TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Public Works and Highways(DPWH) has expressed support for the proposed “unity road” project that aims to connect the tri-boundary areas of Samar Island, a move officials say will improve access to remote communities and help address remaining insurgency concerns in the region.
DPWH Sec. Vince Dizon confirmed the government’s backing for the proposed road network following a meeting with local officials from Eastern Visayas.
The discussions were attended by Governors Sharee Ann Tan of Samar; Ralph Vincent Evardone of Eastern Samar; Harris Christopher Ongchuan of Northern Samar, and Carlos Jericho Petilla of Leyte.
Also present were Rep. and House Minority Floor Leader Marcelino Libanan; Eastern Samar Rep. Christopher Sheen Gonzales, and Rep. Edwin Ongchuan (Northern Samar).
Officials said the unity road project is expected to improve connectivity in remote areas of Samar Island, which authorities say could help weaken the presence of remaining members of the New People’s Army by opening isolated communities to government services and economic opportunities.
The project will prioritize the completion of several ongoing road sections, including the Jipapad–Las Navas Road, Matuguinao–Las Navas Road, and Matuguinao–Silvino Lobos Road.
Rep. Ongchuan said the road network would be particularly beneficial in areas where remnants of the New People’s Army continue to operate.
“Nandun po sa amin sa Las Navas ang main camp ng NPA. Napakalaking tulong po na matapos po itong tri-boundary ng Eastern, Northern, at Samar province para magkaroon ng accessibility ang mga kababayan natin, lalong-lalo na yung mga nasa military at sa PNP,” Ongchuan said.
Since part of the proposed road alignment passes through the Samar Island Natural Park, a protected area, Governor Tan said consultations have already been initiated with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the park’s Protected Area Management Board to secure the necessary permits.
Tan said the DENR suggested using old logging roads as part of the alignment to avoid cutting trees inside the forest reserve.
“We discussed this with the PAMB, and the DENR suggested that we use the old logging road to avoid the cutting of trees,” Tan said.
She added that the PAMB had also granted permits reclassifying some areas into multi-use zones to accommodate the project.
As an added safeguard against illegal logging, Tan said fences would be installed on both sides of the road passing through forested areas.
The proposed Unity Road project is estimated to cost about P11 billion and will cover several road sections, including the Matuguinao–Silvino Lobos Road, Matuguinao–Las Navas Road, Calbayog–Bobon Road, San Jose de Buan–Maslog Road, San Jose de Buan–Las Navas Road, and Calbiga–Borongan Road.
Once completed, the road network is expected to span about 181.17 kilometers across Samar Island.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
