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MARCH 2024 PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR VOLUME 04 | NUMBER 04 | MARCH 2024

OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR

New PGNS Nursing Scholarship Indigent students in the

Program province receive SMART grant
by Carmela Loverita by Marlou Biado
NORTHERN SAMAR'S TIDAL POWER
F T
ollowing the careful deliberation of the hirty one (31) indigent students in Northern
Samar received financial assistance under
PROJECT GAINS MOMENTUM
Nursing Scholarship Program (NSP) Board by Marlou Biado
and the Governor’s approval of the the Student Monetary Assistance for
Implementing
Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), the Recovery and Transition (SMART) program of the
Transition

I
Provincial Government of Northern Samar finally Commission on Higher Education yesterday, March n the aim to promote sustainable energy development, Concerning the project’s development, Governor Ongchuan
implements the PGNS Nursing Scholarship 12, 2024 at the Anahaw Hall, Provincial Capitol. Governor Ongchuan convened with Energies PH, Inc. has also led the delegation of the Provincial Government to
Program. Each of the grantees received P25,000.00 check as (EPHI) executives to discuss the progress about the the Board of Investments headquarters in Makati City where
assistance under the program. Ocean
Ocean Power Project in Capul, Northern Samar on March he was warmly welcomed by Dr. Ceferino S. Rodolfo,
With P6 million pesos as initial funding for the first year of 12, 2024. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary and
the implementation, the program intends to support the study Managing Head of BOI.
Facilitated by the Provincial Government and the office
of college students from Northern Samar who are pursuing a of Second District Congressman Harris Ongchuan, the Known for its expertise in power plant development, Energies The visit focused on discussing the progress of the Ocean
bachelor’s degree in Nursing. The scholarship covers a distribution of the SMART grant was led by CHED PH, Inc. aims to construct the Ocean Power Project in Capul Power Project planned for the municipality of Capul, Northern
stipend, tuition and other school fees, related learning Regional Office 8 through Mr. Kim C. Operario, Education Island, strategically located along San Bernardino Strait. Samar by Energies PH, Inc.
experience (RLE) fees, book allowance and nursing Program Specialist II.
paraphernalia, uniform allowance. Meanwhile, review fees Highlighting its integration of solar and tidal energy sources Accompanying Governor Ongchuan were: Hon. Isidro S.
and allowance will be provided to scholars who will attend The program aims to support the pursuit for higher into a comprehensive energy plan during the meeting, Bandal, Mayor of Capul, Northern Samar; Mr. Jhon Allen B.
review classes for the Nursing Licensure Examination. About education of students who are enrolled in any authorized Antonio Ver, EPHI President disclosed that the Department of Berbon, from the Provincial Economic Development and
138,000 pesos of scholarship benefit package is entitled to public or private higher education institutions. Energy confirmed the commercial viability of this initiative on Investment Promotions Office (PEDIPO); and EnP. Jay
the students who will be admitted to the program in July 14, 2020. Keenson Acebuche, Officer-in-Charge of the Provincial
exchange for a return service to Northern Samar provincial Governor Edwin Ongchuan, through Ms. Rose Anne R. Planning and Development Office (PPDO).
hospitals. Attended by Governor Ongchuan, Energies, PH, Inc., along
Suan, Executive Assistance IV, expressed his immense
with representatives from the Provincial Government of The collaboration between the Provincial Government of
gratitude to CHED for assisting the Provincial
From the Iskolar ng Probinsya Program, the Medical Northern Samar and Board of Investments, the meeting Northern Samar and the Energies PH, Inc., marks a
Government in promoting the educational endeavor of testifies to the commitment of both parties to make Northern
Scholarship Program and recently, the Nursing Scholarship significant feat towards creating a sustainable energy solution
the Nortehanon youth. Samar a model for renewable energy innovation in Asia.
Program, the Provincial Government never stops to come to and promoting economic development in the province.
the aid of the Nortehanons, while also addressing the needs
of the province for health human resource and efficient
health service delivery.
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THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE
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MARCH 2024 PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR MARCH 2024

Deep dive: Looking into the Helen Keller International, to

community’s health challenges bring back nutrition program to
Gov Ongchuan, Ateneo University by Carmela Loverita Northern Samar
partner for improved health by Marlou Biado

A
service delivery and human

H
n essential part of good governance is
resources looking into the challenges of the health
sector, to be able to effectively address
elen Keller International, in its courtesy visit
by Chezka Rowen Adan to the Provincial Government, announced its
health gaps.
healthLeaders
gaps. become more effective when plan to bring back its health and nutrition

I
they experience and share the perspective of cccto Northern Samar.
program
Northern Samar Provincial Health n the spirit of collaboration and advancing medical experts and health stakeholders through a
deep dive session that allows them to immerse
Board tackles innovative health healthcare initiatives, Governor Edwin
into real stories, such as those of people with Through its team in the Philippines, Helen Keller briefed its
solutions Ongchuan warmly received the representatives
debilitating ailments. program partners in Northern Samar, led by Board Member
by Arlyn Tepace of Ateneo de Manila University as they arrived in Don Abalon at the Provincial Capitol on March 11, 2024.
Northern Samar for the Memorandum of

A
In a deep dive activity on March 1, 2023, Governor Edwin
Agreement (MOA) signing to reaffirm and The province was first chosen as a beneficiary of its program
n advocate for improving healthcare Ongchuan, with DOH Regional Director Exuperia
strengthen the partnership between the Provincial Sabalberino, OIC Provincial Health Officer Dr. Ma. Aurora in 2023, “Assessment of Vitamin A status among school
outcomes and reducing disparities in Government and the Ateneo University. children in high-risk areas in the Philippines,” conducted in
healthcare access, Governor Edwin Vicencio, Catarman Municipal Health Officer Dr. Myrna
Trongcoso and other health officials, had another San Roque, Northern Samar. Based on the results, Helen
Ongchuan
Ongchuan discussed with local health officials Keller will follow up aid for the province, in support to the
Dr. Cenon Alfonso, Dean of the Ateneo School of Medicine enlightening dialogue through the Governor's close
innovative solutions to enhance healthcare service government's health and nutrition initiatives. Its program will
and Public Health (ASMPH) from the Ateneo de Manila encounter with patients seeking medical attention at the
delivery in Northern Samar. Catarman Rural Health Unit. commence within the year and expected to be completed by
University, and former Health Secretary, Dr. Manuel Dayrit of
December 2024.
the Ateneo Center for Research and Innovation (ACRI), led
In its meeting, Sunfu Solutions Inc. presented a proposal for the ASMPH team in the visit and meeting with the Governor Beyond health care, the local chief executive has seen how
health is significantly interconnected with nutrition, livelihood, For over 40 years, Helen Keller International has actively
a mobile diagnostic van equipped with essential medical at the Provincial Capitol, Catarman, Northern Samar on
the environment, and governance. worked in partnership with the Philippine Government and
tools such as digital x-ray machines, hand-held ultrasound March 19, 2024.
other development partners to deliver scientifically proven
devices, digital thermometers, BP apparatus, and
As the province gears to strengthen a province-wide health health and nutrition interventions to vulnerable families in
refrigerators for vaccines and samples. The mobile facility is Under the partnership, Ateneo will assist the province in the
system, Governor Ongchuan recommitted to improve health regions where they are needed.
seen to bridge the gap in access to medical services by full implementation of the Universal Health Care Law.
bringing advanced diagnostics directly to those in need, Likewise, it is welcome to send Atenean doctors to work in facilities and implement systems and policies that will
support the health needs of the Nortehanon community. The team from Helen Keller International- Philippines were
especially in remote areas and underserved communities public hospitals in Northern Samar, and the Provincial
Ms. Noelle Lyn Santos, HKI-Senior Research Coordinator;
across the province. Government will also allow its faculty, alumni and medical
As the session concluded, Governor Ongchuan gave cash Ms. Leonora Patricia de Guzman, communications specialist
students to help in the Provincial Government’s health
assistance to the family of the sick children he had a and Ms. Aleli Lim, Research Supervisor. Present during the
Northern Samar Provincial Hospital (NSPH) doctors believed facilities which will increase people's access to health care
dialogue with at the Catarman RHU, family hygiene kits, meeting were Hon. Don L. Abalon, Sangguniang
that the van could be used during Kauswagan Caravans, to services.
school supplies and toys for the kids. Panlalawigan Member; Dr. Ma. Aurora D. Vicencio, OIC
address the healthcare needs of marginalized populations
Provincial Health Officer; Dr. Rommel Francisco, Provincial
and promote community well-being. Governor Ongchuan and the Ateneo team have also
DOH Officer; Ms. Hannah Abegail J. Bautista, Provincial
signified to support other collaborative projects and activities
Nutririon Action Officer; Ms. Rose Anne Suan, Executive
The meeting also provided opportunity for a report on the necessary to improve the province’s health system and other
Assistant, Office of the Governor; Dr. Jose Luis
new guidelines for Medical Assistance for Indigent and non-health care fields such as research, law and education.
Acompañado, OIC-Provincial Agriculture Office, and Ms.
Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP), which included
Sylma E. Lutao, OIC-PGENRO.
eligibility criteria, documentary requirements, availment As the MOA was signed, the Governor and ASMPH
procedures, service coverage, and fund authorization. expressed commitment to long-term collaboration, Governor
Ongchuan emphasizing the partnership as transcending
Attended by DOH-EVCHD OIC Assistant Regional Director paperwork— but about transforming lives.
Dr. Jean Marie Egargo, Malasakit Program Unit Head Ms.
Marissa Alcober, DOH-EVCHD Medical Officer III Dr. Eula The ASMPH-Northern Samar partnership exemplifies the
Gail Dela Cruz, the meeting was also graced by Atty. Renzie power of synergy. By combining academic expertise,
Tan representing First District Congressman Paul Daza, community engagement, and a passion for service, we bring
Board Member Gilbert Layon, Board Member Don Abalon, hope of making a positive impact on the health and well-
Sunfu representatives and local health experts. being of the people we serve.
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Under the MOU, Kyong-Ho and KCI will serve as

consultants in carrying out the Pre-Master Plan Study
needed for the Integrated Water Resources and Flood
Control Management Project in the Province of Northern
Samar. The project, aimed to address the persistent
issue of flooding in the province, will include the
assessment of the existing drainage and flood control LAOANG
infrastructures, a feasibility study of the water flow in
rivers, the effect of high tide, the water limit or volume of
water in catch basin and outlets of water especially
during rainy season, as well as the recommended
Creating a safe and rabies-free
development schemes based on the results of the province: PGNS conducts free
study, such as a Drainage Master Plan. vaccination and castration of
Governor Ongchuan inks MOU Kyong-Ho Engineering & Architects Co., Ltd. and KCleng cats and dog
with Kyong-Ho and KCI for flood Co. Ltd. are reputable companies with vast record of by Marlou Biado

I
experience in undertaking flood control urban drainage,
management in Northern Samar sewerage and septage projects in South Korea and the Laoang Bridge to be n observance of the National Rabies Awareness
Philippines. Month, the Provincial Government through the
by Marlou Biado
implemented soon

G
Provincial Veterinary Office, in partnership with
overnor Edwin Ongchuan, leading the Provincial With Mr. Ryu Jae Hun during the MOU signing were Hae by Marlou Biado the the University
University of of EasternPhilippines - College of
Eastern
Government of Northern Samar, entered into a Yeol Kang and other Korean experts, Sung Hyun Kim and
Veterinary Medicine, conducted free rabies

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Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Joon Young Heo of KCI, Mr. Melvin Solomon, Leovin
overnor Edwin Ongchuan expressed high vaccination and castration on March 6, 2024, at the
Kyong-Ho Engineering and Architects Co., in joint
Kyong- Sanchez, and Project Manager Jerry Fano of the DPWH
venture with KCleng Co. Ltd. (KCI), for the Pre-Master
hopes that Laoang Bridge 2 and 3 will be Barangay Hall of Barangay Dalakit, Catarman,
Unified Project Management Office – Flood Control
implemented soon with the national Northern Samar.
Plan of the Integrated Flood Management Project in Management Cluster. Meanwhile, Governor Ongchuan was
government
government funding
funding P7 billion for the project.
Northern Samar. joined by Board Member Dexter Galit in the event.
The Governor announced this during the Kauswagan More than 160 cats and dogs were vaccinated, apart from
To recall, Governor Ongchuan requested assistance from Caravan in Brgy Catigbian Laoang yesterday. By those which have been castrated.
The MOU signing between Governor Ongchuan and the Joint the national government to help resolve the worsening November this year, the project is expected to be bid, he
Venture of Kyong-Ho and KCI took place on March 14, 2024 flooding in Northern Samar, proposing the Integrated Water bared. The vaccination drive aims to control the spread of the rabies
at the Anahaw Hall of the Provincial Capitol, with Mr. Ryu Jae Resources and Flood Control Management Project as a disease in the province, toward creating a rabies-free
Hun representing Kyong-Ho and KCI. long-term solution to the problem. The project includes construction of the Talisay -Laoang Northern Samar. With the theme "Rabies free na pusa't aso,
Bridge (Laoang Bridge 2) and the Calomotan -Pangpang kaligtasan ng pamilyang Pilipino," the celebration hopes to
Bridge (Laoang Bridge 3) covered under the Samar raise awareness about responsible pet ownership as a way
Pacific Coastal Road (SPCR) 2 Project . of protecting our family and community.
collaboration with the Agricultural Training Institute - Regional
Training Center VIII. In the coming months, the PVO aims to The project will connect the coastal communities to the
intensify capability-building efforts, targeting an additional 416 mainland and contribute to the economic growth of the
trained BBOs from selected municipalities. province.

Dr. Faith C. Tenedero, ASF Program Coordinator, To recall, Governor Ongchuan, with Congressman Harris
emphasized the critical role of Barangay Biosecurity Officers Ongchuan requested President Marcos Jr. for support to
PVO capacitates BBO in the at the local level. "With regards sine nga training, the project during the inauguration of the Simora Bridge
last year, under SPCR 1 Project.
continued fight against ASF pinakaimportante gud an early reporting kay dida naton
makokontrol an pagwarak san sakit kun nahihireport dayon,
by Danilo Niegas, Jr.
kapag waray kasi reporting minsan nahihibaroan nala namon

T
after two months na, ubos na an baboy sa area" she
he Provincial Government, in its steadfast emphasized.
THE GOVERNOR’S MONTHLY REP RT
OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR
commitment to combat African Swine Fever
(ASF), continues to train Barangay The training of Barangay Biosecurity Officers aligns with the
Biosecurity Officers (BBOs) to ensure effective
Biosecurity Department of Agriculture's "Bantay ASF sa Barangay"
prevention and control measures. program, employing a community-based approach to prevent, JHON ALLEN B. BERBON
Budyong is the local name of helmet shell or conch Editor-in-Chief
control, and manage ASF using sound epidemiological which was used by the Ibabaonon to sound a call MELO ORTONIO
To facilitate seamless implementation and coordination of principles and available technology, such as ASF rapid test to the community when giving announcements. NEIL OGALESCO ARLYN C. TEPACE
JEREMIAS JAZMIN JR DANILO B. NIEGAS JR
initiatives against ASF, the Provincial Veterinary Office kits, through the cooperation of Local Government Units "Budyong" will bring Nortehanons the news CASSIUS EZRA AMORES JOSE LUIS S. PEDERIO
continues to train more BBOs in response to the threat of (LGUs) and swine raisers. regarding programs, projects and current events of Photographers Editors
ASF in the province. A total of 434 BBOs have been trained the Provincial Government of Northern Samar.
FAMELA TARRAYO
MARLOU D. BIADO
and deputized across the province, serving as the frontline As ASF continues to impact the swine production sector in This newspaper is published by the Provincial CHEZKA ROWEN ADAN
GENE MAE C. GATACILO
CARMELA G. LOVERITA Circulation
defenders against ASF within their respective communities. the province, the Provincial Government, under Governor Information Office for the Provincial
Government of Northern Samar Staff Writers
Edwin Ongchuan's Development Agenda or Sustained PRINCESS A. SEMAN
In its latest training effort, the Provincial Veterinary Office Layout Artist
Progress, remains proactive in empowering local governance
capacitated municipal livestock technicians from eleven to collaborate effectively for the recovery of the hog industry, Provincial Capitol Bldg., Brgy. Dalakit, Catarman, Northern Samar https:/NSamarPIOaccount (055) 500 -1410 [email protected]
LGUs through three-day training sessions, in close ensuring livelihood and agricultural economic sustainability.
collaboration
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MARCH 2024 PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR MARCH 2024

22nd Kauswagan Caravan serves

3,199 families in Biri Empowering the youth through
by Arlyn Tepace the Kabataan Caravan

O
by Famela Tarrayo
n March 22, 2024, the Provincial

T
Government, in partnership with LGU Biri,
national government agencies, non- he Provincial Government of Northern
government
government organizations
organizations and private sector Samar, through the Northern Samar
groups, has just brought the 22nd Kauswagan Provincial Youth Development Office and the
Caravan to the happy and peace-loving people of Office of the Sangguniang Kabataan Provincial
Biri! Federation President, Hon. Gerardo Gerard A.
Miranda, successfully launched the Kabataan
As the Kauswagan Caravan continues, we are also Caravan on March 23, 2024 in Brgy. Molave,
strengthening the culture of mutual help and support for our Catarman, Northern Samar.
fellow Nortehanons. From medical, dental, veterinary, legal,
counselling and other basic services, to food packs, water The Provincial Government of Northern Samar, through the
containers, toys, school supplies, farming tools, seedlings, Northern Samar Provincial Youth Development Office and
blankets and other goodies, the 8 barangays of Biri have the Office of the Sangguniang Kabataan Provincial
witnessed the essence of public service, bringing the Federation President, Hon. Gerardo Gerard A. Miranda,
government and the programs and services of our successfully launched the Kabataan Caravan on March 23,
Kauswagan Caravan partners closer to our people. 2024 in Brgy. Molave, Catarman, Northern Samar.

With an inspiring display of unity, Governor Edwin The initiative aims to bring government services and
Ongchuan, joined by other provincial officials, Biri municipal essential training directly to the youth in various barangays
officials, heads and representatives of agencies and groups, across the province. The Caravan held in Brgy. Molave was
led the delivery of services to the 3,199 families of conducted in partnership with the Local Youth Development
Poblacion, Biri and the barangays of Sto. Nino, Pio del Pilar, Office (LYDO) and the PPSK Municipal Federation of
Progress, Kauswagan, San Antonio, San Pedro and Mc Catarman. Additionally, key stakeholders such as the
Arthur. MDRRMO Catarman, Municipal Health Office, and PNP
Catarman extended support by providing services and
The Kauswagan Caravan will continue, along with other training opportunities.
government initiatives, to build a marig-on, mainuswagon
ngan malipayon nga mga Nortehanon. The Kabataan Caravan, similar to that of Governor Edwin
Ongchuan's Serbisyo Caravan, embodies the Provincial
Government's commitment to rendering governmental
services and making them more accessible to the people,
particularly the youth. With the successful launching of the
program, more barangays in Northern Samar can anticipate
forthcoming visits aimed at providing various services and
training initiatives designed to empower and cultivate the
province's young generation.

The event was graced by the presence of Brgy. Molave

officials led by Hon. Lina Loberiano, alongside the
Sangguniang Kabataan of Molave represented by Hon.
Winley Paul Bersamin and councilors, Hon. Hernesto Patilan
Jr., Hon. Neil Hernandez, and Hon. Jennifer Salutan of the
Municipality of Catarman.

As the Kabataan Caravan sets in motion, it symbolizes more

than just a government outreach program—it embodies a
collective vision for a 𝑀𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑔-𝑜𝑛, 𝑀𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑠𝑤𝑎𝑔𝑜𝑛, 𝑀𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑝𝑎𝑦𝑜𝑛 𝑛𝑎
𝐵𝑎𝑡𝑎𝑛-𝑜𝑛 𝑛𝑔𝑎 𝑁𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑒ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑛.