Northern Samar - Sangguniang Panlalawigan

The Honorable Presiding Officer of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Northern Samar, Vice Governor Clarence Dato, with Cong Edwin Ongchuan and Cong Miro Quimbo.

Happy Mother’s Day!

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan extends its warmest greetings and heartfelt appreciation to all mothers for their unconditional love, strength, and endless sacrifices in nurturing families and shaping communities.

Your dedication, wisdom, and care inspire us all. May this special day remind you how valued and cherished you are.

Happy Mother’s Day to all amazing mothers!

A Public Hearing conducted by the Committee on Laws, Justice, Human Rights, and Public Accountability of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Northern Samar was held on May 6, 2026, at the Sumuroy Hall, Provincial Capitol, Catarman, regarding the Proposed Ordinance authored/sponsored by Hon. Gerardo Gerard A. Miranda and co-sponsored by Hon. Emil Nicholas B. Ongchuan II, entitled:

“An Ordinance strengthening the monitoring, reporting, and compliance system for Sangguniang Kabataan Programs, Projects, and Activities in the Province of Northern Samar, adopting relevant provisions of Republic Act No. 10742 as amended by Republic Act No. 11768, and pertinent guidelines issued by the DBM, COA, and DILG, establishing coordination mechanisms, providing incentives, and penalties, and for other purposes.”

The proposed ordinance aims to enhance accountability, transparency, and compliance in the implementation of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Programs, Projects, and Activities throughout the Province of Northern Samar. The measure seeks to strengthen monitoring and reporting systems while ensuring adherence to existing national laws, government regulations, and auditing guidelines governing SK operations and fund utilization.

During the public hearing, representatives from concerned government agencies, youth leaders, local officials, and other stakeholders participated in discussions regarding the responsibilities of SK officials, compliance mechanisms, reporting standards, coordination procedures, and the establishment of incentives and penalties to encourage effective governance and accountability among youth councils.

The committee emphasized the vital role of the Sangguniang Kabataan in youth development and community participation, underscoring the importance of sound governance practices, proper financial management, and strengthened coordination among concerned agencies and local government units.

-----
📸 Ariel Acibar

A Public Hearing conducted by the Committee on Laws, Justice, Human Rights, and Public Accountability of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Northern Samar was held on May 6, 2026, at the Sumuroy Hall, Provincial Capitol, Catarman, regarding Municipal Ordinance No. 2, Series of 2026 of Las Navas, Northern Samar, entitled:

“An Ordinance amending Municipal Ordinance No. 09, Series of 2024, entitled: ‘An Ordinance reclassifying from agricultural to non-agricultural use, an area identified as Lot No. 3763 registered in the name of Sinesio Celajes, covered by TCT No. T-2030, containing an area of One Hundred Forty-Four Thousand Five Hundred Sixty-Four (144,564) square meters, located in Sitio Tagpuro, Barangay Bugay, Las Navas, Northern Samar’ specifically to reclassify said land to socialized housing use, as the same land is intended for the government expanded 4PH Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program, and for other purposes, to ensure consistency with the provision of joint HLURB-DAR-DILG Memorandum Circular No. R-565, Series of 1995, and other applicable land use laws and regulations.”

The public hearing focused on the proposed amendment concerning the reclassification of the subject property from agricultural to socialized housing use in support of the government’s Expanded 4PH Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Program. The measure aims to address housing needs while ensuring compliance with existing land-use policies, regulations, and interagency guidelines.

During the hearing, representatives from concerned government agencies, local officials, and other stakeholders discussed matters relating to land conversion, housing development, regulatory compliance, and the potential socio-economic benefits of the proposed project to the municipality and its residents.

The committee underscored the importance of balancing sustainable land-use planning with the growing demand for accessible housing, particularly for low-income families and beneficiaries of government housing programs.

-----
📸Ariel Acibar

A Public Hearing conducted by the Committee on Laws, Justice, Human Rights, and Public Accountability of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Northern Samar was held on May 6, 2026, at the Sumuroy Hall, Provincial Capitol, Catarman, regarding the Proposed Ordinance authored/sponsored by SP Member/Committee Chairman Don L. Abalon and co-sponsored by SP Members Lope Dorado Jr., Emil Nicholas Ongchuan II, Gina Silvano, Leonida Laodenio, Neil Hernandez, and Gerardo Gerard Miranda, entitled:

“An Ordinance institutionalizing the designation of Barangay Development Workers (BDW) as frontliners for cooperative development in all barangays within the Province, defining their roles and functions in promoting the growth and viability of cooperatives within their respective barangays and providing funds therefor.”

The proposed measure seeks to strengthen grassroots cooperative development by institutionalizing Barangay Development Workers (BDWs) to serve as frontliners in assisting, promoting, and monitoring cooperative initiatives in their respective barangays. The ordinance also aims to establish clear functions and responsibilities for BDWs to support sustainable community-based economic development.

During the public hearing, concerned stakeholders, representatives from various sectors, and partner agencies shared their insights, recommendations, and support for the proposed ordinance. Discussions focused on the important role of cooperatives in empowering communities, generating livelihood opportunities, and promoting inclusive economic growth in Northern Samar.

The committee emphasized the significance of strengthening barangay-level participation in cooperative development and ensuring adequate support mechanisms, including funding provisions, for the effective implementation of the proposed ordinance.

The public hearing forms part of the continuing legislative efforts of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in advancing programs and policies geared toward community empowerment and sustainable development for the people of Northern Samar.

A Public Hearing conducted by the Committee on Laws, Justice, Human Rights, and Public Accountability of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Northern Samar was held on May 6, 2026, at the Sumuroy Hall, Provincial Capitol, Catarman, regarding the Proposed Ordinance authored/sponsored by SP Member/Committee Chairman Don L. Abalon, entitled:

“An Ordinance reinforcing the implementation of Republic Act No. 10932 (The Anti-Hospital Deposit Law) and Republic Act No. 9439 (Anti-Hospital Detention Law) prohibiting the detention of patients and cadavers in hospitals and medical clinics on the grounds of non-payment of hospital bills and medical expenses, within the Province of Northern Samar, establishing local monitoring mechanisms, and providing for administrative sanctions for violations thereof and for other purposes.”

The hearing gathered representatives from both private and government hospitals of the province to discuss the effective implementation of the said national laws and the proposed local ordinance. The measure aims to strengthen the protection of patients and their families against unlawful hospital detention practices while ensuring accessible and humane healthcare services in Northern Samar.

During the discussion, stakeholders shared their insights, concerns, and recommendations on hospital procedures, patient welfare, monitoring mechanisms, and compliance measures necessary for the successful implementation of the ordinance. The committee emphasized the importance of collaboration among healthcare institutions, local government units, and concerned agencies in upholding the rights and dignity of patients.

The public hearing forms part of the legislative process of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan in crafting responsive and people-centered policies for the welfare of Nortehanons.

-----
📸Ariel Acibar

Honorable Lope E. Dorado Jr. (Senior Board Member) representing Governor Harris Christopher Ongchuan, Inauguration and Turn-Over Ceremony, Construction of Livelihood Training Center in Bobon, N. Samar funded by the Indian Government and facilitated by DILG, Bobon Covered Court, Bobon, N. Samar. May 5, 2026.

Honorable VicVic Merino Singzon II (SP Majority Leader) representing Harris Christopher Ongchuan , Saint Michael Academy Grand Alumni Homecoming, Capitol Gym, Provincial Capitol, Catarman. May 1, 2026.