TACLOBAN CITY – Governors Edwin Ongchuan of Northern Samar and Sharee Ann Tan of Samar unite to push for the advancement of key road projects in Samar Island.
Governor Tan thanked Governor Edwin Ongchuan for the strong collaboration and support for the proposed projects in a meeting, Tuesday (February 11). Among the initiatives, emphasis was placed on the completion of critical routes such as the E. Duran to Macatingog (Bobon) Road in Northern Samar, and the Silvino Lubos-Matuguinao Road.
The development of the E. Duran to Macatingog (Bobon) Road, estimated at PHP350 million, promises a more direct link between Bobon in Northern Samar and adjacent areas like Calbayog City in Samar, aiding in combating insurgency.
The nearly completed Catumsan-Jipapad-Las Navas-Catubig-Rawis Road, also known as the Las Navas-Jipapad Road is now 72 percent completed.
Ongoing efforts on the Silvino Lubos-Matuguinao Road aim not only to curb insurgent movements but also to open essential trade routes.
The said routes are particularly vital for connecting remote communities across Samar’s provinces and their access to basic health care, education, and other basic services, enhancing Samarnons’ quality of life. It also includes the PHP3.2 billion Silvino Lubos-Matuguinao Road, extending 18 kilometers with plans for four new bridges.
Governor Ongchuan also expressed gratitude for the national government’s support for peace initiatives and infrastructure development. “We are deeply thankful for the national government’s ongoing support for our peace initiatives and the development of our infrastructure, including significant projects like the Mondragon-Silvino Lubos Road and the Samar Pacific Coastal Road project (SPCR) 1, as well as the recently approved PHP7.2 billion SPCR 2 project, which will connect Laoang to the mainland,” he shared.
Despite significant investments in infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and essential public amenities exceeding PHP858 million in over two years, Governor Ongchuan emphasized the necessity for further support, saying, “There is still a pressing need for further support to comprehensively address the requirement for an extensive and efficient road network. This infrastructure is crucial for propelling Northern Samar, and indeed the entirety of Samar Island, toward a future marked by enduring peace.” (By Marie Tonette Marticio / EV Mail FEB. 10-16, 2025 issue)
