𝐎𝐧𝐠𝐜𝐡𝐮𝐚𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝟏 𝐁𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐬𝐨 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝟐

by Ma.AG

Tacloban City- The first termer Congressman Edwin Ongchuan of the second district of Northern Samar, has expressed his enthusiasm for the inclusion of the Samar Pacific Coastal Road 2 (SPCR 2) in the National Expenditure Program (NEP) for 2026, which secures an initial funding allocation of 1 billion pesos.

On October 7, 2024, the Government of the Philippines formalized a loan agreement with the Export-Import Bank of Korea for the SPCR 2 project, amounting to USD 111.43 million (approximately PHP 6.34 billion). This big-ticket project aims to construct vital bridges that will enhance connectivity between the Pacific towns, Laoang, and the broader Samar Island.

SPCR 2 will feature the construction of two significant bridges: the 800-meter Laoang Bridge 2, which will connect Talisay village to Poblacion Laoang, and the 605-meter Laoang Bridge 3, linking Calomotan to the Pangpang villages in Palapag.

Originally proposed by the late former Congressman Emil L. Ong, the project received endorsement from the Regional Development Council (RDC) in June 2021 and was subsequently presented to the national government in September 2021.

“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,” stated Congressman Ongchuan. Upon its completion, travel time from Laoang to Palapag towns is expected to decrease drastically from 65 minutes to just 19 minutes.

The Export-Import Bank of Korea previously supported the construction of the first phase, known as SPCR 1 or the Simora-Palapag Road, which was inaugurated in 2023 after five years of construction. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. presided over the inauguration on July 14, 2023, marking a significant milestone for infrastructure development in the Samar Island.

During the 7th National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board Meeting held at Malacañang on July 19, 2024, President Marcos approved the local government’s request to include the SPCR 2 project in the NEP.

Congressman Edwin Ongchuan views the SPCR 2 project as a crucial step toward eradicating insurgency, enhancing regional connectivity, stimulating economic growth, and maximizing the tourism potential of Northern Samar.