CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has ordered the fast-tracking of long-delayed infrastructure projects in the cities of Angeles and Mabalacat, citing a directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to complete stalled projects and improve road connectivity to support economic recovery.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the directive covers priority projects such as the Sto. Cristo Flyover in Angeles City and the Atlu-Bola Bypass Road in Mabalacat City, both of which aim to ease chronic traffic congestion along major road corridors.
“The President’s directive is clear: projects that have been stalled for years must be completed. Even with limited funds, we have to spend public money properly and prioritize projects that have been left unfinished for too long,” Dizon said.
The secretary said the Sto. Cristo Flyover, which has been implemented in phased funding over the past three years, is now targeted for completion by next year after full funding commitments were secured.
He noted that the project’s delays have long affected traffic flow in Angeles City.
Meanwhile, the DPWH confirmed that the Atlu-Bola Bypass Road, which has remained pending for nearly seven years, is now set to move forward following the finalization of its design and coordination with concerned agencies, including the local government, North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Corporation, and the Toll Regulatory Board.
“This is a simple project on flat terrain, yet it remained unfinished for years. We have now agreed on the design, and construction can begin immediately. Once completed, this will significantly ease traffic along MacArthur Highway, ” Dizon said.
The Atlu-Bola Bypass Road is designed to connect Mabalacat City to the Sta. Ines Exit of NLEX, providing motorists with a faster and safer alternative route and decongesting the busy intersection near the city public market.
Mabalacat City Mayor Geld Aquino welcomed the development, citing its long-term benefits to motorists and the local economy.
“We thank the DPWH, Secretary Dizon, and President Marcos for pushing this project. This bypass road has long been our dream. Once completed, it will help reduce traffic at our market intersection and provide motorists with a more efficient route,” Aquino said.
Pampanga First District Representative Carmelo Lazatin Jr. said sustained coordination between the national government and local officials was key to advancing long-delayed projects.
“It is important that national agencies and LGUs [local government units] continuously coordinate so projects truly respond to local needs. This cooperation is essential to the development of our district,” Lazatin said.
Dizon said accelerating infrastructure implementation is crucial to restoring public trust and improving economic activity, stressing that better road connectivity directly affects mobility, trade, and livelihoods in Central Luzon.
“When people see projects finally completed, their confidence in the government improves. That is why we are pushing to finish what has long been left hanging,” he noted.
