South Korea was instrumental in the completion of the Samar Pacific Coastal Road (SPCR) project, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said.
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (RTVM Screenshot)
To show his appreciation, Marcos dedicated half of his speech during the inauguration of the 11.6-kilometer (km)
coastal road in Northern Samar to recognize the contributions of the South Korean government in the realization of the big-ticket project.
"Let me first extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Korean Government—through the [Export-Import] Bank of Korea—for your support for this project and the other initiatives in the Build Better More program," Marcos said.
"Indeed, you have helped us lay the groundwork for a more progressive and prosperous Philippines," he added.
South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa represented his country during the inauguration ceremony. Recently designated as envoy to Manila, Lee presented his credentials to Marcos last July 10.
The President said the coastal road project is only one of the 21 projects in the country funded by South Korea.
"We anticipate even an increase of that. And Korea has always been a very good friend to the Philippines," he said.
Marcos further acknowledged the assistance given by the South Korean government to the country during the country's worst typhoons and Covid-19 pandemic.
He recalled that South Korea was "one of the first countries to send a sizable contingent to come and to help us" after the onslaught of typhoon Yolanda.
The chief executive said they did not only come to bring relief goods, but they also helped the country with the water supply.
"They brought their own vehicles and they assigned many of their soldiers to come and be of assistance, and there were also engineers," Marcos said.
"But the further thing that Korea did for us when maybe 80 percent of the other aid programs had already left the province, Korea stayed for another three years, for three years," he added.
During those three years, the President said, they were rebuilding the water systems, and electrical systems.
"And they did not leave us until those buildings were complete and that is why I say, thank you once again to our very, very good friend in Korea," Marcos said.
"It has been an honor to build this partnership with you. I look forward to more collaboration and more flagship projects for the greater good of the Filipino people," he added.
He further expressed that the undertaking —the construction of SPCR— will only further strengthen the cooperation between the Philippines and South Korea.
The SPCR was constructed with the assistance of the Government of the Republic of Korea.
The government said the coastal road is instrumental in establishing the Samar Island Circumferential Road which is poised to facilitate better mobility of goods and services, as well as bring in the much-needed development in the communities.