Eastern Samar to benefit from US grant

MANILA, Philippines –  Nearly half of the $434-million grant from the US Millennium Challenge Corp. (MCC) to the Philippines would be used to rehabilitate 222 kilometers of roads in Eastern Samar that would jumpstart economic growth and greatly reduce poverty in the province, a lawmaker said yesterday.

“This will definitely spur development in our province which has long been neglected by the national government,” said Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone, who was a former governor of the province.

“We will make sure that the funds will be used judiciously and with transparency. The improvement of our main artery will definitely boost economic activities and improve the lives of our people,” he said.

Evardone said, “Our dreams of having a world-class highway will now be realized. Thank (Secretary of State and MCC chairperson) Secretary Hillary Clinton and President Aquino.”

He said the program will cover 11 coastal municipalities of Eastern Samar. The road network will start at the junction of Buray, Wright and then to Taft, Sulat, San Julian, Borongan, Maydolong, Balangkayan, Llorente, Hernani, McArthur, Quinapondan, Salcedo, Mercedes and Guian towns.

Other projects to be funded by the MCC grant are the expansion of the Kalahi-CIDSS development project for $120 million, and the $54.3-million computerization of the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

The Kalahi-CIDSS empowers communities by encouraging their participation in poverty reduction activities.