Almost every island in the Philippine archipelago has at least one tucked-away masterpiece waiting to be discovered. For Northern Samar, it's Biri Island.
Biri Island is a fifth-class municipality made up of various islands off the north coast of Samar Island, facing the Pacific Ocean to the east and the San Bernardino Strait to the west.
The island is also the battleground between the San Bernardino Strait and the powerful Pacific, which drives its tides into the Visayan territory.
Biri Island is one of the eighteen islands that make up the Balicuatro Group, which is situated 45 minutes off the northwest coast of Samar Island. The group is scattered over the area that separates Samar and Luzon from the San Bernardino Strait and the Pacific Ocean.
Unspoiled beach
Biri Island's natural splendor is essentially unspoiled. Its views are breathtaking, its beaches immaculate, and its rock formations gigantic. The village is tranquil and extremely relaxed.
It is distinct from many other well-known locations in the nation, lacking the fine white sand beaches. The rough, rugged boulders that rise from the cliffs and the transparent blue rock pools against the pure sky have a certain allure for anyone who dares to visit.
The government recognized its untouched aura, turning up the notch on its tourism push.
In 2023, Biri was added as one of the destinations for international cruises in Eastern Visayas and the second town in Northern Samar to be included in adventure cruise port calls.
Rock formations
According to the National Institute of Geological Sciences Research of the University of the Philippines, Biri's breathtaking rock formation, which is pushed upward by tectonic movements brought on by earthquakes, dates back around 24 million years ago.
Magasang, Magsapad, Bel-at, Caranas, Macadlaw, Puhunan, and Pinanahawan are the town's seven rock formations; however, only six are easily accessible as waves tend to be dangerous for tourists.
Magasang and Magsapad are the two most famous among all the island’s rocks. Constantly photographed for their intricate formations, The two are separated only by a natural ground pool regularly filled by the Pacific's splashing waves.
Biri’s locals
There are eight barangays in the municipality. Of these, four are found on different islands: Brgy. San Antonio, Brgy. San Pedro, Brgy. Mac Arthur and Brgy. Pio del pilar.
Most of the Municipality's natural resources are fish and other marine goods. In addition, the people who live there grow coconuts, rice, and root crops.
The people of Biri naturally and attractively create a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere, matching the town's allure.
