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

01/06/2026

Discover how clothing, adornment, and gold reflected the identity, status, artistry, and worldview of our Visayan ancestors—particularly the Ibabaonons—as recorded by Alcina and interpreted by Scott. Through historical sources, material culture, and cultural memory, this lecture explores the rich traditions that continue to shape our understanding of the past.

Join us at 𝗣𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗔: 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗯𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 for an enlightening heritage talk by 𝐉𝐎𝐒𝐔𝐀 𝐃𝐄𝐋 𝐒𝐎𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐑𝐎 of Karakoa Productions, a 𝘗𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘦, 𝘦𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳, 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘳, and 𝘮𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘪𝘴𝘵 known for his work in reconstructing precolonial Visayan history, fashion, and indigenous traditions.

This will be on June 4, 2026, at 9:00AM, at the Ibabao Hall of the Provincial Capitol, Brgy. Dalakit, Catarman, Northern Samar.

Be part of 𝐏𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐀 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 as we celebrate and deepen our appreciation of Ibabaonon and Visayan heritage through meaningful conversations, cultural performances, and exhibits.

-ot

01/06/2026

Bago pa man maging bahagi ng mga aklat ng kasaysayan, ang 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝘂𝗿𝗼𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘁 ng 𝟭𝟲𝟰𝟵–𝟭𝟲𝟱𝟬 ay nagsilbing matapang na pahayag ng paglaban sa pang-aapi at ng mithiin para sa kalayaan ng mga Bisaya.

Bilang bahagi ng 𝐏𝐀𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐀 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔: 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞, isang makabuluhang Heritage Talk ang magbibigay-pugay sa diwa ng kabayanihan ng mga Ibabaonon sa pangunguna ni Agustin Sumuroy ng Palapag, Northern Samar.

Samahan natin si Prof. Vicente C. Villan ng UP Diliman Department of History sa kanyang talakayang pinamagatang “𝘒𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘺𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘩𝘢𝘯 𝘯𝘪 𝘚𝘶𝘮𝘶𝘳𝘰𝘺: 𝘉𝘶𝘩𝘢𝘺 𝘯𝘢 𝘗𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘢 𝘴𝘢 𝘚𝘪𝘨𝘭𝘰 𝘯𝘨 𝘔𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘩𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘺𝘢” sa Hunyo 4, 2026, alas-9:00 ng umaga sa Ibabao Hall, Provincial Capitol, Brgy. Dalakit, Catarman, Northern Samar.

Isang kinikilalang historyador, mananaliksik, at iskolar ng pamana (heritage studies), si Prof. Villan ay kilala sa kanyang mga pag-aaral hinggil sa kasaysayan, kultura, at pamana ng Kabisayaan. Sa kanyang panayam, muling bibigyang-buhay ang kuwento ni Sumuroy at ang patuloy na kahalagahan ng kanyang pamana sa kasalukuyang panahon ng kultura, sining, at malikhaing industriya.

Inaanyayahan ang mga mag-aaral, g**o, mananaliksik, cultural workers, heritage advocates, at lahat ng nagnanais na higit pang maunawaan at pahalagahan ang mayamang kasaysayan ng Northern Samar.

Sama-sama nating ipagdiwang ang PAMANA 2026 at palakasin ang ating pagkakakilanlan bilang mga Ibabaonon sa pamamagitan ng kasaysayan, kultura, at pamana.

01/06/2026

𝙇𝙊𝙊𝙆 || 𝙁𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙈𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙈𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙛𝙪𝙡 𝙄𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙩: 𝙉𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙣 𝙎𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙧 𝙋𝙋𝙈𝘾 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣𝙨 𝙇𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙟𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙂𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚

The Provincial Project Monitoring Committee (PPMC) of Northern Samar participated in the online orientation-meeting on the Strengthening of the Functionality of Local Project Monitoring Committees in Region VIII held via Zoom at the PDRRMC Conference Area on May 28, 2026.

During the activity, the DILG Region VIII Provincial Project Monitoring Unit (PPMU) discussed the proper utilization of the LPMC Functionality Assessment Monitoring System, particularly the uploading of quarterly PPMC compliance through the LPMC Portal. Important timelines and submission requirements for the 2nd Quarter compliance were also presented to guide the participating LGUs.

The orientation also highlighted the submission of Most Significant Change (MSC) Narratives for the SubayBAYANI Awards, an annual recognition program of the DILG that recognizes outstanding local infrastructure projects of LGUs. Discussions focused on the importance of documenting not only project accomplishments but also the actual impact and transformation experienced by communities. Participants were reminded that every project implemented should genuinely benefit the people and reflect accountable and responsive governance.

Following the Zoom orientation, the PPMC members together with their alternates conducted a special meeting to discuss the possible nominations for the SubayBAYANI Awards based on the guidelines provided by the Regional Project Monitoring Committee. During the meeting, the body initially identified two projects for nomination: the Rehabilitation of Somoge-Cag-abaca Provincial Road in Catarman and the Concreting Along La Perla-Cabulaloan-Yabyaban-Cabagngan Provincial Road in Laoang, Northern Samar.

Present during the Zoom viewing and special meeting at the PDRRMC Conference Area were representatives from LGUs, provincial offices, civil society organizations, transport cooperatives, and the PPDO Secretariat, reflecting the collective commitment of various sectors toward transparent and effective project monitoring.

Anchored on Governor Harris Christopher M. Ongchuan’s Serbisyong HCO Development Agenda, the Provincial Government of Northern Samar continues to strengthen its commitment to transparent governance and effective project implementation in pursuit of a marig-on, mainuswagon, ngan malipayon nga Norte san Samar.

01/06/2026

𝙇𝙊𝙊𝙆 || 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙍𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙡 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙏𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝘼𝙈𝘼𝙎𝘼𝘾𝘼 𝙍𝙤𝙖𝙙 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙟𝙚𝙘𝙩

Through the enduring partnership between the Province of Northern Samar and the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP), road development initiatives have become vital instruments in advancing progress, resilience, and inclusive growth across rural communities. The construction and improvement of farm-to-market roads continue to open opportunities for far-flung barangays by connecting communities to schools, hospitals, public services, and major trading centers. Farmers and fisherfolk are now provided with safer and more efficient access in transporting their products, helping improve livelihoods and stimulate local economic activity. More than physical infrastructure, these road projects symbolize hope, development, and a better future for the people of Northern Samar.

On May 28, 2026 a meeting regarding the Camasaca Road Project was conducted at the PPDO Conference Area, Provincial Capitol, Catarman, Northern Samar to discuss matters concerning the requirements of the Social and Environmental Safeguards (SES) Unit and to strengthen coordination among concerned agencies for the timely compliance and smooth implementation of project activities. The discussion served as an important venue for collaboration, ensuring that all necessary environmental and social standards are properly observed throughout the development process.

During the meeting, Engr. Joel C. Escareal presented the detailed map of the Camasaca Road Project, including the exact alignment of the road, as well as its corresponding measurements, latitude, and longitude. The presentation provided a clearer understanding of the project’s geographical scope and technical specifications, which are essential for proper planning and implementation.

Meanwhile, Ms. Sylma Lutao, Assistant Department Head of Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office presented the PRDP Scale-Up Series SES Documentary Requirements Checklist and discussed the importance of complying with environmental protection measures. She emphasized that whenever trees are affected or cut down during the implementation of the project, corresponding replacement planting activities must be undertaken to preserve ecological balance and promote environmental sustainability within the area.

One of the major concerns raised during the meeting involved the identification and verification of landowners whose properties may be affected or traversed by the road project. It was discussed that several land records associated with the Camasaca Road Project are no longer updated, as some properties have already changed ownership over time. Because of this, proper validation and coordination with the concerned landowners and agencies are necessary to avoid future conflicts and ensure the smooth and lawful implementation of the project.

The Province of Northern Samar remains steadfast in its commitment to pursuing sustainable and people-centered development through strategic partnerships and infrastructure programs that uplift the lives of its constituents. These initiatives continue to reflect the vision and leadership of Governor Harris Christopher Ongchuan, whose administration strongly advocates for programs that improve rural connectivity, strengthen local economies, and create better livelihood opportunities for the people of Northern Samar.

31/05/2026

The 𝐀𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 of Northern Samar returns for its second year, continuing the Provincial Government’s commitment to bringing science, astronomy, and heritage closer to our communities.

Last year, the activity was successfully hosted in 𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐠, a prominent 𝘱𝘶𝘦𝘣𝘭𝘰 and center of the historic 𝘐𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘰 region, where an astronomical observatory is believed to have been established in the 1700s and where the renowned Malaspina Expedition—one of history’s great scientific voyages—first landed in the Philippines. The Provincial Government also partnered with the LGU of Biri, where members of the Philippine Astronomical Society (PAS) were captivated by the breathtaking night skies above the iconic 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐢 𝐑𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐬, now recognized as a National Geological Monument.

As part of this year’s 𝘗𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘢: 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘐𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘯 𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘦 and 𝘐𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘰 𝘍𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘢𝘭 2026, the Provincial Government of Northern Samar, in partnership with the Philippine Astronomical Society (PAS) and the LGU of Catubig, brings the 𝐀𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 to the province’s first 𝘤𝘢𝘣𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘳𝘢 — the historic town of Catubig.

Join us on 𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝟒, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 (𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲), 𝐚𝐭 𝟔:𝟎𝟎 𝐏𝐌 at the 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 (𝐔𝐄𝐏) – 𝐏𝐞𝐝𝐫𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐚 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐬, 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐛𝐢𝐠, 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫, for an evening of celestial discovery, learning, and exploration.

Bring your family and friends and experience the wonders of the night sky through telescopes while learning about stars, planets, and other celestial objects from astronomy enthusiasts and experts. Marvel at the beauty of the cosmos and discover the connections between science, heritage, and humanity’s enduring curiosity about the universe.

Witness how science, heritage, and wonder come together under the stars.

𝐒𝐞𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞, 𝐈𝐛𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧!

30/05/2026

As part of this year’s 𝗣𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮: 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗯𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗻 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 celebration and the Ibabao Festival 2026, the Provincial Government of Northern Samar, in partnership with the Philippine Astronomical Society, Inc. (PAS), invites everyone to an evening of celestial discovery.

Bring family members and friends and experience a night where heritage meets science, curiosity, and the cosmos through 𝗚𝗮𝘇𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘁𝗺𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: 𝗔 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗮𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆, on June 3, 2026 (Wednesday), at 6:00 PM, at the Rooftop of the Northern Samar Provincial Capitol.

Witness the wonders of the night sky through telescopes and learn more about the stars, planets, and other celestial objects from astronomy enthusiasts and experts.

Together, let’s explore the universe, and discover the beauty beyond our atmosphere!

See you there, Ibabaonon and Nortehanon!

29/05/2026

Makasaysayang araw po! It's Xiao Time!

Isang makasaysayang araw ang magaganap sa pagbisita ng isa sa mga kinikilalang public historian ng bansa na si Prof. Xiao Chua.

Inaanyayahan na makiisa sa “𝙋𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙖: 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄𝙗á𝙗𝙖𝙤𝙣𝙤𝙣 𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙜𝙚” sa darating na Hunyo 4, 2026, sa Ibabao Hall, Provincial Capitol, Catarman, Northern Samar.

Kilala si 𝐃𝐫. 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐞𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧 “𝐗𝐢𝐚𝐨” 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐚 ng De La Salle University Department of History sa pagpapalaganap ng kasaysayan ng Pilipinas sa mas malawak na publiko sa pamamagitan ng kaniyang mga talakayan, telebisyon, at social media platforms.

Sa kaniyang “It’s Xiao Time” heritage talk, inaasahang tatalakayin niya ang kahalagahan ng kasaysayan, kultura, at pamana ng mga Ibabaonon at Nortehanon bilang bahagi ng ating pagkakakilanlan bilang mga Pilipino.

Sama-sama nating ipagdiwang at ikarangal hindi lang ngayong National Heritage Month (NHM) ang ating kasaysayan at kultura sa pamamagitan ng mga heritage talks, cultural performances, at exhibits.

28/05/2026

𝙇𝙊𝙊𝙆 || 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝟴-𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗲𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗿; 𝗚𝗼𝘃. 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹

A multidisciplinary archaeological team from the University of the Philippines School of Archaeology (UPSA) is currently conducting explorations in Batag Island in Laoang, Northern Samar, as part of the ongoing efforts to study the province’s ancient human history and environmental past.

The archaeological studies are led by 𝐃𝐫. 𝐄𝐦𝐢𝐥 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐑. 𝐑𝐨𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬, together with a team of archaeologist-experts on ancient DNA, plants, animals, and human bones. The collaborative project brings together specialists working on different aspects of archaeology to better understand long-term patterns of human life, diet, and environment in the area.

Among the 8-member archaeology team is a Canadian archaeologist 𝐃𝐫. 𝐊𝐢𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐩 currently serving as a full-time professor at UPSA. The group is engaged in systematic investigations that aim to uncover biological and cultural evidence from past communities in Northern Samar.

Along with Dr. Robles and Dr. Plomp, the team includes: 𝐒𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐡 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐚 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐥𝐮𝐳 (BioArchaeologist); 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚 𝐂𝐚𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐫𝐚 (ZooArchaeologist); 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐛𝐚𝐝 (GeoArchaeologist); 𝐍𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 (BioArchaeologist); 𝐊𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐚 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐨 (BioArchaeologist); and 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐮𝐳 𝐁. 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐧 (Ancient DNA/ Archaeologist).

Officials welcomed the visiting scholars during a courtesy call on May 26, 2026, led by Governor Harris Christopher M. Ongchuan and Laoang Mayor Charlene Ongchuan, expressing support for the research initiative and its potential contribution to the province’s cultural heritage and historical identity. The team was also welcomed by Vice Governor Atty. Clarence E. Dato, Mapanas Mayor Atty. Ronn Michael L. Tejano, and EnP Jay Keenson C. Acebuche of the Provincial Planning and Development Office in separate courtesy visits.

The archaeological activities in Mapanas and Batag Island form part of broader academic collaborations aimed at strengthening scientific research in Northern Samar archaeology while fostering partnerships in heritage studies.

28/05/2026

𝙇𝙊𝙊𝙆 || 𝙉𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙣 𝙎𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙪𝙚𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙪𝙨𝙝 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧, 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙥𝙚𝙤𝙥𝙡𝙚-𝙘𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝 𝙨𝙮𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙢 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙉𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙤𝙣

Reaffirming its commitment to advancing healthcare services in the province, the Provincial Health Board (PHB) of Northern Samar convened on May 28, 2026, at the Anahaw Room of the Provincial Capitol in Catarman to address priority health concerns, assess ongoing initiatives, and harmonize policies and strategies aimed at enhancing healthcare delivery and strengthening overall health system performance.

Dr. John Ezekiel T. Valera, Medical Specialist IV of the Provincial Health Office (PHO), presented updates on the 2025 LGU Health Scorecard and Universal Health Care Strategic and Investment Planning. He reported continued progress in strengthening Primary Care Facilities, health promotion policies, Local Health Boards, and compliance with national standards linked to the Seal of Good Local Governance. Improvements were also noted in key indicators such as infant mortality, TB mortality, road traffic injuries, and non-communicable disease outcomes, reflecting ongoing gains in health service delivery across Northern Samar.

Dr. Valera likewise presented updates from the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (PESU), highlighting the current status of communicable diseases in the province. As of May 16, 2026, Acute Watery Diarrhea recorded the highest number of cases at 377, followed by Influenza-like Illness with 300 cases and Rotavirus with 166 cases. Despite the continued presence of communicable diseases, the province recorded only one dengue-related death this year, reflecting strengthened disease surveillance, improved case management, and enhanced healthcare response systems.

The Snakebite Report was also discussed, highlighting 28 recorded cases with 2 deaths in 2025, and 8 cases with zero deaths from January to May 2026. Laoang and Allen registered the highest number of snakebite incidents this year. The report further noted the availability of 16 purified cobra antivenom ampules distributed among government hospitals, with the Northern Samar Provincial Hospital maintaining the highest stock. In line with ensuring timely access to antivenom, the PHO and the Department of Health (DOH) recommended that Rural Health Units (RHUs) directly submit requests to the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) for faster coordination and replenishment of supplies.

Updates on the Inter-Local Health Zones (ILHZs) were presented by Dr. Ma. Aurora D. Vicencio, Provincial Health Officer II, highlighting ongoing improvements in governance, funding support, and inter-LGU collaboration, further strengthened by the Provincial Government’s counterpart contributions for each ILHZ. These initiatives are geared toward enhancing the accessibility, coordination, and responsiveness of healthcare services across the province.

The Board also tackled the proposed establishment of the Provincial Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) Committee and AMS Team to strengthen the province’s response to antimicrobial resistance. The initiative seeks to institutionalize policies and monitoring systems promoting the rational use of antibiotics across hospitals, RHUs, pharmacies, and other healthcare facilities. Guided by the One Health approach, the proposal aims to improve coordination, surveillance, prescribing practices, and public awareness to help combat drug-resistant infections and protect the effectiveness of essential medicines.

In support of these healthcare strengthening efforts, Gamay Mayor Timoteo T. Capoquian proposed the construction of a new district hospital instead of rehabilitating the existing nearly 60-year-old facility, emphasizing the need for a more modern and sustainable healthcare infrastructure to better serve the community.

The meeting underscored the Provincial Government’s commitment to a more integrated, responsive, and people-centered healthcare system through strengthened governance, planning, surveillance, and health reforms. These initiatives support Northern Samar’s vision of a healthier and more resilient province, aligned with Governor Harris Christopher Ongchuan’s Serbisyong HCO (Health, Capacity Building and Climate Resilience, and Opportunities) development agenda.

28/05/2026

𝙇𝙊𝙊𝙆 || 𝙉𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙣 𝙎𝙖𝙢𝙖𝙧 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧-𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧-𝙇𝙂𝙐 𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙚𝙣𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝘽𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙖𝙮 𝘿𝙧𝙪𝙜 𝘾𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙛𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙨

Anchored on the vision of a drug-free province through strengthened local governance and community-based interventions, the Northern Samar Anti-Drug Abuse Council (NSADAC) convened on May 22, 2026 at the Ibabao Hall, Provincial Capitol, Brgy. Dalakit, Catarman, Northern Samar to discuss operational accomplishments and updates on the Barangay Drug Clearing Program (BDCP).

IO II Jo-an Cobrana, representing Provincial Officer IA V Silas Aurelia of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency – Northern Samar Provincial Office (PDEA-NSPO), presented the latest BDCP updates and Balay Silangan Program Briefer. She highlighted significant progress in barangay drug clearing efforts, noting that the municipalities of Rosario, Mondragon, Lope de Vega, and Catubig are now eligible to apply for Drug-Cleared Municipality status.

IO II Cobrana also provided an overview of the Balay Silangan Reformation Program for drug pushers and plea bargainers as part of the continuing push for local government units to institutionalize the program. Mayor Florencio Batula, Jr. of Palapag shared the municipality’s operational Balay Silangan initiative and encouraged fellow LGUs who have no operational Balay Silangan yet to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with Palapag to help comply with Balay Silangan requirements.

Meanwhile, Engr. Rodie Jay Doroja of the Department of the Interior and Local Government – Northern Samar Provincial Office (DILG-NSPO), representing Provincial Director Geraldine Maquelabit, presented the 2026 Anti-Drug Abuse Council (ADAC) Functionality Audit Provincial and Component Municipalities’ Assessment Results. The report highlighted the commendable achievement of all 25 local government units, including the provincial government successfully passing the provincial assessment, pending the release of the national ADAC audit results.

In pursuit of a drug-free Northern Samar, the Provincial Government continues to strengthen coordination with the 24 LGUs, PDEA, Northern Samar Police Provincial Office (NSPPO), DILG, and other partner agencies. Aligned with Governor Harris Christopher Ongchuan’s Serbisyong HCO development agenda — Health, Capacity Building and Climate Resilience, and Opportunities, the province remains committed to expanding access to livelihood opportunities, rehabilitation initiatives, and community-based interventions to address the harmful effects of illegal drugs. These collective efforts are all geared toward achieving a marig-on, mainuswagon, ngan malipayon nga Northern Samar.

Northern Samar Provincial Planning and Development Office

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