By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
In compliance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to accelerate the completion of pending infrastructure projects nationwide, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) recently finished the long-delayed Atlu Bola Bypass Road in Mabalacat, Pampanga.
After 6 years of delays, the thoroughfare was opened to the public on March 20, reducing travel time for motorists and entering and exiting from NLEX Sta. Ines Exit, and the cities of Angeles and Mabalacat.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said in a statement, “Hindi tayo [nandito] para mag-celebrate o maging masaya. In fact, dapat nga mag-sorry tayo sa mga kababayan natin na ganito katagal na hindi natapos ‘to eh.
Pero finally, sa tulong ng LGU, sa tulong ng NLEX, ng private sector—wala pang dalawang buwan natapos na nila ‘to, kasama ng DPWH. Minsan talaga konting malasakit lang sa tao [ang kailangan.]”
The newly-opened bypass road is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion and improve mobility in the area, as well as provide an alternative route for motorists traversing MacArthur Highway.
At a briefing on Monday, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro shared the notable transformation of the project under the DPWH’s supervision and guidance.
Usec. Castro told the media, “Alinsunod sa utos ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na tapusin ang mga nakabinbing infrastructure project sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa, binuksan na sa publiko ang Atlu Bola Bypass Road sa Mabalacat, Pampanga matapos itong mabinbin ng anim na taon.”
She concluded, “Ang dating kalsada na ginawang bilaran ng palay, ngayon ay malaya nang nadaraanan ng mga motorista.”
jpv
