GROUNDBREAKING. Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez (middle), Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio "Dong" Gonzales Jr. (5th from left), Pampanga Gov. Dennis Pineda (4th from left), and Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) President and CEO Rogelio Singson (5th from right) lead the groundbreaking ceremony for the Candaba Third Viaduct project at Barangay Dulong Malabon in Pulilan, Bulacan on Wednesday (June 21, 2023). Romualdez said the project serves as a symbol of the fruitful partnership between the government and the private sector to pave the way for progress, prosperity and a brighter future for the nation. (Photo courtesy of Speaker Romualdez’s office)
MANILA – Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Wednesday emphasized the need for more public-private partnership (PPP) projects to modernize the country’s infrastructure, saying it is key to ushering progress and development that would uplift the lives of the people.
He made this call during the groundbreaking of the Candaba Third Viaduct project of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) and NLEx Corp. at Barangay Dulong Malabon in Pulilan, Bulacan.
“The Candaba Third Viaduct serves as a symbol of the fruitful partnership between the government and the private sector. It is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together towards a common goal,” he said in his speech.
“As we break ground today, we are not just laying the foundation for a new structure; we are paving the way for progress, prosperity, and a brighter future for our nation. The Candaba Third Viaduct will stand tall as a symbol of our aspirations, our commitment to sustainable development, and our unwavering dedication to the welfare of our people,” Romualdez said.
Targeted to be completed in November 2024, the project will expand the existing viaduct structure by adding inner and outer shoulders to the three lanes in each direction to increase the speed of travel from the current 40-60 kilometers per hour (kph) to 60-80 kph.
Romualdez noted that the Candaba Viaduct, which has been serving as a strategic expressway link connecting Metro Manila and the Central and North Luzon corridor for several decades, has played a vital role in facilitating the movement of people, goods and services.
Constructed in the 1970s, the 5-kilometer viaduct traverses the Candaba swamp and connects the provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga. Initially built with a 2x2 configuration or two lanes for each direction, it was converted in 2017 to a 2 x 3 to maximize its capacity and is now serving an estimated 80,000 motorists daily.
He, however, stressed that the growing population, coupled by the expanding economy, makes it “imperative that we invest in the modernization and expansion of our infrastructure.”
The Candaba Third Viaduct project, he said, will not only enhance the efficiency of the transportation network, but will also contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the region, as it would create jobs, attract investments and stimulate economic growth.
Romualdez thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his unwavering support for the development of the country’s infrastructure.
He said under Marcos’ visionary leadership, the country has witnessed a renewed commitment to the “Build Build More” program, which aims to propel the nation towards progress and inclusive growth.
He also cited the relentless push of Pampanga Representatives in the 19th Congress, including Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and Representatives Carmelo “Jon” Lazatin II (1st District) and Anna York Bondoc (4th District), as well as the cooperation of local government officials of Bulacan and Pampanga, which helped make the project a reality the soonest time possible.
Romualdez said the construction of the viaduct “exemplifies our determination to enhance connectivity, promote economic development and uplift the lives of our people.”
Last May, the House of Representatives approved on third reading House Bill 8078, seeking to adopt a 30-year National Infrastructure Program (NIP) which focuses on transportation, energy, water resources, information, and communications technology, agri-fisheries modernization and food logistics and social infrastructure.
The NIP will be funded by the national budget, public-private partnership (PPP) arrangements, including hybrid PPPs or with local government units, or a combination of these sources. (PNA)
