TACLOBAN CITY – Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan announced that a proposal has been submitted for the construction of a road connecting the municipality of San Jose de Buan to the town of Maslog in Eastern Samar province.

Gov. Tan explained that this proposed road is part of the “peace and prosperity roadmap,” aimed at enhancing the economic and peace and order situation in the villages along its path.

“We are hopeful that the national government will assist us in the construction and concreting of the road from Barangay Gusa, the last barangay of San Jose de Buan, leading to Maslog,” she said.

“We have already prepared a proposal including the program of works and detailed engineering design. Now, we are requesting the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity to help us secure the necessary funding,” Tan added.

According to the proposal from the Samar province, the road from San Jose de Buan to Maslog will utilize the existing logging road, which has been in place for several decades.
“To minimize deforestation, we plan to use the logging road as much as possible. However, this will depend on the alignment approved by the DPWH and the inspection by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources,” the Samar governor explained.

Once funded and completed, this project will enhance road connectivity between Samar and Eastern Samar provinces, improving not only the economic and security situation but also disaster and emergency response capabilities.

Currently, Samar and Eastern Samar are connected by two roads: the Buray-Taft road and the Basey-Marabut-Lawaan-Quinapondan road. Additionally, the DPWH has an ongoing road project linking the two provinces through the Basey-Maydolong-Borongan road, which began construction in 2016.

In a press conference organized by the Philippine Information Agency, DPWH Regional Director Edgar Tabacon stated that constructing roads to link the interior municipalities of Samar is part of the agency’s pipeline projects.

“All these towns – Maslog, Jipapad, Las Navas, Silvino Lobos, Matuguinao, and San Jose de Buan – have proposals to be interconnected by a road network. We are consolidating these for a feasibility study,” Tabacon said.

He emphasized that a feasibility study is essential for the national government to approve the proposal and allocate funding. (ROEL T. AMAZONA)

Tacloban City— In a significant move to ensure the safety and integrity of national infrastructure, the Tacloban City District Engineering Office (TCDEO) has undertaken a comprehensive bridge inspection survey as part of a nationwide event, which also encompasses the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The survey, which commenced in the second week of May, is scheduled to proceed until July 28, 2024.

Under the leadership of BMS Coordinator, Engr. Ted Bryan Bacor, and with the support of engineers from the Planning and Design Section, the program aims to meticulously monitor the state of bridges in Tacloban City. The BMS encompasses a series of critical activities, including bridge inventory surveys, annual condition inspections, updates on bridge condition information, analysis of bridge condition data, and the preparation of prioritized maintenance and network development programs.

“The BMS inspections are not just routine checks; they are a proactive approach to safeguarding public safety and enhancing the efficiency of our transportation infrastructure. By identifying potential structural issues early, we can implement necessary interventions swiftly, avoiding the escalation of minor damages into more significant, expensive repairs.” BMS Coordinator Engr. Ted Bryan Bacor said in a statement.

The BMS inspections are a cornerstone for public safety, ensuring that potential structural concerns are identified and addressed promptly. This proactive strategy not only prevents accidents but also contributes to economic stability by maintaining uninterrupted transportation routes. (PR)

CATARMAN, Northern Samar – The Department of Public Works and Highways-Northern Samar First District Engineering Office (DPWH-NSFDEO) has completed the construction of a P6.78 million, one-story, two-classroom school building at Tarnate Elementary School in Brgy. Tarnate, San Vicente, Northern Samar.

The project involves the complete construction of One storey, two classroom school building with a total floor area of 171 square meters including clearing and grubbing, removal of trees, embankment, CHB gutter.

Each classroom is equipped with essential amenities, including handwashing area, window grills at front and rear windows, parapet wall and comfort rooms. The facility also features ramps with handrails to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities (PWD).

District Engineer Alvin A. Ignacio said that the project will provide a conducive learning environment for kindergarten and grade two pupils of Tarnate Elementary School.

“This new school building will significantly enhance the learning experience for kindergarten and grade two pupils. Providing a safe and comfortable learning environment is crucial for the academic and personal growth of young students.”

Meanwhile, velyn Seragon, teacher-in-charge at Tarnate Elementary School, expressed her gratitude for the new classrooms.

“This project has a significant impact on our school. Most of our existing classrooms require repairs, and with the completion of this new building, we will be able to utilize it in the upcoming school year. Our students will greatly benefit from the improved facilities, which will undoubtedly enhance their learning experience and motivation to attend school.”

With the completion of this project, the DPWH-NSFDEO reiterates its commitment to advancing education by providing essential infrastructure.

The project commenced on November 21, 2023, and was completed on March 29, 2024, as part of the Department of Education’s Basic Education Facilities Fund (BEEF) for FY 2023.
(ANALIZA A. PABIA, PIO ALTERNATE/PR)