Isolated Samar Village Gets New Road

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) made sure that aside from boats, motor vehicles can also get to Barangay San Pelayo, in the Municipality of Gandara, Samar with the new road opening.

Stating a report from DPWH Region 8 Director Nerie Bueno, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said that around 1,700 residents are benefitting from the new 3.64-kilometer road connecting Barangay San Agustin to Barangay San Pelayo.

"From Daang Maharlika, residents can now just pass through Barangay San Agustin and be safe from the danger of riding a boat especially during the rainy seasons," Villar said.

Prior to the creation of the newly-finished road, residents of Barangay San Pelayo either rode small boats that run up and down Gandara River or walk through the narrow pathway along the ricefields.

Aside from the construction of an eight-meter wide gravel road, the project includes an embankment and riprap to prevent the carriageway from eroding as well as base course materials for better riding surface.

The new road, costing PHP100 million, is also expected to facilitate the transport of agricultural products easier and contribute to the local economic activity of Gandara, Samar.