For decades, the only way to get across the towns of Laoang and Palapag in Eastern Visayas had been via two ferries connecting Laoang Island with the mainland.
In 2023, the Samar Coastal Road was opened, giving travelers direct access between the two towns as well as to Eastern Samar. However, it does not give direct access to Laoang Island itself, where the town proper is located.
Today, however, a direct link between the two areas will soon become reality as the national government recently inked an agreement with South Korea for the financing of the Samar Pacific Coastal Road II Project.
In a statement last October 8, the DOF said the agreements were signed in Malacañang Palace on October 7 and were witnessed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, who was on a state visit to the Philippines.
The P6.34-billion project aims to provide a seamless connection for people and goods being transported between Laoang Island and Samar mainland.
It comprises two marine bridges – the Laoang II Bridge and Calamotan Bridge – and the improvement of 15.01 kilometer of existing roads.
Once completed in 2029, the project will reduce travel time from Laoang to Palapag in Northern Samar to 19 minutes from the current 65 minutes.
Aside from this project, agreements were also signed for the funding of the P181.03-billion Laguna Lakeshore Road Network Project (LLRNP) and the P187.54-billion interisland bridges project connecting the islands of Panay, Guimaras, and Negros.
“These projects are a testament to the strong friendship between the Philippines and South Korea. Beyond enhancing mobility, they will create jobs, spur businesses, boost incomes, and uplift Filipino lives, helping reduce poverty, especially in Luzon and Visayas,” Recto said during the ceremonial exchange of agreements for the projects.
(With report from PNA/OpinYon News Team)
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PHOTO CAPTIONS
NEW ROAD. A map showing the location of the proposed Samar Pacific Coastal Road (SPCR) 2 project in Northern Samar. The provincial government has welcomed the recent loan agreement on the USD111.43 million SPCR 2 project between the Philippine government and the Export-Import Bank of Korea. (Photo courtesy of Northern Samar provincial government)
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