Governor Sharee Ann T. Tan

Province of Samar

Gov. Sharee Ann T. Tan

Gov. Sharee Ann T. Tan is a development-oriented leader recognized for transforming provincial governance through social innovation, cultural branding, and grassroots healthcare.

With a career spanning both executive and legislative branches, she is known for shifting the narrative of Samar from conflict to tourism and economic opportunity through her flagship “Spark Samar” agenda.

Governance & Social Innovation

As Governor, she advances an entrepreneurial approach to local governance, with programs that connect livelihood, culture, and inclusive public services.

  • Spark Samar Development Agenda: A post-calamity tourism and development roadmap that helped rebrand Samar as a key eco-tourism destination and earned international recognition.
  • LARA (Lifestyle Brand): Elevated Tikog weaving into export-ready products, increasing artisan income and bringing Samar craftsmanship to major trade fairs.
  • Ospital sa Barangay (OSB): Mobile healthcare delivery with diagnostics and free pharmacy support for geographically isolated communities.
  • One Values Program (OVP): A values-based anti-malnutrition effort that combines feeding support with parent education for long-term family wellness.

Legislative Track Record

During her tenure in the House of Representatives, she backed legislation focused on healthcare access, environmental protection, and local development.

  • Historic Milestone: Elected at age 25, recognized as the youngest female Representative in Philippine history during the 14th Congress.
  • Local Healthcare: Supported measures to increase bed capacity and improve Samar Provincial Hospital facilities.
  • Eco-Tourism Zones: Advanced protection and development support for sites such as Ulot River, Lulugayan Falls, and Sohoton Caves.
  • Industry and Education: Backed the Tikog Industry Development Act and establishment of national high schools in rural municipalities.

Cultural & Peace Advocacy

Her leadership highlights culture as a foundation for unity, social cohesion, and sustainable peacebuilding.

  • Tandaya Festival: Revived and expanded as a province-wide celebration of local identity and municipal unity.
  • Local Peace Engagement: Supports integration and livelihood pathways for former rebels through coordinated peace and order initiatives.
  • Heritage Preservation: Promotes living traditions such as Kuratsa as community-binding practices that sustain Samarnon identity.

Recent Initiatives & Regional Integration

  • Secret Kitchens of Samar: A culinary tourism initiative that gained global recognition at the 2025 Gourmand World Cookbook Awards.
  • One People One Samar: A strategic priority focused on island-wide road connectivity in collaboration with Northern and Eastern Samar to improve access, reduce poverty, and support peace.

She is widely described as a hands-on administrator who combines modern branding with grassroots immersion, emphasizing human capital development through livelihood, healthcare, and family-centered programs.