March is Fire Prevention Month!

The Provincial Government of Northern Samar joins in the observance of Fire Prevention Month 2025 with the theme “SA PAG-IWAS SA SUNOG, HINDI KA NAG-IISA!” By conducting this significant event, the PGNS aims to raise awareness to all Nortehanons on the risks of fires, while ensuring the safety of everyone. In 2024, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) documented a total of 18, 217 cases of fire incidents, larger than the 16,387 incident in 2023. Working together is crucial to prevent fire cases and incidents, and ensure the safety of our communities. This important initiative is under the Presidential Proclamation No. 115-A of 1966. As we observe the celebration, the Provincial Government and other government agencies stand united in an aim of a safer and more resilient province.

Stay fresh and hydrated, Nortehanons!

Today, Catarman, Northern Samar experienced its highest computed heat index at a scorching 43 degrees Celsius, as reported by PAGASA. Here are some friendly reminders to help you stay cool and healthy in this intense heat: 1. Drink enough amount of water 2. Avoid too much exposure to sunlight 3. Don’t forget to bring your umbrella 4. Wear comfortable clothes 5. as much as possible, avoid unnecessary outdoor activities 6. Immediately seek for medical assistance in case of health-related emergencies Disclaimer: The information reflected herein were obtained from the currently reported data. This means that the values reported here might change when erroneous data are detected in the next update scheduled the following day. Users of information are therefore advised to use the most recent data. https://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/climate/climate-heat-index

Newly installed Solar Lights in Lavezares

As part of the Provincial Government’s efforts to build safer communities, it has successfully installed Solar Street Lights in the municipality of Lavezares: 95 in the Poblacion and 12 in Barangay Urdaneta. The project, amounting to P9.9 million covers most areas of the poblacion and the national highway going to Brgy. Urdaneta, including the town’s favorite hangout for its amazing sunset view, the Urdaneta Boulevard. The 107 solar lights were inspected by the Provincial Inspectorate Team on March 20, 2024 to ensure that all units are functional and compliant to the project design and specifications. With the goal of securing the safety of road users and the general public against crime and accidents especially at night time, the Provincial Government of Northern Samar continuously push the implementation of solar lighting projects, alongside security and development programs.

Crime incidence in Northern Samar is decreasing – PNP

The Northern Samar Provincial Police Office (NSPPO) has reported a decline of crime incidents in the province during the 1st Quarter Provincial Peace and Order Council Meeting held on March 19, 2024 at the Ibabao Hall, Capitol Building. Police Colonel Sonnie B Omengan, NSPPO Provincial Director, presented that murder cases decreased from 57 in 2022 to 38 cases in 2023; physical injury cases from 44 in 2022 to 34 cases in 2023; rape cases from 58 in 2022 to 50 cases in 2023; and robbery cases from 24 in 2022 to 13 cases in 2023. Overall, crimes have reduced by 4.90% (a total of 70 incidents) from having 1,428 crimes in 2022 to 1,358 crimes in 2023. This shows that the province, with the collective efforts of the government, our law enforcers and the community, is gradually achieving a peaceful province. The Provincial Government and NSPPO have been forging partnerships with other security forces, law enforcement agencies, and LGUs in the province to promote peace and order, and reduce crime incidents to achieve a safer Northern Samar.

Quae Ampliores Exspectantur

Today, March 11, 2024, marks the 49th Anniversary of the Canonical Erection of the Diocese of Catarman. In 1971, the provincial board of the Province of Northern Samar passed a resolution requesting the establishment of a separate diocese for Northern Samar with Catarman as its episcopal see, addressed to His Holiness, Pope Paul VI through the Papal Nuncio. On December 5, 1974, Pope Paul VI issued the Papal Bull “Quae Ampliores Exspectantur,” officially establishing the Diocese of Catarman. The Pope appointed Msgr. Angel T. Hobayan as its first bishop, who was formally installed on March 11, 1975. The Papal Nuncio at that time, Archbishop Bruno Torpigliani, declared the creation of the Diocese of Catarman. Currently, the Diocese of Catarman is under the leadership of Bishop Nolly C. Buco, who serves as the Apostolic Administrator. Bishop Buco assumed this role after Bishop Emmanuel C. Trance retired early on December 8, 2023. The diocese encompasses 484,000 Catholics across 30 parishes. Quae Ampliores Exspectantur Today, March 11, 2024, marks the 49th Anniversary of the Canonical Erection of the Diocese of Catarman. In 1971, the provincial board of the Province of Northern Samar passed a resolution requesting the establishment of a separate diocese for Northern Samar with Catarman as its episcopal see, addressed to His Holiness, Pope Paul VI through the Papal Nuncio. On December 5, 1974, Pope Paul VI issued the Papal Bull “Quae Ampliores Exspectantur,” officially establishing the Diocese of Catarman. The Pope appointed Msgr. Angel T. Hobayan as its first bishop, who was formally installed on March 11, 1975. The Papal Nuncio at that time, Archbishop Bruno Torpigliani, declared the creation of the Diocese of Catarman. Currently, the Diocese of Catarman is under the leadership of Bishop Nolly C. Buco, who serves as the Apostolic Administrator. Bishop Buco assumed this role after Bishop Emmanuel C. Trance retired early on December 8, 2023. The diocese encompasses 484,000 Catholics across 30 parishes.

Provincial Government turns over newly-completed school building in Catigbian, Laoang

Truly a meaningful day for the Bayog Valley community as the newly-completed 2-classroom school building in Catigbian National High School, Brgy. Catigbian, Laoang was turned over on February 29, 2024, alongside the Kauswagan Caravan held on the same day. Funded by the Provincial Government, the P3.4 million school building comes fully painted, with 3 comfort rooms, lavatory and water facility, black boards, ceiling fans and other electrical installations, among its key features. DepEd’s top official in Northern Samar, Dr. Gaudencio Aljibe Jr., profusely thanked the provincial leadership for implementing the project which is essential to the Catigbian community. “This is on top of the 100 learning support aides that the Provincial Government through the leadership of Governor Edwin Ongchuan, has employed, and other infrastructure support for the education of children and youth in the province,” Schools Division Superintendent Gaudencio said. Governor Ongchuan graced the turnover, joined by Congressman Harris Ongchuan, other provincial officials and representatives of government agencies, NGOs and Kauswagan Caravan partners, attended by DepEd officials, personnel and students led by SDS Gaudencio. With its ample space, the building aptly served as venue for the free consultation and other medical services during the 21st Kauswagan Caravan intended for Brgy. Catigbian and the rest of the Bayog Valley communities. Through the school building project, the Provincial Government hoped to bridge the gap on school facilities as against the increasing number of learners, and help create a brighter future for the children of Catigbian and nearby communities.

Happy Women’s Month!

The Provincial Government of Northern Samar joins the country in celebrating Women’s Month which officially starts today, March 1, 2024. We continue our advocacy for gender equality and inclusivity by marking this year’s Women’s Month with the theme “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas: Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan!”

In the Service of Nortehanons: 21st Kauswagan Caravan aids 1,122 families in Laoang

Today, February 29, 2024, the 21st Kauswagan Caravan has reached 7 barangays in the Bayog Valley, benefitting 1,122 disadvantaged families from the distant barangays of Catigbian, Yabyaban, Cabagngan, Palmera, Gibatangan, Cabulaloan and Sibunot, all in the municipality of Laoang. Governor Edwin Ongchuan led the various Provincial Government departments in the delivery of services, in collaboration with different national government agencies, non-government organizations, LGU Laoang and private sector groups. Held in Brgy. Catigbian, Laoang, the Kauswagan Caravan provided essential services to the Bayog Valley residents which included free medical check-up and medicines, dental services, circumcision, vaccination, deworming of animals and other veterinary services, haircut, food packs and pails, toys and candies, school supplies, blankets, vegetable seeds, farm tools and other agricultural inputs, slippers, ice cream and biscuits. Joining the team, Second District Congressman Harris Ongchuan acknowledged the contribution of the Kauswagan Caravan partners in helping uplift the lives of those from the Second District, selflessly sharing their resources to come to the aid of fellow Nortehanons, particularly the Laoanganons. He recalled the previous caravan of services which reached Brgy. Rombang and its neighboring barangays, also in Laoang. Meanwhile, the Local Government Unit of Laoang through Vice Mayor Mike Sarmiento, along with Catigbian, the Kauswagan Caravan host barangay, through Punong Barangay Alex Lucban, also echoed the gratitude of Congressman Ongchuan to the Provincial Government and partner agencies-groups, for bringing services closer to the people. Apart from offering services, the Kauswagan Caravan also brought irresistible joy to children and adults who were crooned by the Kauswagan Band and the 43rd IB Band, and more entertaining numbers from the Kauswagan Dance Crew and the NSPPO dancers. A mark of their support to the program, Sangguniang Panlalawigan members Don Abalon, Albert Lucero, Marites Gillamac, Leding Laodenio, Gilbert Layon, Dexter Galit, Liga ng mga Barangay Provincial Federation President Arturo Dubongco Jr, and SK Provincial Federation President Gerard Miranda; Members of the Laoang Municipal Council; Punong Barangays of the 7 beneficiary communities; 803rd IB Commander BGen Efren Morados; PNP Provincial Director Sonnie Omengan, SDS Gaudencio Aljibe Jr.; UEP President Cherry Ultra; heads and representatives of Provincial Government departments and offices, line agencies, LGU Laoang, NGOs and private sector groups, were also present. To everyone who took part in the 21st Kauswagan Caravan, damo nga salamat!

Northern Samar youth gather for Kumustahan

Northern Samar youth gather for Kumustahan – a Mental Health Youth Camp In the aim to nurture mental health, the National Youth Commission, in collaboration with the Provincial Government of Northern Samar and UNICEF, organized the Kumustahan: Mental Health Youth Camp held on February 28, 2024 at Ibabao Hall, Provincial Capitol. The Kumustahan: Mental Health Youth Camp is a program fostering mental health among the youth to enhance self-awareness, resilience, and overall well-being in the face of challenges. It seeks to empower them to advocate for positive mental wellness and share their experiences with those in their circles and in their community. National Youth Commission Chair and CEO, Undersecretary Ronald Gian Carlo Cardema graced the event, who was welcomed to Northern Samar by Governor Edwin Ongchuan. The Governor expressed his commitment, support, and gratitude for the program, saying “Nagpapasalamat po ako at narito ngayon ang Voice and Advocate of the Filipino Youth, ang ating National Youth Commission, upang magsagawa ng Kumustahan Mental Health Youth Camp upang matulungan ang ating mga Kabataan na magkaroon ng katatagan at kapanatagan,” Gov Ongchuan remarked. In his address, Usec. Cardema emphasized the importance of mental well-being, highlighting its impact on both physical health and behavior. He also emphasized the need to be prepared for disasters and announced his plan for a collaboration between NYC and PGNS to involve young people in disaster risk reduction readiness and action. The speakers composed of Mental Health Youth Coaches from NYC: Mr. Justine Torzar, Dr. Alfredo Lorenzo Sablay, Ms. Ymari Kristia Pascua and Mr. Raymark Estael, which also include Mr. Dennis Mendoza and Mr. Flored Jay Medina. The camp consisted of four (4) main sessions aiming to (1) provide campers with fundamental mental health education, (2) advocate for the BIDA Program, (3) empower participants by sharing successful practices from NYC and Youth Coaches, and (4) enhance their understanding, abilities, and resources for mental health campaigns by supporting them in launching their micro projects. Present during the event were: Ms. Juliet Bendicio, UNICEF Representative; Hon. Gerardo Gerard Miranda, Sangguniang Kabataan Provincial Federation President; Mr. Eduardo Diaz, Program Manager of the Department of the Interior and Local Government; Dr. Maria Aurora Vicencio, Provincial Health Officer; BGen. Efren Morados, 803rd Brigade Commander;Assistant Regional Director Darwin Vibar of the DILG Region 8; PSMS Robert Chan, Police Community Development Affairs Unit, PNP; and Ms. Ailene Diaz, manager of the Philippine Information Agency – Northern Samar. (NAC/CEA/act)

Provincial Government pushes for development of MSMEs

LOOK || Provincial Government pushes for development of MSMEs The Provincial Government of Northern Samar (PGNS) is spearheading the development of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) under the leadership of Governor Edwin Ongchuan. On February 7, 2024, the Governor met with the Northern Samar MSME Development Council to discuss ways to support and promote entrepreneurial activities across various scales. The meeting was a fruitful exchange of ideas and perspectives that aimed to enhance the business environment and opportunities in the province. Governor Ongchuan expressed his strong support and solidarity with the council, emphasizing the Provincial Government’s dedication to working together for economic progress. The initiative is in line with the province’s vision of creating a future where Nortehanons are resilient, progressive, and contented in a thriving economy. The Provincial Government is building bridges between industry players and MSMEs to stimulate growth from the bottom up. (CGL/DPB/act)

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