SAN RAFAEL, Bulacan (PIA) -- The newly-widened arterial road bypass, which will reduce travel time from Balagtas to San Rafael in Bulacan to 24 minutes from the usual 69 minutes, is now open to motorists.

The Arterial Road Bypass Project (ARBP) Phase III, Contract Package 4 covers the construction of a 7.64-kilometer road, including a 36.86-meter single-span bridge and a 318-meter flyover. 

The implementation of the P5.26-billion project involves the expansion of the existing two-lane road of Plaridel Bypass into four lanes to ease traffic congestion which limits the mobility of people, supply and goods. 

In a message read by Secretary Antonio Ernesto F. Lagdameo Jr. of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President of the Philippines, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. underscored that the project embodies the commitment of the administration to open more transportation gateways in the country to enhance the efficiency of logistics and transport systems, and improve the movement of people, goods and services. 

Among the benefits highlighted by the President include the reduced travel time between Burol in Balagtas town and Maasim in San Rafael town. 

“The completion of the entire ARBP Phase III will transform the Plaridel Bypass Road, offering a convenient alternative route from Balagtas to San Rafael in Bulacan. The addition of two lanes will enable this road to accommodate more motorists, reducing travel time between these municipalities from what is currently more than an hour of commuting to just 24 minutes,” Marcos stated. 

He added that the enhanced road capacity and shortened travel time will improve the delivery of agricultural products and services, and generate economic growth and development in the province of Bulacan. 

“This project will revolutionize not only the movement of people but also of agricultural projects and services thereby, boosting the productivity of the farming industry in Bulacan. In time, this will attract even more investments, create more opportunities and perpetuate a positive cycle of development that will benefit the province of Bulacan and its residents,” he stated. 

Marcos also assured his unwavering commitment to hasten the construction activities and to complete the project by March 2024.

There are currently a total of 197 Infrastructure Flagship Projects, including transportation connectivity projects in various stages of development, under the Build Better More Program. 

Relative to these, he urged the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to ensure the timely completion of all major projects, particularly those outside Metro Manila to bolster regional development. 

Marcos likewise recognized the government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as the Philippine government’s steadfast partner in improving the infrastructure system in the country. 

For his part, Lagdameo vowed to support the realization of ARBP in his capacity as Special Assistant to the President. 

Meanwhile, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan emphasized that the opening of an additional two lanes will provide more convenient travel going to Nueva Ecija, Cagayan Valley and the National Capital Region. 

“It is worth to note that this event further emphasizes and signifies the importance of this project which aims to provide an alternate route for seamless travel, avoiding traffic congestion problems along the sections of the Cagayan Valley Region and the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway,” he explained. 

The project, when completed, would be over 24 kilometers long that bypasses several Bulacan town centers until it interlinks with the North Luzon Expressway in Balagtas. 

Despite several challenges, Bonoan conveyed his determination to adhere to the President’s instruction to finish the project on time.

“DPWH is committed to continue to implement the remaining sections until totally completed in line with the Build Better More Infrastructure Program, and consistent with the 8-point Agenda of the President in addressing traffic congestion and providing an efficient road network to reduce transport and logistics costs,” he stated. 

On another note, JICA Chief Representative in the Philippines Takema Sakamoto expressed his pride as the government’s partner in creating ‘Bagong Pilipinas’, and propelling infrastructure development and economic growth in the country. 

“This road is an example of what we could achieve together with many road and bridge infrastructures that JICA has been supporting. Along this road, we can see more factories and other business establishments with more job opportunities. We can also enjoy faster and more comfortable travel now,” Sakamoto pressed. 

He added that the 24-kilometer bypass road is now providing greater linkages between Metro Manila and Central Luzon, connecting to the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway.
The JICA Loan Agreement covered P4.25 billion of the total project cost while the Philippine government shouldered the remaining P1.01 billion.

It was initiated under the Build, Build, Build Infrastructure Program of the Duterte administration and continued on under the Build Better More Infrastructure Program of the Marcos administration. (CLJD/TJBM-PIA 3)