Fulfilling President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to eliminate infrastructure bottlenecks, Malacañang announced on Monday the official opening of the Atlu Bola Bypass Road in Mabalacat, Pampanga.
The project, which languished in a state of incompletion for six years, was fast-tracked and completed in just two months following a surge in operations by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
The bypass road is expected to serve as a critical artery for Central Luzon, offering immediate relief to motorists who have long struggled with heavy traffic along MacArthur Highway.
During a briefing at Villamor Air Base, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro described the stark transformation of the site.
“Ang dating kalsada na ginawang bilaran ng palay, ngayon ay malaya nang nadaraanan ng mga motorista,” (The road that was once used for drying palay is now freely passable for motorists), Castro stated.
The project’s completion underscores a shift in the administration’s strategy to prioritize and “finish what was started,” ensuring that public funds previously tied up in stalled projects finally yield results for the citizenry.
The DPWH, under the leadership of Secretary Vince Dizon, intensified construction efforts to meet the President’s accelerated timeline. The newly opened route provides several strategic advantages:
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Decongestion: Significantly reduces traffic volume on the saturated MacArthur Highway.
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NLEX Access: Provides a smoother, faster connection for motorists utilizing the Santa Ines Exit of the North Luzon Expressway.
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Economic Efficiency: Shortens travel time for logistics and commuters, lowering transport costs and improving local productivity.
The completion of this bypass road is part of a broader national agenda to enhance road connectivity and ensure safer, more convenient travel across the archipelago.
“Alinsunod sa utos ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na tapusin ang mga nakabinbing infrastructure project… iyan ang tinututukan ng mga ahensya ng gobyerno para sa mga Pilipino,” Castro added, reaffirming that infrastructure remains the backbone of the administration’s economic growth strategy.
By turning “impassable stretches” into functional corridors, the administration aims to improve the daily quality of life for Filipinos and foster a more integrated national economy.
