NEW BRIDGE. The PHP173.7-million, 150-linear meter Kadayacan Bridge in Maria Aurora town, Aurora province is one of the major infrastructure projects in Central Luzon implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) during the first year of the Marcos administration. The DPWH's commitment to the administration's infrastructure development strategy is anchored in the Build Better More Program. (Photo courtesy of DPWH Region 3)
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The Department of Public Works and Highways-Central Luzon (DPWH-3) has completed major infrastructure projects in the region during the first year of the Marcos administration.
DPWH Regional Director Roseller Tolentino said on Monday the completed projects including roads, bridges, flood mitigation structures and other facilities were part of the rebuilding initiatives during the first year in office of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
"Undoubtedly, Central Luzon, as a prominent business and tourism destination, has faced adverse effects from the pandemic, but the department's active involvement in rebuilding has resulted in the creation of numerous local opportunities for job creation, economic revitalization, and community development, thereby, contributing to the overall well-being of the region," Tolentino said in a statement.
In Aurora, the construction of the 150-linear meter Kadayacan Bridge, a PHP173.7-million structure that is now capable of accommodating all types of vehicles, is seen to enhance transportation of goods and people and provide an economic boost in Maria Aurora town.
“Laking ginhawa naming lahat na taga Kadayacan at Bayanihan dahil hindi na kami mangangamba sa aming pagpunta at paguwi galing sa bayan dahil may maganda na kaming tulay at may mga ilaw pa (All of us from Kadayacan and Bayanihan villages are relieved because we no longer have to worry about going to and from the town because there is a beautiful bridge and there are even lights),” Lea Bitong de Leon, a resident of Maria Aurora, said in an interview.
In Bataan, the DPWH-3 has completed the construction of river walls along the Colo River in Hermosa, Pantingan River in Pilar, and Paysawan River in Bagac with a total cost of PHP189 million.
“The completed flood control project will protect the residents, especially those living along the river from flooding,” Tolentino said.
The DPWH also finished the construction of flood mitigation structures along Pamatawan River in San Antonio and the rehabilitation of Cabaoangan Creek in Subic, both in Zambales with a total funding of PHP95 million.
Tolentino also cited other projects including the PHP96.5 million rehabilitation of the Porac-Gumain River Irrigation System (RIS) in Pampanga and the PHP29 million improvement of the Bulihan farm-to-market road in Plaridel, Bulacan.
Meanwhile, other completed facilities include the PHP7.8 million barangay public market in San Jose City and the PHP40.2 million multipurpose facility serving as the annex of the Army’s 7th Infantry Division's main building at Fort Magsaysay in Palayan City, both in Nueva Ecija.
Tolentino said the DPWH's commitment to the administration's infrastructure development strategy is anchored in the Build Better More Program, with a focus on establishing an interconnected road network to support rapid, inclusive and sustained economic growth.
He added that the DPWH-3 is ready to embrace the concept of inclusive and accessible design in response to the President's recent call for a shift in focus. (PNA)
