increase in GDP for the year, despite having no component city.

Latest figures for 2024 show the region’s distribution of output as follows: Leyte at ₱275,989,107, Samar (Western Samar) at ₱64,501,620, City of Tacloban at ₱59,580,550, Southern Leyte at ₱49,356,473, Northern Samar at ₱47,486,455, Eastern Samar at ₱40,415,315, and Biliran at ₱18,294,936. When ranking only the provinces (excluding the highly urbanized Tacloban City), Northern Samar holds the fourth place among its provincial peers in Eastern Visayas.

The Services sector continued to anchor Northern Samar’s economy in 2024, while Industry and Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing sustained their important roles in local employment and livelihoods. The recorded 3.4 percent growth reflects steady activity across trade, transport, construction projects, and agriculture-linked production.

Northern Samar’s economic performance aligns with Governor Harris Christopher Ongchuan’s Development Agenda on Health, Capacity Building, and Opportunities. Strategic investments in health services have helped protect workforce productivity, targeted capacity building programs have strengthened the skills of local entrepreneurs and workers, and expanded opportunities have opened new markets and jobs for residents.

The province’s standing as the fourth largest provincial economy in Eastern Visayas underlines the continuing progress of the HCO Agenda and signals Northern Samar’s readiness to welcome further investments that support balanced and inclusive growth across the province.

16/10/2025

𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐫. 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐚 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐎𝐧𝐠𝐜𝐡𝐮𝐚𝐧; 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐛𝐢𝐠'𝐬 𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

A renowned local historian and book author, retired UP Professor Dr. Rolando Borrinaga gave Governor Harris Ongchuan a courtesy visit at the Capitol this week where they shared light talks on the history of one of Northern Samar’s earliest pueblos - Catubig and its importance in shaping the province’s identity.

Dr. Borrinaga was in the province as resource speaker in the first MLGU-led historical conference held on the 429th Founding Anniversary celebration of Catubig. The conference was vital in the efforts to preserve and promote the historical narratives that define Catubig, fostering awareness and engagement among residents.

A frequent guest of Northern Samar, the good-hearted professor was warmly received by the Governor at the Capitol, along with Vice Governor Clarence Dato and Mr. Carl Jamie Simple S. Bordeos, Culture and the Arts Coordinator of the Provincial Government of Northern Samar. The brief meeting marks a significant step in fostering a deeper understanding of local history and its significance within the broader context of Philippine heritage.

A respected cultural and historical researcher, Dr. Borrinaga was a staunch advocate of the return of the Bells of Balangiga to Samar, and the defense of Limasawa as the site of the First Easter Sunday Mass in the Philippines in 1521. He was a key figure in establishing the historical narrative of the Eastern Visayas region.

Thank you for your support to Northern Samar, Dr. Borrinaga!

16/10/2025

NHCP team begins Heritage Site Assessments, Technical Assistance in Northern Samar

A team from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has begun its field activities in Northern Samar, marking the start of heritage site assessments and technical assistance in the province. Their visit commenced with courtesy call to Governor Harris Christopher M. Ongchuan and Vice Governor Clarence A. Dato, on October 15, 2025, at the Provincial Capitol.

Leading the NHCP delegation were Mr. Aljon Concillado and Architect Dan Paul Awarayan from the Historic Preservation Division (HPD) of the NHCP. The team is set to assess three key heritage sites, Batag Lighthouse in Laoang, Bobon Church in Bobon, and Catubig Church in Catubig.

During the meeting, Governor Ongchuan fondly recalled his childhood memories of the Batag Lighthouse, sharing that it was still functional during his elementary years. He expressed optimism that, with NHCP’s technical assistance, the Provincial Government of Northern Samar (PGNS) can help restore the iconic maritime landmark to its former glory.

Strategically located on the Pacific side of Northern Samar, the Batag Lighthouse has long served as an essential beacon for sailors navigating the San Bernardino Strait, a vital maritime passage connecting the Pacific Ocean and the Philippine Sea.

Governor Ongchuan also mentioned ongoing discussions for the construction of an access road leading to the Batag Lighthouse, which would enhance accessibility for restoration activities and future heritage tourism initiatives.

Beyond Batag Lighthouse, the NHCP team will also evaluate the Bobon and Catubig Churches, with the latter set to receive technical assistance for structural assessment and a possible historical marker installation.

Governor Ongchuan extended his gratitude to the NHCP for its continued partnership in safeguarding Northern Samar’s cultural and historical heritage, expressing the province’s full support for the preservation and restoration efforts.

16/10/2025

𝐏𝐆𝐍𝐒 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐑𝐘 || 𝐈𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰, 𝐎𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

In the service of the public and to cater to the needs of the Nortehanons, Provincial Government offices will be open for regular work and transactions tomorrow, October 17, 2025.

This advisory is in line with Governor Harris Christopher Ongchuan’s policy direction that the Provincial Government be available to the public as much as possible.