The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has announced significant strides in the construction of the Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEX) Phase I, with full completion and operational connectivity between the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) in Tarlac City and Maharlika Highway in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, targeted for July 2025.
This flagship project under the “Build Better More” infrastructure program is a vital component of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas agenda, aimed at fostering inclusive growth, strengthening regional connectivity, and promoting balanced development beyond Metro Manila.
In an inspection report submitted to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain revealed that Contract Package 4, also known as the Cabanatuan Section, a 10.30-kilometer segment, has reached an impressive 98% completion rate.
Senior Undersecretary Sadain, the official in charge of DPWH infrastructure flagship projects funded through Official Development Assistance (ODA), highlighted that despite facing nearly two years of delays due to road right-of-way issues, Contract Package 4 is a crucial part of the 29.55-kilometer, four-lane expressway. Once operational, it is expected to drastically reduce travel time between Tarlac City and Cabanatuan City from 70 minutes to a mere 20 minutes, benefiting over 11,200 motorists daily.
Key features of Contract Package 4, being constructed by Qingdao Municipal Construction Group Co., Ltd., include one interchange, three bridges, eight reinforced concrete box culverts (RCBCs), seven farm passages, multiple underpasses, and extensive asphalt pavement works.
Meanwhile, Contract Package 5, encompassing the Zaragoza Interchange, is currently 73.46% complete. This segment is being undertaken by the Pacific Concrete Products, Inc. and China Construction First Group Corporation Limited Consortium. The scope of work includes the Zaragoza Interchange Bridge (113.4 linear meters), a 4.88-kilometer access road, two bridges (19.4 linear meters), five equalizer reinforced concrete box culverts, two farm passages, and seven irrigation canals. Completion of Contract Package 5 is anticipated within the third quarter of 2025. Notably, while the majority of CLLEX is funded through a loan agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Contract Package 5 is fully financed by the Government of the Philippines.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has consistently emphasized infrastructure development as a cornerstone of economic recovery and national progress under his administration.
A field inspection conducted on May 7, 2025, allowed officials to oversee construction activities, review engineering progress, and ensure strict adherence to quality and safety standards. Present during the site visit were Unified Project Management Office – Roads Management Cluster I (UPMO-RMC I) Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista; Stakeholders Relations Service Director Randy R. Del Rosario; Project Manager Nelson T. Graza; Project Engineer Albert B. Manuel; Engr. Allen P. Penaojos; and Mr. Philip T. Lopez of Pacific Concrete Products, Inc.
Project Director Bautista reaffirmed the UPMO-RMC I team’s unwavering commitment to maintaining construction momentum, particularly following the resolution of long-standing right-of-way issues with affected landowners.
Upon its full completion, CLLEX Phase I is poised to provide a fast, safe, and reliable route across Region III, significantly boosting logistics, alleviating traffic congestion, and seamlessly connecting urban centers with vital agricultural zones.
