TACLOBAN CITY —Residents and farmers in several communities in Samar have welcomed the ongoing repair of damaged portions of the Maharlika Highway, saying the improvements are expected to make travel safer and speed up the transport of agricultural products.

People living in Barangays Laygayon and Pinabacdao in the town of Pinabacdao, Samar and
Barangay Tulay in Santa Rita, Samar said sections of the highway had long been riddled with potholes and damaged pavement, causing delays in travel and posing risks to motorists.

With the rehabilitation work now underway, residents believe the repairs will reduce accidents along the busy national highway. Barangay Tulay Kagawad Rodolfo Linatoc said the improved road condition is already helping motorists pass through the area more
safely.

He added that accidents had been common in their barangay when the road was still in poor condition and expressed hope that the rehabilitation of the highway would continue until all damaged sections are repaired.

Linatoc also thanked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for prioritizing the road rehabilitation project.

Barangay Laygayon secretary Daisy Joy Mabahin said the road repairs will greatly help local farmers, noting that many residents rely on agriculture for their livelihood.

She said the improved road condition will make it easier and faster for farmers to transport their produce to markets. DPWH Sec. Vince Dizon visited Samar last week to inspect the ongo ing road reblocking along the Maharlika Highway, particularly in the towns of Pinabacdao and Santa Rita where several damaged sections remain.

During the inspection, Dizon directed contractors to complete the current road reblocking
works before the observance of Holy Week to ensure smoother travel for motorists.
The public works chief inspected four sections of the highway—two in Pinabacdao located in Barangays Nabong and Laygayon, and two in Santa Rita in Barangays Tulay and San Pascual.

Dizon said the repair works are progressing faster compared to his previous inspection in February, adding that additional reblocking projects will continue after Holy Week
to address remaining damaged sections of the highway.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY-Lawmakers have filed a bill to declare the multi-tiered Maharlika Falls in Taft, Eastern Samar, as an official ecotourism destination, highlighting its potential to draw visitors and create new livelihood opportunities for local communities.

House Bill No. 7692, known as the ‘Maharlika Falls Tourist Destination Act’, seeks to formally integrate the falls into the National Tourism Development Plan and mandate the Department of Tourism (DOT) to prepare a sustainable development program for the site. The measure emphasizes balancing tourism growth with the protection, preservation, and conservation of the waterfall’s natural surroundings.

Eastern Samar Lone District Representative Christopher Sheen Gonzales and 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan introduced the bill, pointing to the falls’ natural beauty, cascading tiers, and accessible trekking trails as key factors for its tourism appeal.

“There’s no question that Maharlika Falls is one of Eastern Samar’s hidden natural treasures,” Gonzales said. “With its pristine forest, breathtaking cascades, and relative accessibility, it can become a major ecotourism destination not only for Eastern Samar but for the entire Eastern Visayas region.”

The lawmaker emphasized that the initiative aims to promote tourism that benefits local communities. “Our goal is to develop Maharlika Falls in a way that protects its natural beauty while creating jobs and income opportunities for residents,” Gonzales added.

Located in Barangay San Rafael, Taft, Maharlika Falls sits within an untouched forest landscape and is accessible via a 30-minute trek from the nearest entry point. The waterfall is part of a mountainous watershed connected to the Taft-Tubig River system, which also supports local hydroelectric projects, and lies within the broader conservation network of the Samar Island Natural Park, one of the Philippines’ largest protected areas.

Tourism experts and environmental advocates say that designating Maharlika Falls as an official ecotourism site could boost sustainable tourism in the region, attract nature enthusiasts, and encourage the preservation of Eastern Samar’s unique ecosystems.

(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)