Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 4221)
The main purpose of Republic Act No. 4221 is to divide the Province of Samar into three separate provinces: Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and Western Samar.
The Province of Northern Samar includes the municipalities of Allen, Bobon, Capul, Catarman, Catubig, Gamay, Laoang, Lapinig, Las Navas, Lavezares, Mondragon, Palapag, Pambujan, San Antonio, San Isidro, San Jose, and San Roque.
The Province of Eastern Samar comprises the municipalities of Arteche, Balangiga, Balangkayan, Borongan, Can-avid, Dolores, General Mac-Arthur, Geporlos, Guiuan, Hernani, Jipapad, Lawa-an, Llorente, Maslog, Maydolong, Mercedes, Oras, Quinapundan, Salcedo, San Julian, San Policarpio, Sulat, and Taft.
The Province of Western Samar consists of the municipalities of Basey, Calbiga, Catbalogan, Daram, Gandara, Sta. Margarita, Hinabangan, Jiabong, Marabut, Motiong, Pinacdao, Sta. Rita, Talalora, Tarangan, Villareal, Wright, Zummarraga, Matuginao, San Jose de Buan, San Sebastian, Almagro, and Sto. Nino.
The capital of Northern Samar is Catarman, the capital of Eastern Samar is Borongan, and the capital of Western Samar is Catbalogan.
The division became effective upon approval by a majority of qualified voters in a plebiscite held simultaneously with the general elections of November 1965, and the new provinces were organized immediately after the election of their officials in November 1967.
All provisions of law now or hereafter applicable to regular provinces shall be applicable to Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and Western Samar, except as otherwise provided.
The present congressional districts were maintained until a reapportionment is approved, with the City of Calbayog forming part of the representative district of Western Samar.
These are divided equally among the three new provinces by the President of the Philippines upon the recommendation of the Auditor General.
Under Republic Act No. 4221, approved on June 19, 1965.