By Nestor L.Abrematea  Catarman, Northern Samar – Pristine, white sand beaches in Northern Samar await local and foreign tourists in search of a soothing, serene summer getaways. Northern Samar Governor Jose L. Ong Jr. said with the environmental issues hounding world-renowned Boracay Island in Aklan, the white sand beaches of Northern Samar is an alternative tourist destination. Ong said the white – sand beaches of Northern Samar can compete with the beaches of Boracay Island. He said he will be meeting with the mayors of the province to ensure that environmental laws are strictly followed. Ong welcomed the daily flights from Clark in Pampanga to Catarman, which is expected to boost tourism. New hotels and resorts have since opened in Northern Samar to host tourists. Among the famous beaches that can be visited by foreign and local tourists are those in San Antonio Island, Biri Island, Unay beach in Laoang Island and Canawayon beach in Lapinig. Northern Samar can also be reached by commercial flights from Manila and by land through Matnog in Sorsogon to Allen via ferry boats.