Page 40 - OGA 2017
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Outstanding Governorship Award 2017















































                               Hon. Sharee Ann Tan



                                          Governor of the Province of Samar






                              Championing the

                     SPARK SAMAR Campaign



            Just a few years back, Samar has been seen by the rest of the country as a place tied to natural
        devastation – with an average of 20 tropical storms or typhoons each year. Add to this the fact that
        Samar is situated in one of only five regions in the country riddled with armed conflict. Consequently,
        the effects of these images play a major role in shaping the province’s already struggling economy,
        despite the fact that Samar Island is one of the largest islands in the country.
            Recognizing this seemingly negative image, the main development issue that confronted the
        province pointed to widespread poverty and the main causes were the slow economic growth and
        limited employment opportunities for its people.
            Compound  these  facts  with inadequate  infrastructure  support  facilities and  utilities,  low
        agricultural  and  fishery  productivity,  increasing  supply  of  unskilled  manpower,  low  productivity  of
        processors and an insurgency problem spanning over 35 years and several political-armed groups,
        the province seemed to be heading nowhere.
            Despite the challenges  that Samar face, it  is  still rife with  natural  wonders, unadulterated
        traditions, festivals, and a favoured spot for visitors and locals alike looking to immerse themselves in
        the colour and vibrancy of Samar’s culture and adventure scene.



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