MASLOG, Eastern Samar-Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) led the groundbreaking ceremony for a more than P90-million Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana) project in this town.
Joining Galvez at the event were Pamana Director J. Anthony Peña, House Minority Floor Leader Marcelino Libanan, Maslog Mayor Heracleo Santiago, Armed Forces of the Philippines Visayas Commander Lt. Gen. Fernando Reyeg, 801st Brigade Commander Lenart Lelina, and OPAPRU Eastern Visayas Area Manager Emilda Calagos Bonifacio.
The project includes over P163 million for road concreting and nearly P29 million for bridge construction to connect the town of Maslog to Jipapad.
“Let us cherish and maximize this gift from the government,” said Sec. Galvez, emphasizing that infrastructure development in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) addresses social issues often exploited by insurgent groups.
“Roads bring mobility, and mobility sparks economic activity,” he added.
Maslog Mayor Heracleo Santiago expressed gratitude to OPAPRU and Pamana for securing funding for the project, which he said is expected to spur economic growth, improve access to education, and help farmers transport their goods to market more efficiently.
The project will traverse three interior barangays of Maslog, benefiting over 900 residents upon completion.
“This road project, located near the tri-boundary of the three Samar provinces, will not only boost development but also help address the insurgency problem,” Santiago said. “It will encourage individuals who have yet to surrender and weaken, if not eliminate, insurgency in the area.”
Pamana NPMO representative Armenia Balanay commended Maslog’s local government for its ability to implement infrastructure projects efficiently and within national standards.
“They have consistently delivered Pamana-funded projects on time, ensured proper liquidation, and met the quality standards set by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH),” she noted.
The road project, which will be implemented by the Maslog LGU, is set to be completed within 262 days.
House Minority Floor Leader Marcelino Libanan assured his continued support to secure sufficient funding from the national government, ensuring the project’s timely completion.
“This is a vital step toward improving the lives of our constituents and fostering peace and development in the region,” the solon said.
The Pamana program, a key initiative of OPAPRU, focuses on providing development in conflict-affected and vulnerable communities, contributing to the government’s goal of lasting peace and prosperity.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
