Page 40 - OGA 2017

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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