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.