President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. thanked the South Korean government for the aid and relief efforts it extended during calamities, calling it “a very good friend to the Philippines.”
“Not only did they come to help us to bring the relief goods, they helped us very much in the water supply, and they brought their own vehicles and they assigned many of their soldiers to come and be of an assistance, and there were also engineers,” the President said during the inauguration of the P1.126-billion Samar Pacific Coastal Road Project that was constructed with the help of the Export-Import Bank of Korea.
Mr. Marcos recalled that South Korea was among the first countries to send a “sizable contingent” to the Philippines when Typhoon Yolanda struck in 2013.
“Indeed you have helped us lay the groundwork for a more progressive and prosperous Philippines,” he said.
South Korea is the Philippines’ fourth largest trading partner, with total trade between the two countries reaching $15.44 billion in 2022.
The SPCR is an 11.6-km road with three bridges beginning at the Simora Junction in Laoang to Barangay Mabaras in Palapag.
The project is seen as a vital part of the establishment of the Samar Island Circumferential Road which is poised to bring in the much-needed development in the communities.
The President said the development of the road in Northern Samar would signal the future development of agricultural lands and bountiful fishing grounds in the province.
“With the opening of this road and its bridges, the development of Northern Samar’s rich agricultural lands and bountiful fishing grounds will follow suit. It will also expedite the delivery and movement of our basic goods and services, which will hopefully boost our people’s quality of life,” Mr. Marcos said.
South Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-Hwa said the completion of the project indicates Seoul’s commitment as a development partner of the Philippines.
“Local communities stand to gain from this grand infrastructure undertaking. SPCR will highlight the beauty of the island, ease the movement of people and goods, improve the delivery of services, and spur economic and business activities,” Lee added.
Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the project is a dream come true with five years of preparation and another five years of civil
works.
“It started in mid-2018 and was completed last month. The construction was not an easy job as it must overcome weather disturbances,
pandemic, access restrictions, and security issues,” Bonoan told officials.
Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan said the project will particularly benefit villagers of Lapainig, Gamay, Mapanas, and
Palapag towns, known as the first major settlements in Samar Island.