Northern Samar is a province of the Philippines located in the Eastern Visayas Region (Region VIII) of the Visayas. The province covers roughly 3,694.96 square kilometers and is composed of 24 municipalities and a total of 569 barangays. The capital of the province is Catarman. The name 'Northern Samar' was derived from its geographical location, as it occupies the northern portion of Samar Island facing the Philippine Sea and the San Bernardino Strait.

History

Northern Samar was originally part of the larger Samar Province during the Spanish colonial period. The island of Samar was known for its strong resistance against Spanish rule, with several uprisings occurring in the 17th and 18th centuries, as locals defended their communities against forced labor, taxation, and other colonial impositions. During this time, Spanish missionaries established churches and settlements along the coast, many of which still stand today as historical landmarks. The province's coastal location made it an important site for maritime trade and communication, while its inland areas were primarily agricultural, supporting rice, coconut, and root crop farming. During the American occupation, Samar was formally organized as a province, but Northern Samar remained part of the larger Samar until 1965, when it was officially separated under Republic Act No. 4221, creating Northern Samar as an independent province. The province also faced challenges during World War II, when Japanese forces occupied the area and local guerrilla groups resisted occupation. In the post-war years, Northern Samar gradually developed its infrastructure, education, and economy while preserving its cultural heritage. Today, it is known for its rich natural resources, fishing and agricultural livelihood, and historical sites such as the Capul Island Lighthouse and several Spanish-era churches that reflect its colonial past.