What are the opening hours?

Monday 8am - 5pm Tuesday 8am - 5pm Wednesday 8am - 5pm Thursday 8am - 5pm Friday 8am - 5pm

https://bit.ly/PPDONorthernSamar

Northern Samar Provincial Planning and Development Office, Catarman (2026)

03/09/2026

𝙇𝙊𝙊𝙆|| 𝙉𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙣 𝙎𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙧 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙘𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙖 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙎𝙃𝙄𝙀𝙇𝘿 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙀𝙭𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙪𝙢 2026

Northern Samar continues to strengthen its climate and disaster resilience agenda as the province participated in the 2026 SHIELD Resilience Exchange Forum held on September 2–3, 2026, at Citadines Bay City, Pasay City. The national forum brought together local government units, national government agencies, development partners, civil society organizations, academe, and private sector representatives to promote collaboration, knowledge sharing, and evidence-based approaches in addressing climate and disaster risks. The forum served as a platform for showcasing local resilience initiatives, strengthening institutional capacities, and exploring partnerships that support resilient and sustainable development.

On September 2, 2026, Governor Harris Christopher M. Ongchuan represented Northern Samar during the session “Public Narratives of the Governors: Building Pathways for Evidence-based Risk Governance,” where he shared the province’s experiences in strengthening resilience through the SHIELD Programme and SAMBAYANIHAN. The Governor highlighted the importance of a whole-of-community approach in addressing climate and disaster risks, emphasizing that resilience cannot be achieved by government alone but requires the active participation of communities, civil society organizations, and development partners.

“In Northern Samar, when we build resilience through multistakeholder partnerships, we take a whole-of-community approach. We cannot do it alone in the government, so we have to ask our people and get them involved in our decision-making,” Gov. Harris Christopher emphasized.

The Governor highlighted that partnerships are essential not only during disaster response but also in planning, decision-making, and implementing programs that address the actual needs of communities. Through meaningful collaboration, Northern Samar continues to strengthen its capacity to develop responsive interventions that protect vulnerable sectors, promote community participation, and advance long-term resilience.

On the second day of the forum, September 3, 2026, the Provincial Government of Northern Samar, through the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), participated in the PCRD Hands-on Session/Coaching, one of the breakout sessions under the SHIELD Resilience Exchange Forum. The session provided Provincial Local Government Units an opportunity to revisit the PCRD tool, discuss recent enhancements, and identify strategies to strengthen its integration into local planning and governance. Discussions highlighted the importance of improving climate data management through systematic data preparation, spatial data tracking, metadata documentation, and the use of GIS-based and other data sources to support evidence-informed decisions. The session also reinforced the role of PCRD as a decision-support mechanism for planning, budgeting, monitoring, and investment programming, consistent with the province’s continuing efforts to institutionalize science-based and risk-informed governance.

During the same day, EnP Jay Keenson C. Acebuche, OIC Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator, presented Northern Samar’s bankable resilience proposals under the province’s Northern Samar Resilience Investment Portfolio. The presentation highlighted three strategic initiatives designed to address climate vulnerabilities while protecting ecosystems, strengthening livelihoods, and enhancing community resilience: the Building Adaptation and Nature Resilience Through Active Community Climate Action (BANTAY) Catubig Watershed Project”, the Strengthening Climate Resilience and Water Security through Integrated Catarman Watershed Management, and the Climate-Resilient Blue Economy for Sustainable Coastal Resource Management.

These proposals respond to the province’s identified climate and socioeconomic vulnerabilities, including areas exposed to flooding, rain-induced landslides, coastal hazards, and multidimensional poverty. The BANTAY Catubig Watershed Initiative focuses on protecting Northern Samar’s largest watershed through ecosystem restoration, climate-resilient agriculture, water security measures, and community-based watershed governance. The Integrated Catarman Watershed Management initiative promotes watershed rehabilitation, river system restoration, protection of water sources, resilient agricultural practices, and improved monitoring systems across interconnected communities. Meanwhile, the Climate-Resilient Blue Economy Program aims to strengthen coastal resource management, fisheries governance, sustainable livelihoods, and resilient coastal communities.

Through the active participation of Northern Samar in the SHIELD Resilience Exchange Forum 2026, the province reaffirmed its commitment to building a resilient province where communities are empowered, institutions are strengthened, and development investments are guided by evidence and climate risk information. Guided by Serbisyong HCO — Health, Capacity-building and Climate Resilience, and Opportunities, Governor Harris Christopher M. Ongchuan’s stewardship continues to pursue partnerships and initiatives that protect communities, preserve natural resources, and create pathways toward sustainable progress.

With the vision of a Marig-on, Mainuswagon, Malipayon nga Norte san Samar, the Provincial Government remains steadfast in transforming climate challenges into opportunities for stronger communities, resilient ecosystems, and a safer and more prosperous future for every Nortehanon.

26/08/2026

𝙇𝙊𝙊𝙆 || 𝙋𝙋𝙈𝘾 𝙥𝙪𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧, 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙚𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙟𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 3𝙧𝙙 𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙢𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜

The Provincial Project Monitoring Committee (PPMC) successfully convened for its 3rd Quarter Blended Meeting to discuss the monitoring status of key provincial projects, held today, August 26, 2026, at the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) Conference Area, Provincial Capitol, Catarman.

The meeting was presided over by Hon. Maria Ana G. Abalon, Municipal Mayor of San Roque and PPMC Chairperson. She welcomed the members present, including those who attended virtually via Zoom.

The meeting opened with the integration of the Local Road Management Team (LRMT) agenda into PPMC meetings, raised by EnP Jay Keenson C. Acebuche, OIC-PPDO. He noted that the two bodies share common agenda ground, making this a natural collaborative effort, with infrastructure matters falling under LRMT's scope. He also shared that the Korean Government has committed support for Northern Samar projects, and closed by underscoring the importance of a joint LRMT-PPMC effort moving forward.

Following this, Engr. Rosalie Madrid, Project Evaluation Officer II from the DILG-Northern Samar Provincial Office, presented the SUBAYBAYAN Portal enrolment status for 20% Development Fund projects. For FY 2025 LIME 20 and FY 2026 LIME 20 — each with 16 total projects — she presented the project enrollment and vetting status, and the completed, ongoing, and not-yet-started projects, including repairs and improvements to district hospitals, construction of farm-to-market roads (FMRs), streetlights, and other infrastructure. She emphasized the DLIG has separate documentary requirements for a project to be marked complete on the portal.

Meanwhile, Ms. Dawn Unay, Administrative Officer IV of the Provincial Budget Office (PBO), presented the utilization of 2026 PGNS-funded Programs, Projects, and Activities (PPAs) under the Special Purpose Appropriation (SPA), 20% Economic Development Fund (EDF), and 5% Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF). Her report covered the budget allotment, earmark, obligation, and utilization for infrastructure projects.

Further, Engr. David Adongay, Consultant of the Provincial Engineering Office (PEO), suggested mechanisms to further improve implementation, including the categorization of projects through a Project Implementation Plan, as well as improved monitoring processes and better tracking of fund status.

Next, Engr. III Jennifer M. Evangelista of the PEO presented the status report of all 2025 and 2026 PGNS-funded road projects, covering those completed, ongoing, and in the pre-procurement stage. For C.Y. 2026 funded projects, 8 projects have been implemented under the 20% EDF and 3 under the 5% LDRRMF. For C.Y. 2025 funded projects, the 20% EDF recorded 2 ongoing and 5 completed projects, while the 5% LDRRMF recorded 10 projects — 1 not yet started, 3 ongoing, and 6 completed. She also noted that under C.Y. 2026 pre-procurement, 4 projects under the 20% EDF are for procurement.

Lastly, Mr. Irvin P. Lipata of the Northern Samar Fisherfolks Cooperative (NORSAFICO), CSO Representative, presented the results of the 3rd Quarter Field Monitoring conducted from July 22-24, 2026, covering a total of 4 projects in Allen, in San Jose, and in Laoang. He presented the findings on project monitoring, including the parameters of problems encountered and corresponding recommendations.

The meeting closed with the PPMC reaffirming its commitment to effective project monitoring and transparent governance, a commitment reflected in the recognitions it has earned. Guided by Governor Harris Christopher M. Ongchuan's development agenda, Serbisyong HCO — Health, Capacity Building and Climate Resilience, and Opportunities — in pursuit of inclusive growth, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable development in Northern Samar.

25/08/2026

𝙇𝙊𝙊𝙆 || 𝙋𝙎𝘾 𝙉𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙣 𝙎𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙧 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣𝙨 𝘾𝙤𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙡𝙮, 𝙍𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝟯𝙧𝙙 𝙌𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙈𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜

In pursuit of stronger evidence-based governance, the Provincial Statistics Committee (PSC) of Northern Samar convened its Third Quarter Meeting on August 25, 2026, at the PPDO Conference Area, Provincial Capitol, Catarman. The meeting brought together representatives from national government agencies, provincial offices, academic institutions, and civil society organizations to review the province’s statistical undertakings and strengthen coordination among data-producing institutions.

In line with the PSC’s mandate to coordinate and harmonize statistical programs, the committee discussed preparations for Northern Samar’s participation in the 37th National Statistics Month celebration in October. Member-agencies considered activities that would promote greater public appreciation of the importance of statistics in nation-building and local development.
The Philippine Statistics Authority also presented an audio-visual report on Northern Samar’s July 2026 inflation rate, including movements in the prices of key commodity groups. The presentation provided members with a clearer understanding of prevailing price conditions and their effects on households, offering timely information for planning, policy discussions, and program implementation.

Updates were likewise provided on the continuing rollout of the electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics system, the Agricultural and Fisheries Producers’ Community-Based Statistical System, and premium annotation processes. These initiatives support the modernization of civil registration, improve the accuracy and accessibility of vital records, and strengthen the availability of agricultural and fisheries statistics across the province.

PhilHealth Local Health Insurance Office–Catarman shared developments in health insurance coverage and services, including the implementation of the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program. The update highlighted continuing efforts to improve Nortehanons’ access to essential healthcare services and reinforce the local healthcare delivery system. The committee also acknowledged PhilHealth LHIO–Catarman for providing the meals served during the meeting, reflecting the cooperation and shared support among PSC member-agencies.

Statistical updates covering local governance, public health, infrastructure, and other development sectors were also presented. Among the highlights was the Provincial Health Office’s report on the Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign and the prevailing dengue situation in Northern Samar. The PHO emphasized the importance of sustained immunization, vector control, community outreach, and inter-agency support in increasing vaccination coverage and reducing the risk of preventable disease outbreaks.
The meeting reaffirmed the PSC’s continuing commitment to producing and disseminating accurate, timely, relevant, and accessible statistics. As the provincial counterpart of the Philippine Statistics Authority Board and the Regional Statistics Committee, PSC Northern Samar serves as an important coordinating and clearinghouse mechanism for statistics that guide development planning, policy formulation, resource allocation, and program implementation.

Through the continuing work of the PSC, the Provincial Government of Northern Samar, under the leadership of Governor Hon. Harris Christopher M. Ongchuan, advances the HCO Development Agenda—Health, Capacity Building and Climate Resilience, and Opportunities—through credible evidence and responsive decision-making. Accurate and timely statistics provide the foundation for responsive health programs, stronger institutional and community capacities, informed climate action, and inclusive economic opportunities, ensuring that reliable data remains at the heart of programs and services for every Nortehanon.

25/08/2026

𝙇𝙊𝙊𝙆|| 𝙉𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙣 𝙎𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙧 𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙝𝙤𝙡𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙍𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙬𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙀𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙜𝙮 𝙍𝙤𝙖𝙙𝙢𝙖𝙥 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙥𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙘 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣

In pursuit of a more secure, resilient, and sustainable energy future for Northern Samar, the Provincial Government of Northern Samar (PGNS), in partnership with the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), conducted the Renewable Energy Roadmap Public Consultation on August 25, 2026, at the Ibabao Hall, Provincial Capitol, Catarman.

The consultation was attended by the concerned members of the Provincial Energy Development Council (PEDC) and various stakeholders from relevant sectors. It served as an important venue for government agencies, the academe, energy stakeholders, cooperatives, and other sectors to examine and contribute to the Draft Northern Samar Renewable Energy Roadmap. More than presenting a proposed direction for the province, the activity provided an opportunity for stakeholders to assess whether the roadmap responds to local realities, development priorities, and the long-term energy needs of Nortehanons.

In his opening message and presentation of the salient points of the draft roadmap, EnP Jay Keenson C. Acebuche, OIC of the Provincial Planning and Development Office, emphasized that the public consultation was intended to examine, challenge, improve, and validate the objectives and directions presented in the plan. At the center of the roadmap is the goal of enhancing energy security and resilience in Northern Samar through sustainable and renewable energy solutions. Reliable energy was presented not simply as a concern of the power sector, but as an essential requirement for the effective delivery of hospital services and utilities, digital learning, agriculture and irrigation, water systems, fisheries and livelihoods, and the continued growth of businesses and the local economy.

The roadmap advances an energy vision that responds to the needs of every Nortehanon—energy that is stable, affordable, accessible, resilient, and sustainable. In this context, renewable energy is envisioned not only as an alternative source of electricity but also as an opportunity to strengthen essential services, improve livelihoods, support economic activity, and make communities better prepared for disruptions and future energy challenges. The development of the roadmap therefore represents an opportunity to connect energy planning with the broader development aspirations of the province.

During the open forum, stakeholders emphasized the need to make the roadmap technically sound, practical, and easier for communities and local businesses to understand. Discussions focused on clearly identifying incentives and local mechanisms that could encourage renewable energy investments, while also explaining renewable energy concepts, opportunities, and measurable benefits to Nortehanons in simpler terms. Participants likewise highlighted the importance of integrating human capital development and employment opportunities into the roadmap through a green energy skills pipeline involving the academe and training institutions. Building local technical knowledge and competencies was seen as important in reducing dependence on expertise from outside the province as renewable energy initiatives expand. The need to connect climate action, particularly carbon reduction efforts, with concrete and understandable energy interventions was also raised.

Stakeholders further underscored the importance of strengthening the roadmap's policy, monitoring, and evidence base. Participants called for clearer links between national energy laws and policies, including EPIRA, and Northern Samar's local electricity and energy conditions, as well as practical indicators and milestones to measure progress and sustain implementation over time. They also emphasized the need to account for existing solar installations and other renewable energy resources in the provincial inventory, strengthen community readiness, and establish a clear baseline for future development. Concerns regarding gaps in available data were likewise raised, together with the need for appropriate studies, resource assessments, and validation of information to support the identification of opportunities and the feasibility of future interventions.

The discussion also drew attention to the direct relationship between electricity access and education. Participants noted that unelectrified households can affect the ability of students to study effectively at home, particularly in areas with limited access to electricity such as Silvino Lubos. This observation reinforced the broader message of the consultation that energy access is not solely an infrastructure concern; it has direct implications for learning opportunities, household welfare, and the quality of life of communities. The need for a local green energy skills pipeline was likewise reiterated as a means of preparing Northern Samar's own learners and workforce for emerging opportunities in the renewable energy sector.

The ICSC also provided technical inputs during the consultation. Mr. Alberto R. Dalusung, Energy Transition Adviser, gave participants a brief discussion on hydropower and its potential contribution to electricity generation. Mr. Francis C. Dela Cruz, Advocacy and Partnerships Adviser, discussed the localization of energy transition planning and the challenges encountered in translating broader energy objectives into a plan that responds to local conditions. These inputs helped situate the provincial roadmap within the larger objective of ensuring that energy transition is adapted to the actual capacities, resources, and development priorities of Northern Samar.

In the closing message, Hon. Arturo T. Dubongco Jr. emphasized that developing renewable energy is about more than constructing or identifying new sources of power. It is about building a Northern Samar that is more sustainable, dependable, and resilient. His message captured the broader significance of the roadmap: energy planning must ultimately translate into stronger communities, better public services, greater economic opportunities, and improved capacity to withstand future challenges.

The Renewable Energy Roadmap Public Consultation forms part of the continuing program and vision of Governor Harris Christopher M. Ongchuan to build a reliable and resilient source of energy for the Province of Northern Samar. Through the partnership of PGNS and ICSC and the active participation of stakeholders, the province is working toward an energy future that does not simply respond to present electricity needs but strengthens the foundations of Northern Samar's long-term development. Under the Governor's leadership, the roadmap represents a commitment to pursue energy solutions that are accessible to communities, supportive of livelihoods and essential services, responsive to climate and development challenges, and capable of contributing to a more resilient and sustainable Northern Samar for present and future generations.

13/08/2026

The 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿 (PGNS) expresses its sincere gratitude to the 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐬 (𝐍𝐂𝐂𝐀) for the 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 conferred upon the province.

This milestone is a welcome development under the leadership of 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐌. 𝐎𝐧𝐠𝐜𝐡𝐮𝐚𝐧, 𝐕𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐄. 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐨, and the officials and employees of the Provincial Government. It reflects the Provincial Government's unwavering commitment to cultural governance and its continuing efforts to preserve, promote, and safeguard Northern Samar's rich cultural heritage.

The accreditation is expected to strengthen the province's partnership with the NCCA through cultural projects, programs, and initiatives that celebrate the unique identity, history, and heritage of Northern Samar and the Filipino nation.

The 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 serves as both an honor and a responsibility, inspiring the Provincial Government to further strengthen programs that protect and promote Northern Samar's tangible and intangible cultural heritage for present and future generations.

With the issuance of this 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, the Provincial Government reaffirms its commitment to working closely with the NCCA, cultural workers, heritage advocates, partner institutions, and local communities to ensure that Northern Samar's rich cultural heritage remains a lasting source of identity, pride, and sustainable development.

Text: Carl S. Bordeos
Layout: Allen Joseph E. Palma

13/08/2026

𝙇𝙊𝙊𝙆|| 𝙁𝙎𝙎𝙀𝘿, 𝙀𝙍𝘾𝘼 𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙯𝙚 𝙁𝙔 2027 𝙋𝙋𝘼𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙋𝙂𝙉𝙎 𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙯𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙏𝙤𝙤𝙡𝙠𝙞𝙩

Guided by the need to strategically align and prioritize Programs, Projects, and Activities (PPAs) for Fiscal Year 2027, the Provincial Government of Northern Samar (PGNS), through the Food Security and Sustainable Economic Development (FSSED) Cluster and the Ecosystem Resilience and Climate Adaptation (ERCA) Cluster, convened separate prioritization sessions on August 13, 2026 at the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) Conference Area, Provincial Capitol, Dalakit, Catarman.

The sessions formed part of the Provincial Government's continuing effort to strengthen the link between development planning and budgeting, particularly amid fiscal limitations that require provincial offices and development clusters to make more deliberate choices on which proposed interventions should receive priority funding. Central to the meetings was the orientation on the PGNS Project Prioritization Toolkit, a structured decision-support mechanism designed to facilitate the systematic assessment, comparison, scoring, and ranking of proposed PPAs based on established development and implementation considerations.

The activity also enabled the clusters to review, validate, and, where necessary, reevaluate the initial rankings of submitted proposals. Beyond the numerical scores, members were encouraged to exercise collective technical judgment in considering the relative importance, readiness, expected development contribution, sustainability, and resource requirements of each proposal in determining which PPAs should advance for further consideration.

During the morning session, Ms. Janelle Ogalesco, Project Evaluation Officer I of the PPDO, presented the central agenda and emphasized the importance of prioritizing PPAs. She explained that, under constrained resources, the Province must ensure that available funds are directed toward interventions that can provide the greatest contribution to Northern Samar's development priorities.

Mr. Mark Anthony Angue, Project Development Assistant of the PPDO, subsequently oriented the FSSED Cluster on the Project Prioritization Toolkit. He walked the participants through its major components, parameters, scoring procedures, and criteria for assessing submitted proposals. The toolkit was presented as a means of supporting a more evidence-based, transparent, and consistent comparison of PPAs competing for limited provincial resources.

Following the orientation, FSSED Cluster members reviewed the proposals and their initial rankings and deliberated on their respective scores and relative priorities. The exercise allowed the Cluster to examine whether the resulting rankings adequately reflected the Province's priorities for food security, livelihood and enterprise development, employment, investment, agricultural productivity, and sustainable economic growth, while also considering the feasibility and strategic value of each intervention.
ERCA Cluster.

In the afternoon session, members of the ERCA Cluster and department/office heads and representatives from the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Provincial Engineering Office, Civil Security Office, and Office of the Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan convened for a similar assessment and prioritization exercise.

The ERCA session focused particularly on proposals being considered for funding under the Special Purpose Appropriation (SPA) and the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF). The discussions provided members with a common framework for assessing and ranking PPAs related to environmental management, disaster risk reduction, climate adaptation, public safety, and other interventions within the Cluster's mandate.

Ms. Joanna Marie Marquez, Project Development Officer III of the PPDO, then facilitated the Cluster's review, assessment, and validation of the initial rankings. Members examined the scores of individual proposals, raised relevant implementation and sectoral considerations, and reassessed rankings where necessary to ensure that the resulting priority list reflected the Cluster's collective technical assessment.

Mr. Angue facilitated the orientation on the prioritization process, explaining again the major components of the toolkit, its parameters, cluster scoring mechanism, and criteria for evaluating individual proposals.

The outputs of the FSSED and ERCA deliberations will form part of the succeeding stages of the Province's FY 2027 project prioritization process. The consolidated recommendations are expected to provide provincial decision-makers with a clearer basis for determining which proposed PPAs should be prioritized within the Province's available fiscal space, with the resulting priorities ultimately brought forward for the review and guidance of Governor Harris Christopher M. Ongchuan.

Anchored on the Serbisyong HCO - Health, Capacity Building and Climate Resilience, and Opportunities - development agenda, the Provincial Government continues to promote prudent, strategic, and results-oriented allocation of public resources. Through collective assessment and evidence-informed prioritization, PGNS seeks to ensure that limited provincial funds are directed toward PPAs that respond to the most pressing development needs and generate meaningful and sustainable benefits for Nortehanons.
Through these efforts, the Provincial Government and its development clusters continue working toward a Marig-on, Mainuswagon, ngan Malipayon nga Norte san Samar.

12/08/2026

𝙇𝙊𝙊𝙆 || 𝙋𝙎𝙘𝘽 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣𝙨 𝙀𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜, 𝙄𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙊𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙉𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙤𝙣 𝙇𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨

The Northern Samar Provincial School Board (PScB) convened for its monthly meeting on August 11, 2026, at the Anahaw Room, Provincial Capitol, Catarman, to discuss key concerns, programs, and initiatives aimed at strengthening the province’s education sector.

Vice Governor Clarence E. Dato presided over the meeting and warmly welcomed the members of the Board.

Dr. Sannie C. Porteza, Acting Provincial Treasurer, reported that the Special Education Fund (SEF) had a current cash balance of ₱19,769,337.59 as of August 2026, indicating available resources to support educational programs and initiatives across the province.

Dr. Sylvia D. Villanueva, Chief of the Curriculum Implementation Division (CID) of DepEd Northern Samar, presented the proposed budget requirements and initial preparations for the Regional Festival of Talents (RFOT) and the Regional Management Committee (REMANCOM) Conference, both scheduled in December 2026. The presentation covered the designated billeting schools, key activities, personnel-in-charge, and other arrangements necessary for the smooth coordination and accommodation of participants.

Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Gaudencio C. Aljibe, Jr., CESO V, noted that the proposed budget for the REMANCOM Conference would be lower than those of previous conferences. He also reported a significant reduction in the proposed RFOT budget, with the DepEd Regional Office expected to shoulder other expenses related to the activity.

Meanwhile, Engr. Maria Victoria P. Adriasola, Project Evaluation Officer IV of the Provincial Budget Office, presented the SEF’s operating expenditures and continuing appropriations as of August 10, 2026, together with its financial status for Fiscal Years 2023 to 2025.

Dr. Omar O. Ty, Division Sports Officer, presented the updated plan for the 2026 Provincial Meet, scheduled for November 27–30, 2026, in Catarman. The presentation covered the proposed venues, budget requirements, and the official theme song and jingle, “Atletang Nortehanon.”

Under other matters, SDS Aljibe updated the Board on vacancies in DepEd Northern Samar, noting that a considerable number of positions remain unfilled. He expressed hope that more qualified applicants would successfully complete the selection and hiring process to help address staffing requirements in schools across the province.

Ms. Ma. Divina Gracia L. Advincula, SRS-II of the Department of Science and Technology–Provincial Science and Technology Office–Northern Samar (DOST PSTO-NS), also announced the upcoming DOST Scholarship Caravan for 2027 for Senior High School students graduating in School Year 2026–2027. Citing the relatively low number of applications, she sought DepEd’s assistance in promoting the scholarship through school visits and coordination with school principals. Online applications will open on August 17, 2026, with a deadline of September 17, 2026, while the qualifying examinations are scheduled for November 14–15, 2026.

Lastly, Ms. Rose Anne G. Suan, Northern Samar Public Employment Service Office Manager, proposed inviting a representative from the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) to the next Board meeting to orient students on intellectual property rights and the protection of creative works. She also emphasized NSPESO’s mandate to implement the Career Development Support Program and requested DepEd’s assistance in extending the program to schools in the remaining 12 municipalities.

The Board reaffirmed its commitment to advancing quality and inclusive education in Northern Samar. Aligned with Governor Harris Christopher M. Ongchuan’s Serbisyong HCO—Health, Capacity Building and Climate Resilience, and Opportunities, these initiatives aim to expand educational opportunities and foster a resilient and transformative learning environment for every Nortehanon learner.

Northern Samar Provincial Planning and Development Office

03/09/2026

26/08/2026

25/08/2026

25/08/2026

13/08/2026

13/08/2026

12/08/2026

Address

Opening Hours

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Organization

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm