Manila: Local officials in Samar Island are preparing all necessary documents to make sure that the proposed PHP11.9-billion ‘Unity Roads’ will be funded by the national government. Imelda Bonifacio, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) Area Management Unit-Eastern Visayas chief, said on Monday that they must make sure that these projects endorsed by top regional policymaking bodies are ready for implementation.
According to Philippines News Agency, Bonifacio emphasized the importance of complying with all the project documents to ensure these are implementation-ready. She noted that the infrastructure and resource management clusters are working diligently to prepare all the necessary project requirements. Projects that are ready for implementation have a higher chance of approval by the national government.
The proposed budget aims to realize the dream of Samar officials and residents to open roads within the boundaries of three provinces on the island. These road projects have been endorsed by the Regional Development Council and the Regional Peace Council, but have only been receiving an allocation of PHP500 million every year from 2024 to 2026.
The road projects include the Matuguinao-Silvino Lobos Road, Matuguinao-Las Navas Road, Calbayog-Bobon Road, San Jose de Buan-Maslog Road, San Jose de Buan-Las Navas Road, and Calbiga-Borongan Road. The proposed Unity Roads, spanning a total of 181.17 kilometers, seek to improve connectivity between the provinces of Samar, Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar.
The Unity Roads are designed to rebuild former rebel villages, stabilize conflict-affected economies, and prevent exploitation. Bonifacio highlighted that roads are essential as they directly support development by restoring infrastructure and promoting sustainable growth, fostering peace and long-term stability in these areas.
Governors in Samar Island have been advocating for the funding of key road projects within the tri-boundaries, which have been identified as hiding places for remaining members of the New People’s Army.
