THE new Simora Bridge in Laoang, Northern Samar has been opened to the public following its inauguration recently.

Northern Samar Governor Edwin Marino Onchuan said the project “will greatly contribute to reducing poverty incidence since the realization of this infrastructure project will increase economic activities through this improved transportation connectivity.”

The Simora Bridge, a 161meters road project that connects the Pacific towns of Laoang and Palapag, is one of the three bridges under the Samar Pacific Coastal Road Project (SPCR) in the province.

In a statement, the governor was hopeful that the bridge “will be significant in the government’s pursuit of ending insurgency in Northern Samar.”

Colonel Perfecto Peñaredondo, commander of the Philippine Army’s 803rd Infantry Brigade, added that the unveiling of Simora Bridge will also address the issues of government neglect and lack of employment opportunities in the province.

“This would be a great help in boosting the economy, livelihood, and the lives of the people living in the Pacific towns who will benefit in the said project,” the army official said.

Aside from Simora Bridge, two other bridges are the 31-meter Jangtud 1 Bridge, and the 69-meter Jangtud 2 Bridge, with a budget of P997,500,000.74.

The completion of the project will become a major road link between Northern Samar and Eastern Samar provinces in Samar Island. (SunStar Philippines)