Northern Samar

Catarman is the capital of Northern Samar and the province's main administrative and commercial centre, located on the northern coast of Samar Island in Eastern Visayas, Philippines. A compact town core sits beside a wider municipality of coastal and rural barangays, giving the capital a relaxed provincial character.

The town traces its roots to a settlement established in 1596 and became the seat of government when Northern Samar was created as a separate province in 1965. Key landmarks include Our Lady of the Annunciation Cathedral, Sacred Heart Plaza and the large campus of the University of Eastern Philippines, a major educational institution in the region.

The poblacion holds the cathedral, municipal offices, markets and shops, while barangays such as Dalakit, Baybay and Airport Village lie closer to the coast and the airport. Local day trips lead to Macagtas Dam, nearby beaches and further into Northern Samar's natural attractions, including the Biri Rock Formations and the island of Capul.

As the provincial capital, Catarman is a hub for government services, education, agriculture and regional trade. Its food scene centres on fresh seafood, grilled dishes and everyday Filipino cooking, served in carinderias, small restaurants and coastal eateries, with fiestas and university events adding local colour.

For leisure travellers, Catarman is a practical base for exploring Northern Samar's coastline, falls and islands, while business and government visitors benefit from its hotels, transport links and services in an unhurried provincial setting.