CATBALOGAN CITY -- A groundbreaking ceremony for the new Samar Police Provincial Office (SPPO) building was conducted on April 8, 2024, in Brgy. Pupua, Catbalogan City.

The P29.1 million building will stand on the 2-hectare lot donated by the Provincial Government through Governor Sharee Ann Tan. Its funding source is the 2023 General Appropriations Act, with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) - 2nd District Engineering Office (DEO) as the implementing agency and JFR Construction as the contractor.

In her message, Gov. Sharee Ann Tan shared, “We are committed to ending insurgency in the province. Whatever support is needed, we will endeavor to give it to our police and military forces, as it is the only way to continue and sustain the peace and order situation in the province.”

The governor emphasized the importance of having a decent place of work, as it creates a sense of dignity and a positive behavioral attitude towards work. Furthermore, the governor stated that the province has allotted a 2-hectare lot to ensure that the SPPO has sufficient area for all the facilities and amenities needed. It can also accommodate other support units and provide an adequate venue for training.

Samar 2nd District Representative Reynolds Michael Tan has likewise pledged his commitment to supporting the various programs and projects of the province, saying, “Moving forward, we will do our best to lobby for the funding of the needed developments in the area, just like how we endeavored to have this project funded. As we all know, these developments will greatly affect the peace and order situation of the province.”

Meanwhile, Police Regional Office 8 Regional Director, BGen. Reynaldo Pawi,d expressed his gratitude for the governor's leadership and support. BGen. Pawid also stated that there has been a significant improvement in the peace and order environment in the province. As such, he challenged the police force to give back to the province and the community by going the extra mile in peace and order efforts.

"Let us intensify our peace and order and public safety operations for the betterment of everyone and for a safer Samar to live, work, and do business," the police regional director said.

SPPO Provincial Director, PCol. Peter Uy Limbauan, on the other hand, remarked that the construction of the new building is an important milestone for the development of the police force.

"The SPPO building is more than just a building. It will inspire the personnel to work more and give good output. It symbolizes our collective determination to uphold law and order, promote justice, and ensure the safety and security of our fellow Samarnons."

Engr. Herminio Gulmatico of DWPH 2nd DEO, as the head of the implementing agency, shared with everyone that other projects, such as the construction of other government offices and site developments, are expected to be made at strategic locations outside the city proper to decongest the city. He likewise assured that the construction of the SPPO Building is in good hands, as JFR Construction is one of the best contractors that always comply with the safety standards set.

Sometime in June 2023, the implementation of this project started. Due to the area's inaccessibility, site development and construction of an access road were needed before the commencement of the building construction itself. Hence, with the circumstances mentioned earlier, the completion date was revised from October to December this year. (Samar PIO)