As the San Juanico Bridge lit up, displaying an P80-million light and sound show, on Wednesday night, Oct. 19, President Marcos committed his support in similar enhancement projects local governments will pursue under his watch.

"Rest assured that this administration will stay the course to provide whatever you need to enhance, preserve, and showcase the best that you have to offer," Marcos told the local government units (LGUs).

Marcos, who graced the switch-on ceremony of the multi-million project, has also encouraged local officials to come up with projects that will provide "long-lasting impacts" to Filipinos.

"t is my earnest desire that this event will encourage the local governments of Samar and Leyte, its people, as well as every Filipino, to pursue programs that will not only result to significant enhancements to our infrastructure, but will also pave the way for long-lasting impacts in the lives of our fellow Filipinos," he said.

He said that the lights of the bridge "signal our resolve to make our islands even more connected, by filling its gaps with displays of ingenuity, creativity, and openness, so that progress may move freely among us."

The President also said he is looking forward to the economic opportunities the bridge enhancement project would bring, including gains in tourism.

"With the recent completion of the San Juanico Aesthetic Lighting Project, I look forward to seeing the bridge turn into a true sight to behold, not just during the day, but now even in the dark at night. I look forward to the economic opportunities that will be stimulated by this, as well as other Spark Samar initiatives, in the near future," he said.

"I eagerly anticipate the assistance it will bring for the complete recovery of the tourism industry in the Eastern Visayas and nearby areas," he added.

The Chief Executive also enjoined the LGUs to pursue projects that will improve the lives of Filipnos.

"It is my hope that in everything we do — even the most mundane activities in our daily lives — let it be our goal to enrich other people’s lives. Let us contribute in whatever way we can," he said.

The aesthetic lighting project was proposed to the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) in 2015 by Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan and the Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 8 (Eastern Visayas).

TIEZA allocated P80 million for the project that was completed by Amigo Entertainment Technologies, Inc. after more than three years of delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The project is seen to usher in economic development by boosting the tourism industry in the southern part of Samar, particularly in the towns of Sta. Rita and Basey, and help address insurgency in the province.