JARO, Leyte – To provide an additional venue for recreation and other related community activities, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Leyte 2nd District Engineering Office, the construction of a multi-purpose building in Barangay Oloton, this town, is now ongoing.

The P7.9 million construction amount is allotted from the CY 2023 DPWH General Appropriation Act (GAA) under the Basic Infrastructure Program—Multi-Purpose Buildings and Facilities to support social services.

The ongoing project involves the construction of structural concrete with finishing, reinforcing steel, pavement paintings, steel trusses, and long-span roofing sheets. Provisions for basketball hoops and goal systems are also included to support local basketball enthusiasts.

According to District Engineer Leo Edward Oppura, once the multi-purpose building is completed, it can provide the community with a conducive and more comfortable venue for social and community gatherings and events.

This project is expected to be completed on November 27, 2023.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

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)