NSSDEO, Brgy. Burabud, Laoang, N. Samar– The dream and aspirations of traversing residents along Silvino Lubos – Matuguinao Road are the leading beneficiaries of this priority project. It will bring a fruitful change and progress to the said municipalities and its people. The struggle of the people in terms of difficult travel and economy will come to an end due to the efforts, collaboration, and coordination among line agencies involved in the infrastructure development in the Province of Northern Samar.

The Department of Public Works and Highways-Northern Samar Second District Engineering Office (DPWH-NSSDEO), spearheaded by OIC-District Engineer Charlito S. Carlobos and OIC-Assistant District Engineer Atty. Arthur Eric L. Sabong, instructed technical personnel of Planning and Design Section led by Engr. Fiona A. Anunciado to conduct the assessment and validation of proposed programs and projects that require multi-year funding for the improvement and construction of road connectivity particularly along Silvino Lubos to Matuguinao Road.

The identified proposed priority project, Construction of Silvino Lubos to Matuguinao Road has an estimated length of 14.50 kilometers, with a major scope of work involving: (1) Road opening and concreting of 14.500 kilometers two-lane roadway, from station 0+000 to station 14+500; (2) Construction of 40.00 linear meters reinforced concrete deck girder Bridge; (3) Construction of road slope protection structure along unstable slopes; (4) Construction of RCPC cross-drainage structure, and; (5) Installation of necessary road safety structures and/or devices.

This proposed project has a total amount of P 600,000,000 and will be funded from FY 2024 to FY 2028. It aims to provide quality and safe infrastructure roadway that links the Circumferential Road along Samar Island connecting the provinces of Northern Samar and Eastern Samar.

“Ang proyektong ito ay makatutulong sa aming magsasaka lalo na sa tuwing may ibebentang palay at iba pang produkto sa pamilihang bayan o di kaya’y sa karatig-bayan, dadami ang mamimili kaya’t mas malaking kita ang matatamo. Kaya ang katuparan ng konkretong daan ay magdudulot ng malaking tulong sa pag-unlad ng pangkabuhayan at kalagayan dito sa aming lugar”. Francisco S. Tuling, resident from Poblacion 1, Silvino Lubos, said.

By this present initiative, the government strengthens the creation of livelihood and weakens insurgency in the province. Thus, the implementation of infrastructure projects has significantly created job opportunities and provides basic needs in agricultural activities, healthcare, and education in response to the development priorities of the Region.

Furthermore, the town of Silvino Lubos locally known as the Summer Capital of Northern Samar or “Little Baguio” is attracting local tourists for its refreshing and calm temperature and experience the picturesque Lulugayan Falls, a magnificent waterfalls inside the forest protected by Samar Island Natural Park.(RONEL L. GALUPO, PIO STAFF/PR)

TACLOBAN CITY-The United States government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has partnered with Tacloban City and eight other cities “to help fast-track the economic development” in their respective areas under the “Urban Connect Project”.

“As your partner in prosperity, the U.S. government seeks to strengthen the capacity of our partner cities and surrounding areas to become not only centers of economic growth, but also beacons of inclusivity and innovation,” said USAID Philippines Mission Director Ryan Washburn.

“The Urban Connect Project fosters sustainability and resilience and ensures that no one is left behind as these cities progress,” Washburn added during the project launch on October 27, 2023 in Quezon City.

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr., along with local government representatives from USAID’s Cities Development Initiative partner cities, joined the said event.

“Aligned with our vision in building competitive, resilient, socially-protective, and safe LGUs, we believe that USAID’s Urban Connect Project will complement and can help in further supplementing the efforts not only of DILG but also of other government agencies in enhancing public service delivery and advancing local economic development,” Abalos said.

According to the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, the USAID’s five-year, P625-million ($11 million) Urban Connect Project “will fund capacity-building initiatives and provide technical assistance that will help build thriving economic hubs in nine partner cities.”

Aside from Tacloban, the other cities are Batangas, Legazpi, Puerto Princesa, Iloilo, Tacloban, Tagbilaran, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, and Zamboanga.

“Under this program, USAID will work closely with partner cities’ local governments to facilitate enterprise growth, streamline the business permit system, reinforce public financial management, promote e-governance transition, and enhance cooperation between neighboring cities,” the embassy said.

The Urban Connect Project launch, which coincides with the celebration of World Cities Day on October 31 and the Philippines’ Local Government Month, gathered partners and representatives from the private sector, supporting agencies, and the Philippines’ national and local government officials, led by Abalos and Anti-Red Tape Authority Director General Ernesto Perez.
(RONALD O.REYES)

Ahead of the visit of an international cruise vessel

TACLOBAN CITY – The island towns of Biri in Northern Samar province and Maripipi in Biliran province are gearing up to welcome foreign guests aboard the expedition cruise vessel, Coral Adventurer.

Coral Adventurer is set to make a port call to Biri Island on November 1 and Maripipi the following day where the passengers are eagerly anticipating to immerse themselves in the local culture and explore the popular attractions in both towns.

This cruise ship carries 74 Australian citizens, all of whom are enthusiastic about embarking on shore excursions that promise to offer enriching local interactions and cultural exchanges. These experiences are designed to make their visit truly unforgettable.

In preparation for the cruise’s arrival, local government units, in collaboration with the regional office of the Department of Tourism have conducted a series of comprehensive training sessions.

These sessions aim to ensure that everyone involved in welcoming the foreign guests is well-prepared to provide an outstanding guest experience. The focus is on adhering to stringent safety protocols and upholding the highest service standards.

Biri and Maripipi represent just two of the latest additions to the list of expedition cruise destinations in the region. Also included are Tacloban City, Babatngon in Leyte, and Padre Burgos, Southern Leyte.

DOT-8 Regional Director Karina Rosa Tiopes expressed her enthusiasm about expanding cruise destinations in Eastern Visayas.

“Our strong partners in the cruise industry had been asking us to identify more sites, and we are looking at more places aside from the usual ones like in Eastern Samar and Samar,” she stated.

Tiopes further highlighted that Eastern Visayas consistently receives positive feedback after each cruise call because they ensure that guests have a distinct experience in every place they visit.

“We made sure that what they experience in Biri will not be the same experience that they will have in Sambawan(in Maripipi),” Tiopes shared adding that strong support from local government units, especially in developing shore excursions, plays a crucial role in enhancing the cruise experience.

The arrival of the Coral Adventurer is expected to further bolster the tourism industry in Eastern Visayas, showcasing the region’s natural beauty and cultural richness to a global audience.

The Coral Adventurer will also explore other places in the region, visiting other breathtaking locations such as Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Cuatro Islas straddling both in Hindang and Inopacan, all in Leyte; and Limasawa, Southern Leyte all of which have been previously frequented by excursion cruise ships.

The Coral Adventurer is one of the three expedition cruise ships operated by Coral Expeditions, a pioneering expedition cruise company based in Australia.

Launched in 2019, the Coral Adventurer is a tropical expedition ship designed to access remote coastal areas in Australia and internationally, often inaccessible to larger cruise ships.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)