The Island Garden City of Samal has made the difficult decision to postpone its highly anticipated Bi-expats Program in the wake of the recent earthquake that shook the region. The local government announced this temporary suspension as recovery efforts continue across the island.
Mayor Al David Uy confirmed the postponement, citing the need to prioritize public safety and infrastructure assessment following the seismic event that impacted various areas of Samal. The program, which was designed to facilitate the registration and documentation of foreign residents on the island, will be rescheduled once conditions stabilize.
Recovery Efforts Take Priority
Local authorities emphasized that their immediate focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents, both Filipino and foreign nationals. The earthquake aftermath has required significant government resources to be directed toward damage assessment and rehabilitation of affected areas.
"While we recognize the importance of the Bi-expats Program for our foreign community, the current situation demands our full attention toward recovery operations," stated Mayor Uy in an official release.
What This Means for Foreign Residents
The postponement affects all foreign nationals residing in Samal who were planning to participate in the registration program. The local government has assured the international community that updates regarding the new schedule will be communicated through official channels once a new timeline is established.
Authorities have encouraged foreign residents to remain patient and continue following standard immigration protocols while the island recovers from the natural disaster. The Samal Island tourism office has also noted that essential services for visitors and expatriates remain operational despite the temporary program delay.
