In celebration of the 48th Founding Anniversary of the municipality of Biri, Northern Samar, the NEDA Regional Office VIII, represented by OIC-Chief Annielyn B. Costiniano of the Policy Formulation and Planning Division, participated in the activity with the theme: “Biri: the home of the iconic rock formations and natural resources – the propeller for economic growth of the island.”

Biri was originally an island barangay under the jurisdiction of Bobon, Northern Samar until its conversion into a new municipality on June 21, 1969, making it the 21st municipality of the province. Biri was derived from the Spanish word to “barrer”, meaning to sweep. The island was then the entry point to Luzon and Visayas.

NEDA VIII was invited as guest of honor and keynote speaker during the occasion. Regional Director Bonifacio G. Uy, in his message delivered by OIC-Chief Costiniano, extended his warm greetings to all Birianons and the local government unit for their 48th founding anniversary. He emphasized that tourism is one of the strengths of Eastern Visayas. Hence, it was identified as one of the development thrusts of the region in the Eastern Visayas Regional Development Plan 2017-2022. RD Uy highlighted the pivotal role of local government units in the development process and encouraged their full participation towards the realization of the said plan.

The municipality of Biri is seen to play a significant role in the region’s tourism industry since it is home of the iconic and magnificent Biri Rock Formations formed over millions of years ago. It is composed of seven gigantic limestone rocks and is considered as one of the country’s hidden treasures. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources declared it as a protected seascape and landscape area in 2010.

Annielyn B. Costiniano, PFPD, NEDA VIII