Samar local governments recognized for governance and security achievements

During the Samar Day celebration, Governor Sharee Ann Tan led the recognition of various local government units and barangays in Samar for excellence in governance and environmental programs. Several barangays were honored for passing the 2024 Seal of Good Local Governance for Barangay (SGLGB) assessment by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). This assessment evaluates performance in areas such as financial administration, disaster preparedness, safety, and public service delivery.

Jiabong recorded the highest number of passing barangays with 34, followed by Basey with 15. Other recognized municipalities and cities include Catbalogan, Calbayog, Pinabacdao, and Paranas, among others. Additionally, the Gawad Galing Kalikasan Awards were presented to honor outstanding environmental management, with Calbayog City winning first place for its waste management initiatives.

In a separate development regarding regional stability, local leadership in Samar has credited community vigilance for maintaining the municipality’s status as free from the New People’s Army (NPA). The local government attributed the absence of communist insurgent activity to residents reporting suspicious activities and refusing to support rebel recruitment, serving as a model for other municipalities in the province.