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| President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has officially inaugurated the Samar Pacific Coastal Road (SPCR) Project, signaling a new era of development in Northern Samar. Photo: DPWH-8/Facebook |
EASTERN VISAYAS – President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. presided over a historic ceremony in Northern Samar as he inaugurated on July 14, 2023, the long-awaited Samar Pacific Coastal Road (SPCR) Project. The momentous event, graced by esteemed guests including South Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-Hwa and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, marked a significant milestone in the province's progress.
The SPCR Project aims to connect the coastal towns of Northern Samar, ushering in a new era of development for the region's agricultural and fishing sectors. President Marcos expressed his optimism that the opening of this vital road, along with its accompanying bridges, would fuel growth in the province's rich agricultural lands and abundant fishing grounds. Moreover, the enhanced transportation infrastructure will facilitate the efficient delivery of essential goods and services, ultimately raising the standard of living for the local population.
With a total cost of Php 1.03 billion, the first phase of the SPCR Project was funded by the Government of the Philippines, with support from the Export-Import Bank of Korea through the Korean Government's Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) Official Development Assistance (ODA) program. The presence of Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-Hwa at the inauguration underscored the importance of resilient infrastructure in eradicating poverty and promoting sustainable development.
Ambassador Sang-Hwa emphasized that the SPCR Project is a vital backbone for the province, benefiting local communities in numerous ways. By showcasing the island's natural beauty and facilitating the movement of people and goods, the SPCR will drive economic growth, spur business activities, and enhance the delivery of essential services.
The DPWH Unified Project Management Office - Roads Management Cluster II (Multilateral) oversaw the project, with Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain providing overall supervision. Project Director Sharif Madsmo H. Hasim and Project Manager Teresita V. Bauzon played instrumental roles as project leads.
Secretary Bonoan, in his project briefing to President Marcos, emphasized the significance of the newly inaugurated section of the SPCR. This segment, which connects Simora and Palapag towns in Northern Samar, not only promotes peace and security but also unlocks the vast potential of the region's agricultural areas.
The initial phase of the project involved the construction of an 11.6-kilometer road, complemented by three bridges: the 161-lineal meter Simora Bridge in Palapag, the 31-lineal meter Jangtud 1 Bridge in Barangay EJ Dulay, Laoang, and the 69-lineal meter Jangtud 2 Bridge in Barangay Rombang, also in Laoang.
During the inauguration, it was revealed that the DPWH is currently processing the funding for SPCR Phase 2. Once again, the Export-Import Bank of Korea will extend financial support for this phase, which includes a 15.01-kilometer extension from the Laoang-Palapag Road Junction to the Catarman-Laoang Road Junction. Phase 2 will also feature the construction of two additional long-span bridges: the 800-meter Laoang Bridge II and the 605-meter Calomotan Bridge.
Aligned with the DPWH's Infragenda 2028 and the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, the SPCR Project is a necessary catalyst for sustainable development in the areas it traverses. The envisioned progress will significantly enhance the quality of life for communities in Northern Samar, paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future. —iTacloban (Source: DPWH-8)