CATBALOGAN CITY, Philippines – House of Representatives Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan has been named the “adopted son” of Northern Samar and Samar provinces through separate resolutions passed by their provincial boards.
Northern Samar’s Resolution No. 285 commended Libanan “for his commitment to enhancing the lives of Nortehanons,” while Samar’s Resolution No. 17-862-24 recognized him “for his outstanding contributions to the development of Samar.”
Both provinces acknowledged Libanan’s role in securing national government funding for key projects aimed at improving living standards, social conditions, and economic opportunities in the region.
Libanan, a native of Eastern Samar, previously proposed the creation of a new Samar Island Region through House Bill No. 10727. This bill seeks to unite Northern Samar, Samar, and Eastern Samar into a single administrative region. Libanan believes this consolidation will unlock the full economic, agricultural, and tourism potential of the Samar islands.
Libanan served as the representative of Eastern Samar’s lone district in Congress from 1998 to 2007 and was vice governor from 1992 to 1995. He is currently a 4Ps party-list representative in Congress.
Eastern Samar officials have urged Libanan to run for the province’s congressional seat once more, paired with Governor Ben Evardone as the gubernatorial candidate. Vice Governor Maricar Goteesan, 13 provincial board members, 19 municipal mayors, and 19 barangay association leaders have signed manifestos supporting the Libanan-Evardone ticket for the 2025 mid-term elections. | Press Release
