CATARMAN, Northern Samar — The Department of Public Works and Highways in Region 8 (DPWH-8) disclosed on Friday that the new administration will continue the implementation of a high impact infrastructure project previously included in the Duterte government’s “Build, Build, Build” program.
According to DPWH-8 regional director Allan Borromeo, the infrastructure project in Northern Samar — particularly the Laoang Bridge 2 and 3 construction — will be ongoing and funding will come from the official development assistance of Korea.
“The high impact projects, Laoang Bridge 2 and 3 will definitely push through and will be funded through the Korea International Cooperation Agency,” Borromeo said.
He added that the project is expected to commence in 2023.
The two bridges are vital components of the P1.126 billion Samar Pacific Coastal Road Project (SPCR) which will link the Pacific towns of Laoang, Catubig and Palapag in Northern Samar and complete the circumferential road network in Samar Island.
The construction of the two bridges forms part of the SPCR Project Phase 2 from Catarman-Laoang Road Junction to Laoang-Palapag Road Junction. Once completed, it will lessen the travel time and establish a sustainable economic development foundation in Northern Samar.
The SPCR is one of the seven flagship projects of the Duterte administration’s “Build Build Build” program.
Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan expressed his gratitude to the national government for finally including the construction of Laoang Bridge 2 and 3 among the high-impact projects which it will implement in the coming years.
The project, which includes the construction of the Talisay-Poblacion Laoang Bridge (Laoang Bridge II) and the Calomotan-Pangpang (Laoang Bridge III) has long been proposed during the term of then Second District Rep. Emil L. Ong in 2007.