The Province of Aklan recently embarked on a meaningful journey to the Province of Samar for a benchmarking and knowledge-sharing visit that strengthened both collaboration and friendship between the two provinces.
The visit went beyond exchanging programs. It was a meeting of hearts and shared visions, centered on people, youth empowerment, inclusive health, and sustainable development.
“We are honored to welcome the delegation from Aklan Province, led by Gov. Jose Enrique Miraflores.”
“We are honored to welcome the delegation from Aklan Province, led by Gov. Jose Enrique Miraflores, for a meaningful Knowledge Exchange and Learning Visit in Samar,” Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan said.
The Provincial Government of Samar began the exchange with its celebrated tourism movement, Spark Samar. This homegrown initiative has transformed local heritage, nature, and creativity into sustainable livelihood opportunities. Through programs like Lara, The Secret Kitchens of Samar, and the Tandaya Trail, Samar province has continued to uplift communities by weaving culture, enterprise, and tourism together, literally turning strands of banig into stories of empowerment and pride.
The delegation from Aklan also learned about Samar’s other flagship programs that reflect its deep commitment to inclusive and transformative growth. Among these were the One Values Program, a moral recovery program and learning initiative which aims to instill core values across all age groups, and Sirak Kabataan, a youth development program built on leadership and systems thinking that empowers young people to become changemakers in their communities.
Equally inspiring were the Protecteen Program, which provides holistic support for adolescent mothers and their families, and the Purple Desk Mental Health Program, which creates youth-friendly spaces for emotional support and mental health awareness across schools and barangays. These initiatives resonated deeply with the Aklan delegation, reflecting shared hopes for a generation that is more resilient, compassionate, and engaged.
Samar’s Public Employment Service Office (PESO) also presented its JobsNext Program, an innovative workforce development initiative that equips Samarnons with digital and green skills, ensuring that no one is left behind in an evolving job market.
Meanwhile, through the Ospital sa Barangay (OSB) program, the delegation witnessed how healthcare can be brought directly to the people. With over 160,000 beneficiaries served, the OSB has shown that accessibility and compassion can go hand in hand, reaching even the farthest communities.
Moreover, at the Samar Center for Developmental Pediatrics, the team from Aklan also saw the province’s strong advocacy for inclusion and early intervention for children with developmental conditions. The exchange of ideas and experiences between the two provinces has sparked a common vision of continuing compassion and learning together.
This exchange has laid the foundation for a Sisterhood Agreement between the Provinces of Samar and Aklan.
This exchange has laid the foundation for a Sisterhood Agreement between the Provinces of Samar and Aklan, rooted in aligned principles of good governance, innovation, and compassion for people.
From governance discussions to community immersions, every part of the Samar-Aklan visit reflected one truth: when provinces come together with sincerity and purpose, development becomes not just a goal but a shared journey.
“This exchange reaffirms our shared vision: empowering people, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities for every Filipino,” Tan concluded.
