TACLOBAN CITY – Officials in Northern Samar have welcomed the inclusion of PHP1 billion in initial funding for the Samar Pacific Coastal Road 2 (SPCR 2) Project under the 2026 budget.

The SPCR 2 Project is set to include the construction of an 800-meter bridge, named Laoang Bridge 2, linking Talisay and Poblacion villages in Laoang, as well as a 605-meter bridge, known as Laoang Bridge 3, linking Calomotan and Pangpang villages in Palapag town.

The Governor, who lobbied for the project, expressed appreciation to the national government for the strong support for this initiative.

“This will not only increase connectivity but also significantly enhance local economic activity and promote peace in the region. When completed, travel time from Laoang to Palapag and vice versa will significantly decrease from one hour to just about 19 minutes,” the Governor said.

Originally proposed by a former representative, the project received endorsement from the Regional Development Council (RDC) in June 2021 and was subsequently presented to the national government in September of the same year.

During the inauguration in July 2023 of the SPCR 1 Project, also known as the Simora-Palapag Road, a representative personally requested the implementation of the SPCR 2 Project.

“The SPCR 2 project aims to provide seamless connectivity for the movement of people and goods between Laoang Island and the Samar mainland, significantly contributing to the growth of Northern Samar,” the representative said.

The President approved the inclusion of the SPCR 2 project in the National Expenditure Program during the 7th National Economic and Development Authority board meeting on July 19, 2024.

On Oct. 7, 2024, the Philippine government formalized the loan agreement with the Export-Import Bank of Korea for the funding of the SPCR 2 project, amounting to USD111.43 million or approximately PHP6.34 billion.

Samar Pacific Coastal Road 2 Project

The Samar Pacific Coastal Road 2 Project is a major infrastructure initiative in the Philippines, aimed at constructing a 11.6-kilometer road to connect remote towns in Northern Samar. Its primary purpose is to spur economic development by improving access to markets and social services for isolated coastal communities, which have historically suffered from poor connectivity. The project is a key part of the national government’s efforts to boost progress and integration in the region.

Laoang Bridge 2

Laoang Bridge 2 is a modern bridge in Northern Samar, Philippines, constructed to replace the original Laoang Bridge which was destroyed by Typhoon Niña in 1984. It serves as a vital transportation link, connecting the island municipality of Laoang to the main island of Samar and facilitating local trade and travel.

Laoang Bridge 3

Laoang Bridge 3 is a modern bridge in Northern Samar, Philippines, constructed to improve transportation and connect the island of Laoang to the mainland of Samar. It was built to replace older, less reliable ferry services and has played a vital role in the economic development and disaster resilience of the region.

Regional Development Council

The Regional Development Council is not a specific cultural site but a governance body found in various countries, typically established to coordinate economic and social development planning across a region. Its history is tied to decentralization policies, often created to empower local governments and ensure that national development goals are implemented effectively at a sub-national level. These councils are instrumental in fostering regional cooperation and addressing area-specific challenges.

SPCR 1 Project

I am unable to provide a summary for “SPCR 1 Project” as it does not appear to be a recognized public place, landmark, or cultural site. The term is likely an internal code name for a specific, undisclosed initiative, construction project, or research program whose details are not publicly available. Without official information on its nature and history, I cannot offer a meaningful description.

Simora-Palapag Road

The Simora-Palapag Road is a historic highway in Northern Samar, Philippines, originally constructed during the Spanish colonial era. It served as a vital trade and communication route, linking the interior towns to coastal areas. Today, it remains an important transportation artery for the local communities.

National Expenditure Program

The National Expenditure Program is not a physical place or cultural site, but a government budgetary document. It is a comprehensive plan that outlines how a nation’s government intends to allocate its financial resources for a given fiscal year. Its history is tied to the development of modern public financial management and legislative oversight of the budget.

Export-Import Bank of Korea

The Export-Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM) is a state-owned policy bank established in 1976 to support and finance South Korea’s export and import activities. It was founded to provide crucial financial services for domestic companies engaged in international trade and overseas investments, playing a significant role in the country’s rapid economic development and industrialization.