TACLOBAN CITY – The construction of two multi-million infrastructure projects is seen to boost the campaign against local insurgency with the PHP163-million Maslog and Jipapad Road (Phase I), and the PHP30-million Panic-an Bridge in Maslog in Eastern Samar.
The 2.4-kilometer Maslog and Jipapad Road (Phase I) and the 22-meter Panic-an Bridge will connect barangays and municipalities, especially in vulnerable areas to foster socio-economic development, especially in conflict-affected areas. The farm-to-market roads were funded under the Fiscal Year 2024 Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program, which focuses on the transformation of former rebels (FRs), their families, and communities.
Brigadier General Lenart Lelina, Commander of the 801st Infantry Brigade, stressed the importance of farm-to-market roads citing the adage, “Insurgency ends where road begins.”
“These two municipalities were formerly considered hotbeds of the insurgents in the province of Eastern Samar. But now, with these infrastructure projects, economic development will soon start to flourish,” he shared.
Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, the Commander of the 8th Infantry Division and the Joint Task Force Storm, thanked the government’s continued support in putting initiatives that are critical in defeating the Communist Terrorist Group. “Through these projects, the root causes of insurgency will be addressed. The delivery of basic government services and the socio-economic development will improve through these access roads,” Maj. Gen. Orio noted. (By Marie Tonette Marticio / EV Mail December 16-22, 2024 issue)
