Northern Samar

Northern Samar lies in the northern part of Samar Island, Eastern Visayas, bordered by the San Bernardino Strait, Samar Sea, and the Pacific Ocean, with Catarman as its capital. The province spans approximately 3,693 km², characterized by rugged terrain, dense forests (about 52% forest cover), and limited lowland agricultural plains. It’s highly exposed to natural disasters—most notably the record-breaking November 2023 flooding, considered the heaviest ever recorded in Philippine history. Infrastructure and service delivery remain uneven due to physical isolation and frequent climate shocks.

Despite these constraints, Northern Samar has made firm commitments toward agriculture and fisheries modernization, as reflected in its Province-wide Agriculture and Fishery Modernization Plan (PAFMP) 2024–2030, which forecasts a combined investment of ₱1.2 billion over six years.

Agricultural Sector

Agricultural production is heavily concentrated in rice, corn, vegetables, root crops, banana, and abaca, particularly in the limited lowlands and upland valleys . Cropping systems and productivity are constrained by the province’s rugged geography and vulnerability to typhoons and landslides, which often disrupt planting cycles and damage crops . The modernization plan envisions investments in irrigation, farm-to-market roads, mechanization, adaptive research, and training to bolster farm productivity and resilience.

Fisheries Sector

Northern Samar’s fisheries sector includes municipal marine fishing, commercial tuna operations, and inland aquaculture. A notable development in 2023 was the commissioning of a 50-ton BFAR-supported fishing vessel, which landed 1.5 t of tuna on its maiden voyage and is expected to increase landings by 180–200 t annually. However, challenges like overfishing, stagnant equipment, high post-harvest losses (around 38–40%), and minimal cold storage facilities particularly affect remote fishing communities . Coastal municipalities are now adopting science-based fishery management and investing in post-harvest processing capabilities to upgrade the value chain .

Poverty Situation

Northern Samar had a poverty incidence among families of 21.8% in 2023, slightly above the region’s average of 20.3%, but an improvement from 27.5% in early 2023. The national census also shows that despite progress, the province is still among the poorest in the region. Vulnerability is most acute in upland and island barangays, where limited access and exposure to natural disasters persist .

Project Profile

DA

Under Phase II (2023–2024), Northern Samar received ₱9.186 M to support 10 farmer groups (≈200 members) in 5th–6th class municipalities, with an increased allocation of ₱13.342 M in 2024. Beneficiaries are engaged in food production and livelihood activities like vegetable farming, root crops, livestock (chicken, goats, swine), and fruit crops. These interventions aim to enhance food security, income, and farmer organization across geographically isolated and vulnerable areas.

Year CoveredMunicipalityBarangayProjectAssociationMembersInput Amount
2023AllenSabang Zone Ii (Pob.)Egg ProductionSabang Ii Rural Improvement Club20895,475.00
2023BiriKauswagan (Basud)Swine ProductionCawayan Farmers And Fisherfolks Association20904,492.00
2023CapulPoblacion Barangay 5Swine ProductionCapul Poblacion Farmers Association37904,492.00
2023LapinigPio Del PilarVegetable ProductionPio Del Pilar Farmers Association20772,709.00
2023MapanasDel Norte (Pob.)Diversified Farming in Corn and Vegetable ProductionDel Norte Farmers Association22865,842.00
2023RosarioAguadaEgg ProductionAguada Fisherfolks Mangroove, Kinis And Bangus Sustainable Association22895,475.00
2023San AntonioManrayaSwine ProductionManraya Farmers And Fisherfolks Association23904,491.00
2023San JoseBagong SabangVegetable ProductionBagong Sabang Vegetable Producers Association22772,709.00
2023San VicenteDestacado Pob. (Bgy.2)Swine ProductionDestacado Farmers Association21904,492.00
2023VictoriaErenasSwine ProductionVictoria Vegetable Producers Association20904,491.00
2024AllenSabang IiSupport to Egg ProductionSabang Ii Rural Improvement Club20517,500.00
2024AllenSabang Zone I (Pob.)Egg ProductionSamahan Ng Ofw Para Sa Agrikultura Ng Allen201,166,300.00
2024BiriKauswaganSupport to Swine ProductionCawayan Farmers And Fisherfolks Association20301,600.00
2024BiriPoblacion (Biri)Vegetable ProductionBiri Farmers Association20515,050.00
2024CapulAguinVegetable ProductionAguin Farmers Association20515,050.00
2024CapulBarangay 5Support to Swine ProductionCapul Poblacion Farmers Association20301,600.00
2024LapinigBagacayVegetable ProductionBagacay Farmers Association20515,050.00
2024LapinigPio Del PilarSupport to Vegetable ProductionPio Del Pilar Farmers Association20264,100.00
2024MapanasDel Norte (Pob.)Support to Diversified Farming on Corn and Vegetable ProductionDel Norte Farmers Association20312,500.00
2024MapanasMagtaonEgg ProductionMagtaon Farmers Association201,166,300.00
2024RosarioAguadaSupport to Egg ProductionAguada Fisherfolks Mangroove, Kinis And Bangus Sustainable Association20517,500.00
2024RosarioCommonwealthEgg ProductionRosal Integrated Farmers Association201,166,300.00
2024San AntonioManrayaSupport to Swine ProductionManraya Farmers And Fisherfolks Association20301,600.00
2024San AntonioPilarEgg ProductionPilar Farmers And Fisherfolks Livelihood Assoication201,166,300.00
2024San JoseBagong SabangSupport to Swine ProductionBagong Sabang Vegetable Producers Association20301,600.00
2024San JoseDa-OEgg ProductionDao Farmers Association201,166,300.00
2024San VicenteDestacado Pob. (Bgy.2)Support to Swine ProductionDestacado Farmers Association20301,600.00
2024San VicenteMongol Bongol Pob. (Bgy.1)Egg ProductionMongolbongol Farmers Association201,166,300.00
2024VictoriaErenasSupport to Vegetable ProductionVictoria Vegetable Producers Association20264,100.00
2024VictoriaLibertadVegetable ProductionLibertad Farmers And Fisherfolks Association20515,050.00
2025AllenSabang IiSupport to Egg Production, Value-adding, and MarketingSabang Ii Rural Improvement Club201,088,300.00
2025AllenSabang Zone I (Pob.)Support to Egg ProductionSamahan Ng Ofw Para Sa Agrikultura Ng Allen20545,700.00
2025BiriKauswaganSupport to Swine Production, Processing, and MarketingCawayan Farmers And Fisherfolks Association20643,800.00
2025BiriPoblacion (Biri)Support to Vegetable ProductionBiri Farmers Association20773,150.00
2025CapulAguinSupport to Vegetable ProductionAguin Farmers Association20773,150.00
2025CapulBarangay 5Support to Swine Production, Processing, and MarketingCapul Poblacion Integrated Farmers Association20643,800.00
2025LapinigBagacaySupport to Vegetable ProductionBagacay Farmers Association20773,150.00
2025LapinigPio Del PilarSupport to Egg ProductionPio Del Pilar Farmers Association20545,700.00
2025MapanasDel Norte (Pob.)Support to Diversified Egg, Corn, and Vegetable Production and MarketingDel Norte Farmers Association20839,000.00
2025MapanasMagtaonSupport to Egg ProductionMagtaon Farmers Association20545,700.00
2025RosarioAguadaSupport to Egg Production, Value-adding, and MarketingAguada Fisherfolks Mangroove, Kinis And Bangus Sustainable Association201,088,300.00
2025RosarioCommonwealthSupport to Egg ProductionRosal Integrated Farmers Association20545,700.00
2025San AntonioManrayaSupport to Swine Production, Processing, and MarketingManraya Farmers And Fisherfolks Association20643,800.00
2025San AntonioPilarSupport to Egg ProductionPilar Farmers And Fisherfolks Livelihood Assoication20545,700.00
2025San JoseBagong SabangSupport to Swine Production, Processing, and MarketingBagong Sabang Vegetable Producers Association20643,800.00
2025San JoseDa-OSupport to Egg ProductionDao Farmers Association20545,700.00
2025San VicenteDestacado Pob. (Bgy.2)Support to Swine Production, Processing, and MarketingDestacado Farmers Association20643,800.00
2025San VicenteMongol Bongol Pob. (Bgy.1)Support to Egg ProductionMongolbongol Farmers Association20545,700.00
2025VictoriaErenasSupport to Vegetable Production and MarketingVictoria Vegetable Producers Association20353,100.00
2025VictoriaLibertadSupport to Vegetable ProductionLibertad Farmers And Fisherfolks Association20773,150.00
2026AllenLipataBroiler ProductionSition Guinlamesahan Farmers Association20389,670.00
2026AllenSabang Zone I (Pob.)Support to Egg Production and MarketingSamahan Ng Ofw Para Sa Agrikultura Ng Allen20655,100.00
2026BiriKauswagan (Basud)Egg ProductionSitio Embedangan Farmers And Fisherfolks Association20785,080.00
2026BiriPoblacion (Biri)Support to Vegetable ProductionBiri Farmers Association20321,700.00
2026CapulAguinSupport to Vegetable ProductionAguin Farmers Association20321,700.00
2026CapulOsonEgg ProductionOsonian Farmers And Fisherfolks Association20785,080.00
2026LapinigAlang-AlangBroiler ProductionAlang-alang Integrated Farmers Association20389,670.00
2026LapinigBagacaySupport to Vegetable ProductionBagacay Farmers Association20321,700.00
2026MapanasMagtaonSupport to Egg Production and MarketingMagtaon Farmers Association20655,100.00
2026MapanasQuezonEgg ProductionKisongnon Farmers Association20785,080.00
2026RosarioCommonwealthSupport to Egg Production and MarketingRosal Integrated Farmers Association20655,100.00
2026RosarioJamoogEgg ProductionJamoog Farmers And Fisherfolks Association20785,080.00
2026San AntonioPilarSupport to Egg Production and MarketingPilar Farmers And Fisherfolks Livelihood Assoication20655,100.00
2026San AntonioVinisitahanEgg ProductionBrgy. Vinisitahan Community Association20785,080.00
2026San JoseAguadahanEgg ProductionAguadahan Integrated Farmers Association20785,080.00
2026San JoseDa-OSupport to Egg Production and MarketingDao Farmers Association20655,100.00
2026San VicenteMongol Bongol Pob. (Bgy.1)Support to Egg Production and MarketingMongolbongol Farmers Association20655,100.00
2026San VicenteSangputanEgg ProductionSangputan Integrated Farmers And Fisherfolks Association20785,080.00
2026VictoriaLibertadSupport to Vegetable ProductionLibertad Farmers And Fisherfolks Association20321,700.00
2026VictoriaPasabuenaEgg ProductionSagrada Farmers Association20785,080.00

BFAR

Although specific project details remain limited, Phase II aims to replicate successful models like the BFAR-supported vessel program, aquaculture hatcheries, and coastal fishery enterprise kits. The province’s focus on science-based fisheries management, post-harvest support, and infrastructure development aligns with BFAR-SAAD objectives and the PAFMP roadmap for sustainable fisheries development.

Year CoveredMunicipalityBarangayProjectAssociationMembersInput Amount
2023BiriMacarthurSeaweed CultureTampipi Fishers And Womens Association13172,818.00
2023CapulSawangSeaweed CultureSawang Seaweed Farmers Association21172,818.00
2023GamayBaybay District (Pob.)Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao)Baybay Saad Fisherfolks Association16800,000.00
2023GamayCagamutan Del SurSeaweed CultureCagamutan Seaweed Farmers Association17142,818.00
2023LaoangInamlanMilkfish Culture in HDPE CageBarangay Inamlan Fisherfolks Association23977,736.00
2023LaoangLangobFishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao)Barangay Langob Fisherfolks Association32800,000.00
2023LapinigLapinig Del Norte (Pob.)Fishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao)Lapinig Fisherfolks Association16800,000.00
2023LapinigLapinig Del Norte (Pob.)Seaweed CultureSan Buenabentura Fisherfolk Association23172,818.00
2023LavezaresBarobaybaySeaweed CultureBarobaybay Seaweed Farmers Association24142,818.00
2023PalapagMonbonFishing Gear (Deep Sea Payao)Monbon Fish Dealear & Vendors Association13800,000.00
2023RosarioPoblacionMangrove Crab CultureRosario Mangrove Crab Growers Association13650,000.00
2023San AntonioPilarSeaweed CulturePilar Farmers & Fisherfolk Association10172,818.00
2023San JoseBarangay North (Pob.)Milkfish Culture in HDPE CageBarangay North Fisherfolk Association17977,736.00
2023San JoseP. TingzonMilkfish Culture in HDPE CageSamahan Ng Bagong Pag-asa Ng Mga Mangingisda29977,736.00
2023San VicenteSangputanSeaweed CultureBarangay Sangputan Fisherfolk Association11172,818.00
2023VictoriaSan MiguelTilapia Culture in PondBarangay Association Of Farmers & Fisherfolks12376,300.00
2024BiriMacarthurPost-harvest Materials/Equipment in support to Seaweed CultureTampipi Fishers And Women's Association13293,633.00
2024CapulSawangSeaweed CultureSawang Seaweed Farmers Association2060,000.00
2024GamayBaybay District (Pob.)Fishing gear (Deep Sea payao)Baybay Saad Fisherfolk Association15235,000.00
2024GamayCagamutan Del SurFishing gear (Lambaklad) in support to Seaweed CultureCagamutan Seaweed Farmers Association172,631,915.50
2024LaoangInamlanMilkfish Culture in HDPE CageBarangay Inamlan Fisherfolk Association17746,236.00
2024LaoangLangobFishing gear (Deep Sea payao)Barangay Langob Fisherfolk Association22235,000.00
2024LapinigLapinig Del Norte (Pob.)Post-harvest Materials/Equipment in support to Seaweed CultureLapinig Seaweeds Farmers And Fisherfolks Association660,000.00
2024LapinigLapinig Del Sur (Pob.)Fishing gear (Deep Sea payao)Lapinig Fisherfolk Association13235,000.00
2024PalapagMonbonFishing gear (Deep Sea payao)Monbon Fish Dealer And Vendors Association13235,000.00
2024RosarioPoblacionMilkfish Fingerling Production in support to Mangrove Crab CultureRosario Mangrove Crab Growers151,237,157.50
2024San AntonioPilarPost-harvest Materials/Equipment in support to Seaweed CulturePilar Farmers Fisherfolks Association1060,000.00
2024San JoseAguadahanSiganid Culture in CageSitio Inglis Agua Association15721,413.00
2024San JoseBarangay East (Pob.)Siganid Culture in CageBarangay East Fisherfolk Association30721,413.00
2024San JoseBarangay North (Pob.)Milkfish Culture in HDPE CageBarangay North Fisherfolk Association17746,236.00
2024San JoseP. TingzonMilkfish Culture in HDPE CageSamahan Ng Bagong Pag-asa Ng Mga Mangingisda29746,236.00
2024San VicenteSangputanPost-harvest Materials/Equipment in support to Seaweed CultureBarangay Sangputan Fisherfolk Association1160,000.00
2024VictoriaSan MiguelTilapia Culture in PondBarangay Association Of Farmers And Fisherfolks12961,760.00
2025BiriMacarthur(Social Preparation) Simple Bookkeeping & Basic Accounting TrainingTampipi Fishers And Womens Association028,625.00
2025CapulSawang(Social Preparation) Simple Bookkeeping & Basic Accounting TrainingSawang Seaweed Farmers Association028,625.00
2025GamayBaybay District (Pob.)Fishing gear (Hook and Line) in support to Fishing gear (Deep Sea Payao)Baybay Saad Fisherfolk Association1733,000.00
2025GamayCagamutan Del SurSimple Bookkeeping & Basic Accounting TrainingCagamutan Seaweed Farmers Association1485,000.00
2025LaoangInamlanMilkfish Culture in HDPE Cage 8x8x5Barangay Inamlan Fisherfolk Association15497,125.00
2025LaoangLangobFishing gear (Hook and Line) in support to Fishing gear (Deep Sea Payao)Barangay Langob Fisherfolk Association2233,000.00
2025LapinigLapinig Del Norte (Pob.)Seaweed CultureLapinig Seaweeds Farmers And Fisherfolks Association833,000.00
2025LapinigLapinig Del Sur (Pob.)Fishing gear (Hook and Line) in support to Fishing gear (Deep Sea Payao)Lapinig Fisherfolk Association1133,000.00
2025LavezaresBarobaybayMilkfish Culture in Fishpen in suppport to Seaweed CultureBarobaybay Seaweed Farmers Association11974,000.00
2025PalapagMonbonFishing gear (Hook and Line) in support to Fishing gear (Deep Sea Payao)Monbon Fish Dealer And Vendors Association833,000.00
2025PambujanPaninironganFishing Gear (Lambaklad)Paninirongan Aton Waraon Iligal Para Kauswagan Aton Na Matagamtaman Fisherfolk Association202,307,390.00
2025RosarioPoblacionMilkfish Fingerling Production in support to Mangrove Crab CultureRosario Mangrove Crab Gowers Association62,057,000.00
2025San AntonioPilar(Social Preparation) Simple Bookkeeping & Basic Accounting TrainingPilar Farmers Fisherfolks Association034,350.00
2025San JoseAguadahanSiganid Culture in Cage 8x8x5Sitio Inglis Agua Association6536,725.00
2025San JoseBarangay East (Pob.)Siganid Culture in Cage 8x8x5Barangay East Fisherfolk Association18536,725.00
2025San JoseBarangay North (Pob.)Milkfish Culture in HDPE Cage 8x8x5Barangay North Fisherfolk Association7490,625.00
2025San JoseP. TingzonMilkfish Culture in HDPE Cage 8x8x5Samahan Ng Bagong Pag-asa Ng Mga Mangingisda21501,625.00
2025San RoqueLao-AnganMilkfish Culture in FishpenLao-angan Bangusan Sustainable Livelihood Program Association14958,250.00
2025San VicenteSangputan(Social Preparation) Simple Bookkeeping & Basic Accounting TrainingBarangay Sangputan Fisherfolk Association028,625.00
2025VictoriaSan MiguelTilapia Culture in PondBarangay Association Of Farmers And Fisherfolks15374,712.00
2026BiriMacarthurPost-harvest Materials/Equipment in support to Seaweed CultureTampipi Fishers And Womens Association15242,500.00
2026CapulSawang(Social Preparation) Simple Bookkeeping & Basic Accounting TrainingSawang Seaweed Farmers Association15242,500.00
2026GamayBaybay District (Pob.)Fishing gear (Hook and Line) in support to Fishing gear (Deep Sea Payao)Baybay Saad Fisherfolk Association17411,000.00
2026GamayCagamutan Del SurFishing gear (Lambaklad) in support to Seaweed CultureCagamutan Seaweed Farmers Association14595,000.00
2026LaoangInamlanMilkfish Culture in HDPE Cage 8x8x5Barangay Inamlan Fisherfolk Association15556,000.00
2026LaoangLangobFishing gear (Hook and Line) in support to Fishing gear (Deep Sea Payao)Barangay Langob Fisherfolk Association22417,000.00
2026LapinigLapinig Del Norte (Pob.)Seaweed CultureLapinig Seaweeds Farmers And Fisherfolks Association15402,000.00
2026LapinigLapinig Del Sur (Pob.)Fishing gear (Hook and Line) in support to Fishing gear (Deep Sea Payao)Lapinig Fisherfolk Association15405,000.00
2026LavezaresBarobaybayMilkfish Culture in Fishpen in suppport to Seaweed CultureBarobaybay Seaweed Farmers Association15595,000.00
2026PalapagMonbonFishing gear (Hook and Line) in support to Fishing gear (Deep Sea Payao)Monbon Fish Dealer And Vendors Association15411,000.00
2026PambujanPaninironganFishing Gear (Lambaklad)Paninirongan Aton Waraon Iligal Para Kauswagan Aton Na Matagamtaman Fisherfolk Association20483,500.00
2026RosarioPoblacionMilkfish Fingerling Production in support to Mangrove Crab CultureRosario Mangrove Crab Gowers Association152,047,000.00
2026San AntonioPilar(Social Preparation) Simple Bookkeeping & Basic Accounting TrainingPilar Farmers Fisherfolks Association15294,000.00
2026San JoseAguadahanSiganid Culture in Cage 8x8x5Sitio Inglis Agua Association15321,000.00
2026San JoseBarangay East (Pob.)Siganid Culture in Cage 8x8x5Barangay East Fisherfolk Association18363,000.00
2026San JoseBarangay North (Pob.)Milkfish Culture in HDPE Cage 8x8x5Barangay North Fisherfolk Association15631,000.00
2026San JoseP. TingzonMilkfish Culture in HDPE Cage 8x8x5Samahan Ng Bagong Pag-asa Ng Mga Mangingisda21667,000.00
2026San RoqueLao-AnganMilkfish Culture in FishpenLao-angan Bangusan Sustainable Livelihood Program Association15575,000.00
2026San VicenteSangputan(Social Preparation) Simple Bookkeeping & Basic Accounting TrainingBarangay Sangputan Fisherfolk Association15242,500.00
2026VictoriaSan MiguelTilapia Culture in PondBarangay Association Of Farmers And Fisherfolks15439,000.00