Spark Samar!

Samar province is located in Samar island in Eastern Visayas (Region 8) which is composed of three provinces namely: Samar, Northern Samar and Eastern Samar. Sometimes, it is called Western Samar but a law states that it shall onlyt be called Samar. Its capital is Catbalogan City and is represented by two representatives in Congress.

Samar is home to one of the most diverse flora and fauna in the Philippines. It is home to several endemic species that can only be found in the forests of the province. It is also my home having been born in Catbalogan.

The province is blessed with natural resources that are for the books. Part of the Samar Natural Park is in Samar. The said park encompasses the three Samar provinces and is very much protected.

The Sohoton Natural Park in Basey and the Lulugayan Falls in Calbiga are must-see places when you visit the province. Bills are in place in the House of Representatives to also protect these natural tourism areas.

Aside from the sea water that abound, there are also inland rivers and rapids which is enticing to extreme sports lovers. So far, these areas are well-maintained and the crystal clear water can attest to the good maintenance made by the local government units.

Education is very important to the people of the Samar. Several educational institutions cater to the youth. Samar State University has several campuses in the province. Other government schools are also in the other cities and municipalities of Samar as well as private schools such as Samar College.

Samar can be reached through the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban City or through the Calbayog City Airport. Most of its people take the bus from Metro Manila. With the Spark Samar campaign initiated by the provincial government, other tourists from the different provinces take the bus from nearby Mindanao and other Visayas provinces. There are also ferries that ply the Calbayog-Cebu route.

For years, Samar has struggled to be a major player in the country's tourism industry. In a few years, Samar will be in the mainstream of tourist attractions that the Philippines can offer. As a Samarnon, I just hope that tourism will not spoil our beloved province. It's time for Samar to SPARK!