Samar: The proposed 'Unity Roads' that will traverse the upland tri-boundaries of Samar Island will have minimal impact on the environment, Samar Governor Sharee Ann Tan said on Thursday. Tan stated that the provincial government has been working closely with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) to ensure that protected areas remain largely unaffected by the construction activities.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DENR recommended utilizing an old logging road for the new route to minimize the need for cutting trees in the protected forest. Tan emphasized that if any trees are required to be cut, the impact would be minimal, and plans include installing fencing along the route to deter illegal logging activities.

The project encompasses 181.17 kilometers of road, including main routes such as Matuguinao-Silvino Lobos, Matuguinao-Las Navas, Calbayog-Bobon, San Jose de Buan-Maslog, San Jose de Buan-Las Navas, and Calbiga-Borongan. Tan highlighted that the project is a significant infrastructure development aimed at improving mobility and accessibility across Samar Island.

Tan also noted that the project would not be funded all at once. Instead, funding is expected to commence in 2027 and continue in subsequent years as resources become available. On March 10, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon committed to allocating substantial funding for the estimated PHP11.9-billion Unity Roads project over the next two years to enhance connectivity within Samar Island's tri-boundaries.

Dizon stated that the project would be prioritized due to endorsements from the Regional Development Council, the Regional Peace and Order Council, and the three Samar governors. The Unity Roads initiative aims to rebuild former rebel villages, stabilize economies affected by conflict, and prevent exploitation.