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Spark Investments

Office of the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Officer Mon to Fri, 8 AM to 5 PM  | 

Province of Samar

Invest
in Samar

Strategically positioned. Ready for growth.

Samar is the link between Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. The province is upgrading its roads, airports and seaports and opening large sites for tourism, agriculture, energy, logistics and commerce.

The lit San Juanico Bridge curving across the strait between Samar and Leyte at dusk
San Juanico Bridge, the road link between Samar and Leyte

Samar at a glance

1st class province  |  2 cities, 24 municipalities, 951 barangays
806,179People, 2024 census
6,048 km²Land area, one of the largest provinces in the country
P78.85BGDP at current prices, 2024
P97,804GDP per capita at current prices
Share of provincial GDP, 2024 (P78.85 billion)
Services 48% Industry 28% Agriculture, forestry and fishing 23%
97.8%Employment rate
2.2%Unemployment rate
61.4%Labor force participation
12.7%Underemployment rate

Source: PSA 2024 POPCEN, PSGC, Provincial Product Accounts, Labor Force Survey, PSA-RSSO VIII price statistics.

Why invest in Samar

Paddlers in a long boat on a river running through Samar forest

Strategic gateway status

Samar is the primary link between the northern and southern Philippines, joined to Leyte by the San Juanico Bridge.

Abundant natural wealth

Rich fishing grounds, fertile land, coastal wind, sunlight and waterways support agriculture, fisheries and clean energy.

Infrastructure momentum

New airports in Catbalogan and Calbayog, expanding seaports, road upgrades and wider digital coverage.

Youthful and resilient talent

A large, English-proficient workforce, with 97.8% employment and 61.4% labor force participation.

Pro-business governance

A dedicated investment office building one-stop shops and digital platforms, with a target of 85% or higher investor satisfaction.

Investment priority areas

Five sectors with room to build

Eco-tourism and nature

Tourism and culture

Samar is emerging as a prime destination for eco-tourism and nature-based investment, anchored on caves, waterfalls, seascapes and the lit San Juanico Bridge.

  • San Juanico Bridge aesthetic lights
  • Bangon Falls and Tarangban Falls
  • Langun-Gobingob Cave System
  • Marabut seascapes
  • Sohoton Caves and Natural Bridge Park
  • Samar Island Natural Park
  • Sta. Rita hilltop viewing deck and Samar landmark
  • Hospitality, recreation and cultural experiences
See the sector →

Flagship projects

Sites and projects open to partners

Project images are conceptual perspectives for illustration only.

Conceptual aerial view of the Spark Samar Sports Complex with a stadium, oval and sports fieldsBarangays Lagundi, Ibol and Pangdan, Catbalogan City, along the Maharlika Highway17 hectaresSpark Samar Sports ComplexA 17-hectare sports, civic, cultural and institutional development in Catbalogan City, with an 8,000-seater stadium and oval.View project →Pier 1 to Bunuanan Reclamation, Catbalogan City, Samar19 hectaresSamar Agricultural HubA 19-hectare waterfront hub for agri-fishery processing, markets and logistics at the Pier 1 to Bunuanan Reclamation.View project →Conceptual aerial view of the Mercedes Business District with warehouses, mid-rise buildings and a marinaBrgy. Mercedes Reclamation, Catbalogan City, Samar32 hectaresMercedes Business District and Industrial HubA 32-hectare mixed-use center between the port, highway, bridge and airport in Catbalogan City.View project →Conceptual view of the New Catbalogan Deep Seaport with a terminal building and container yardBarangays Mercedes and Maulong, Catbalogan City, Samar5 hectaresNew Catbalogan Deep SeaportA 5-hectare deep-sea gateway for cargo, passengers and cruise ships, developed by the Philippine Ports Authority.View project →project-new-catbalogan-deep-seaport13 barangays of Calbayog City, Samar304 MW proposed capacityCalbayog Wind Energy ProjectA proposed 304 MW wind farm of 38 turbines across 13 barangays of Calbayog City, an investment of about P20 billion.View project →Conceptual view of a lit bridge crossing blue water near Sta. RitaSta. Rita, Samar5 anchor sitesSta. Rita Tourism and Agriculture HubWhere tourism meets agriculture on the San Juanico Bridge corridor, linking the bridge lights, a viewing deck, a boardwalk and farm anchors.View project →Conceptual view of the New Catbalogan Airport terminal buildingBuri Island, Catbalogan City15 minutes from Catbalogan City properNew Catbalogan Airport and Buri IslandAn air, sea and road gateway on Buri Island, about 15 minutes from Catbalogan City proper.View project →Have a site or a project in mind?Tell the investment office what you want to build. We will match you with the right site and partners.Start a conversation →

Open modalities for investment

Six ways to partner with the province

PPP

Public-private partnerships

Build-operate-transfer, joint venture, concession, lease or management contracts.

FDI

Direct foreign investment

Full ownership in PEZA or BOI-accredited zones, or joint ventures with local firms.

JV

Joint ventures with the LGU or local companies

Equity sharing for large-scale projects.

Community

Community-based enterprises

Partnerships with cooperatives, farmers, fisherfolk and artisans.

SEZ

Special economic zones

Designated estates for manufacturing, IT-BPM, logistics and renewable energy.

Inclusive

Inclusive business and CSR models

Bring communities into supply chains for sustainable, inclusive growth.

We are offering a partnership built on trust, transparency, innovation, and shared growth.
Sharee Ann T. Tan, Governor, Province of Samar

What's new

All news →

Talk to us

Share your sector, your site needs and your timeline. The Provincial Government of Samar will point you to the right project and the right people.

Office
Arteche Boulevard, Brgy. Poblacion 07, Catbalogan City, Samar
Email
sparkinvestments@samar.gov.ph
Hours
Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM