President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is optimistic that the opening of the Samar Pacific Coastal Road (SPCR) project will bring further development to Northern Samar and its neighboring communities.
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (RTVM Screenshot)
Marcos led the inauguration of the 11.6-kilometer coastal road project on Friday, July 14.
"The completion of this key infrastructure initiative links the so-called 'Pacific towns' of Samar and establishes a circumferential road around the entire island connecting markets, industries, and communities," Marcos said in his speech.
"With the opening of this road and its bridges, the development of Northern Samar’s rich agricultural lands and bountiful fishing grounds will follow suit," he added.
The President noted that the road will also expedite the delivery and movement of basic goods and services, which would in turn improve the people’s quality of life.
The undertaking, he added, strengthens the government’s resolve to improve the peace and order situation in the province and ensure that economic gains and basic services reach everyone on the island.
The local governments will also have more options and capabilit to take on their initiatives that will help the entire region, the Chief Executive said.
"And of course, in Leyte, all these business will go through Tacloban. So, that’s also good for Leyte. It is a very important development that we are witnessing today," he said.
Also in his speech, Marcos assured the local governments of the national government's support in their efforts to alleviate poverty, to promote good governance, secure the health and well-being of the citizenry, and usher inclusive development in their respective province.
(RTVM Screenshot)
He also reaffirmed the national government's commitment to continue implementing high-impact infrastructure projects throughout the archipelago.
With this, he urged the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to "stand firm on our mission to establish a seamless and inclusive inter-island connectivity through national and local linkages".
"Through our determined efforts, we can build projects that will spur the growth of our local industries, boost our trade and our commerce, create more opportunities for our people," he said before concluding his remarks.
The SPCR is an 11.607-kilometer road with three component bridges beginning at the Simora Junction in the Municipality of Laoang going to Barangay Mabaras in the Municipality of Palapag.
It was constructed through the assistance of the Government of the Republic of Korea.