TACLOBAN CITY (PIA) — Major General Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of the 8th Infantry Division, views the ₱193 million worth of infrastructure projects in Eastern Samar as vital to ending the insurgency. The groundbreaking on Dec. 16, 2024, marked the start of important peace and development efforts.
We believe that infrastructure development is one of the keys to ending insurgency. Through these projects, the root causes of insurgency will be addressed. The delivery of basic government services and socio-economic development will improve through these access roads,” Orio said.
The infrastructure projects cover ₱163 million Maslog and Jipapad Road (Phase I) and the ₱30 million Panic-an Bridge at Maslog in Eastern Samar. The Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program funded the projects for Fiscal Year 2024.
To promote socio-economic development, a 2.4-kilometer farm-to-market road in Maslog and Jipapad (Phase I) and the 22-meter Panic-an Bridge will connect barangays and municipalities, especially in vulnerable areas.
The initiative aims to strengthen local agricultural infrastructure, enhance market accessibility for farmers, and promote development, particularly in conflict-affected areas.
Construction of roads and bridges, especially in Maslog and Jipapad, will be vital in our campaign to totally eradicate the insurgency problem and give way to a progressive community. These two municipalities were formerly considered hotbeds of insurgents in the province of Eastern Samar. But now, with these infrastructure projects, economic development will soon start to flourish,” said Brigadier General Lenart Lelina, commander of the 801st Infantry Brigade.
Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) highlighted the project’s significance in promoting peace and development in Eastern Samar.
He noted the government’s commitment to funding infrastructure projects connecting the region, facilitating easier access to essential services, and enhancing economic activities.
Galvez attended the groundbreaking along with PAMANA Head NPMO, Director J. Anthony Peña; the Commander of the Visayas Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Lieutenant General Fernando Reyeg; House Minority Leader and 4Ps Partylist Representative, Marcelino Libanan; Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone; Maslog Mayor Heraclio Santiago; and Vice-Mayor Septemio Santiago. (AAC, PIA Leyte with reports from Capt. Jefferson Mariano, DPAO/8ID)
