FOR YEARS PASSED, Catarman has proven and taken pride in being Northern Samar’s economic and administrative hub. This year, it bids to become a full-pledge city.
The provincial capitol, national government offices, commercial and transportation centers, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and food and entertainment establishments are located in the capital town. These are the key driver of local progress for more than 600,000 Nortehanons.
ECONOMIC POTENTIAL
As a first-class municipality, Catarman thrives on its growing economic potential, hosting most of the banks, cafes, markets, fast food chains and shopping centers in Northern Samar.
Since it is geographically located at the center of Northern Samar and neighbor to the cities of Calbayog (Samar), Sorsogon (Bicol) and Borongan (Eastern Samar), the town is where locals and tourists naturally converge even as it radiates the hustle and bustle of city life with a tinge of the vibrant countryside.
And if one seeks to be entertained by concerts, pageants, competitions and parties, Catarman serves the ideal place to visit because most of the exciting events and performances happen here.
HISTORIC SITE
But aside from the exciting shows and activities, visitors, travelers and tourists realize a visit to the town can not be complete without coming by and saying prayers at the historic Catedral de la Nuestra Señora de Anunciata (Our Lady of Annunciation Cathedral) in town’s central district.
The more than 400-year-old church was constructed in 1596 upon the arrival of Jesuit missionaries. It is the first church of Catarman and one of the oldest throughout the province, recognized for the sacred retablo which demonstrates the Nortehanons’ life of devotion.
Past the cathedral and the town’s busy center are the beaches and riversides which offer a peaceful retreat for those seeking to enjoy the natural beauty of Catarman’s coastline.
UNIVERSITY TOWN
Just ten to fifteen minutes drive from the town proper, one reaches the University Town to discover Langtaran Grove White Beach Resort and University of Eastern Visayas’ White Beach Resort.
Both pristine beaches are situated beside one another, sharing the same fine white sand and clear blue waters that are perfect for sunbathing, beach volleyball, swimming and even skimboarding.
Besides the nearby dining options, the place offers barbecue and bonfire facilities for a fun camp-style dining experience while enjoying a stunning view of the horizon with its colorful sunrise and sunset.
Catarman also boasts the University of Eastern Philippines which is hailed as the first state university in Eastern Visayas. The institution highlights the colors of blue and gold, symbolizing its lofty ideals and the golden dreams of the youth. It started as a farm school and progressed as a university now offering an array of course and program selections. UEP is not only known for its commitment to delivering quality higher education but also for its facilities such as the RAB Amphitheatre and the new UEP Academic Building, a space for culture and the arts performances.
Looking beyond and whether one seeks the funfare and new flavors away from the hustle and bustle or elso intends to explore new landscapes and seascape, one has to take a tour and experience Northern Samar by dropping by Catarman before moving on for adventure.
hindi maayos ang quality of life dyan sa Catarman o sa buong Northern Samar. Marami pa rin ang umaalis para maghanap ng ibang trabaho. Yun sana muna atupagin ng Provincial Government instead yung mga bonggang fireworks display, Chrismas display, pageants at foundation day activities. Di naman nabubusog ang tiyan ng karamihan, sila lang na nakaupo.