Residents here said the completion of the Korean-funded Samar Pacific Coastal Road (SPCR) project phase 1 has made life easier for locals and will create more economic opportunities.

Palapag resident Elena Aoyang said having a road connected to the national highway benefits local business owners like her.

“The impact of this project on Palapag residents is immense, especially for traders and businessmen who need to cross a body of water when buying and bringing goods to our town,” Aoyang said in an interview Monday.

Transportation became easier and the cost of transporting goods is lesser since they no longer need to pay and ride a wooden boat to cross a river.

Before the project’s completion, residents of Palapag and three other Pacific towns – Mapanas, Gamay, and Lapinig – need to cross a river to Calomotan village of Laoang town from the port in Pangpang village in the municipality of Palapag, then take a boat ride to the port in the town center and ride another pump boat to cross the river going to Rawis village.

Someone using a car has to pay PHP1,200 to a sampan or wooden boat operator each time they cross a river, while those with a motorcycle will have to pay PHP70.

Jomar Oladive, a passenger motorcycle driver, said that it is now safer and easier to transport passengers using the new road and crossing the bridge.

“The cost of motorcycle maintenance will be reduced since the road is not muddy and bumpy anymore,” Oladive said.

Palapag Mayor Florence Batula said the project will also advance the town’s promotion of local tourism destinations.

“Due to improved access, we can easily address insurgency and sustain our peace and development efforts. This will encourage more tourists to visit our place,” Batula added.

The project improves access to 15,538 residents mostly engaged in coconut and rice farming.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on July 14 led the inauguration of the Korean-funded Samar Pacific Coastal Road (SPCR) project phase 1 in Northern Samar. It was completed after five years of construction.

The PHP1.12 billion SPCR project phase 1 has opened and concreted 11.6-kilometers of road stretch, including three bridges. The project is funded by the South Korean government through the Export-Import Bank of Korea.

Palapag is a third-class town Northern Samar with a population of 34,034 people. (PNA)