Thru roads and bridges connectivity
(story on page 2) (THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF NORTHERN SAMAR)
TACLOBAN CITY – The three governors of Samar Island are pushing for the construction of roads and bridges that would link the entire island in an effort to address its two fundamental challenges: poverty and insurgency.
On Tuesday, February 11, Governors Edwin Ongchuan of Northern Samar, Sharee Ann Tan of Samar, and Ben Evardone of Eastern Samar, through a representative, met in Calbayog City, Samar to discuss key infrastructure projects that could connect their respective provinces.
This initiative highlights their collective effort to fast-track Samar’s development through enhanced connectivity and economic growth.
Governor Tan emphasized that the meeting was an opportunity to align with development partners and discuss the challenges of securing funds and addressing insurgency.
“We are considering the amount or the funding needed, but there is also another dimension, which is the insurgency problem that the military has pointed out,” she said.
Governor Ongchuan stressed that, given the multi-billion peso cost of these projects, provincial governments alone cannot shoulder the burden, making national government support crucial.
“While we have made significant strides in infrastructure development—including roads, bridges, and essential public amenities—there is still a pressing need for further support. A comprehensive and efficient road network is crucial for propelling Northern Samar, and the entire Samar Island, toward a future marked by lasting peace,” Ongchuan stated.
In the past two years, Northern Samar has invested over P850 million in various infrastructure projects, including roads and bridges, to boost connectivity and economic activity, he said.
Jhon Allen Berbon, head of the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office of Northern Samar, expressed optimism about the initiative, citing its wide-ranging impact on the entire Samar Island.
“The interconnection of the three provinces will pave the way for economic development, improve the delivery of basic services, and, most importantly, help eradicate the insurgency problem,” he said.
The three Samar provinces continue to struggle with insurgency, a major factor deterring potential investors.
Additionally, these provinces are among the least developed in the country, with poverty incidences of 35.8% in Samar, 35.6% in Eastern Samar, and 27.5% in Northern Samar, based on the 2023 report from the Philippine Statistics Authority.
Berbon also stressed the need for full support from all congressmen representing Samar Island, as well as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., to secure funding for these infrastructure projects.
“The three governors are optimistic that with their endorsement, the backing of all congressmen, and the support of the President, these projects will receive funding,” he added.
They hope that allocations for these infrastructures will be included in next year’s national budget.
Among the priority projects discussed were the completion of critical routes such as the E. Duran to Macatingog (Bobon) Road in Northern Samar and the Silvino Lubos-Matuguinao Road in Samar.
The nearly completed Catumsan-Jipapad-Las Navas-Catubig-Rawis Road, also known as the Las Navas (Northern Samar)-Jipapad Road in Eastern Samar, is currently 72% complete.
Meanwhile, ongoing efforts to complete the Silvino Lubos (Northern Samar)-Matuguinao Road (Samar) aim not only to curb insurgent movements but also to open essential trade routes.
These roads are particularly vital for connecting remote communities across Samar’s provinces, improving access to healthcare, education, and other basic services, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for Samarnons.
The Silvino Lubos-Matuguinao Road, extending 18 kilometers with plans for four new bridges, is estimated to cost P3.2 billion.
Furthermore, the development of the E. Duran to Macatingog (Bobon) Road, with an estimated budget of P350 million, promises a more direct link between Bobon in Northern Samar and adjacent areas like Calbayog City in Samar, aiding in efforts to combat insurgency.
Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone, who was represented at the meeting by his provincial planning development officer Joselito Abrugar, reiterated the province’s full support for the initiative, emphasizing its role in addressing poverty and achieving long-term peace and stability in Samar.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
