By Mina Diaz
07/02/2009 [ tribune.net.ph ]
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is speeding up the completion of Laoang-Lapinig-Arteche-San Policarpio Road a component of the Samar Circumferential Road to ensure immediate transport of goods and basic services that will boost the agricultural industry in the provinces of Eastern Samar and Northern Samar.
DPWH Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. said he had already instructed the field engineers to ensure that the project would be completed on or before December 2009. He said the project would have a tremendous impact in the agricultural communities in the area.
Ebdane said the road network would benefit the rice granaries in Northern Samar as well as corn and sweet potato farmers in Eastern Visayas. “Tthe immediate completion of this project would surely increase the income of the farmers in the area and would also open the investment and employment opportunities in the nearby municipalities,” he explained.
DPWH Region VIII Director Angelito Twaño said that because of its former grade as gravel road, the Samar Circumferential Road was hardly passable during summer days and impassable during rainy season. He added that since the project is now 63.7% complete, motorists are now experiencing a more convenient travel on that road section.
“The realization of this project will provide an access to the remote areas of two Samar provinces like Laoang, Palapag, Mapanas, Gamay, Lapinig, Arteche and San Policarpio, which will surely boost their economic activities. It will also significantly promote eco-tourism industry in Samar “ Twaño said.
This P3.2-billion road project involves the concreting of 130.4 kilometers of road, replacement of a bridge, slope protection works, drainage structures and installation of road safety devices.
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