MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inspected on Wednesday the Airport to New Clark City Access Road (ANAR) in Mabalacat, Pampanga where he directed the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to ensure the timely completion of the project.

In his speech during the inspection of the ANAR, President Marcos said that the completion of the project will not only pave the way for more tourists and investments in Pampanga, but will also reduce travel time from one hour to just 20 minutes.

President Marcos added that the project will also save commuters’ money as it will remain toll free.

“I ask you in the BCDA to ensure the completion of the remaining works for this 20-kilometer highway,” President Marcos told the BCDA, referring to the 19.81-kilometer six-lane ANAR, which connects the New Clark City (NCC) to the Clark International Airport (CIA).

“Once operational, it will reduce travel time between the Clark International Airport and New Clark City from one hour to 20 minutes. It will also save commuters’ money – as ANAR is toll free,” President Marcos added.

The ANAR is part of BCDA’s One Clark development approach, which aims to propel economic and social transformation in the country by developing alternative growth areas outside Metro Manila.

“This road is much more than just an access road. It is part of our plan to propel Clark as an alternate growth area. It is a red carpet rolled out to those who will partake in all the best things that Clark can offer,” President Marcos said.

“It shows the path forward, of Building Better More so we will never lose our competitive advantage because unlocking the full potential of Clark is a continuing task,” the chief executive emphasized.

As of February 14, the access road is 95.21 percent accomplished, with the remaining carriageway, or six-lane runway already fully completed while all remaining works is expected to be completed by June 24.

The President noted that the ANAR “is a key component in boosting the Clark metropolis as an investment and tourism destination” in the Philippines as he emphasized that the project “is part of a larger package of Build Better More activities” envisioned under “Bagong Pilipinas.”

“Project such as this all convey one message to prospective investors. It conveys the message that we are committed to building world class infrastructure that can host businesses in a high-growth area. That the government is ready to provide adequate infrastructure and facilities to ensure the growth of their future investment,” he said.

President Marcos underscored that his administration is not only transforming Clark’s physical capital, but is also upskilling the required human capital that will run businesses and drive prosperity in the region.

He emphasized that Clark has a lot of potentials as it can host various economic activities including innovation labs, creative workshops, manufacturing concerns, leisure complexes, and cyber corridor, among others.

“In short, the Clark metropolis has what it takes to be a mecca for tourists, a magnet of investments, and a market of goods and services. We must leverage these attributes into higher visitor traffic, attracting more investments that generate better jobs and spur economic activity,” he said.

Discussing BCDA’s track record, President Marcos expressed confidence in the quality of the workmanship of the ANAR as he remains optimistic in the commitment of the development authority to observe relevant procurement rules, laws and regulations in the construction of the road.

He also emphasized that BCDA’s bold vision radiates from previous infrastructures it built such as the Sacobia bridge and the new CIA, which has earned international recognition and hailed by UNESCO Prix Versailles as one of the most beautiful airports in the world.

President Marcos expressed his gratitude to the engineers, architects, private partners, and the BCDA led by Chairman Delfin Lorenzana and Engineer Joshua Bingcang, the BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer, for all their hard work and dedication to the project.

“BCDA’s performance is not merely narrated on ink and paper, and in reports long archived. Your triumphs have become part of the country’s landscape, utilized and visited by millions of people daily,” President Marcos said.

Before concluding his speech, President Marcos acknowledged BCDA’s contributions and its commitment of remitting its earnings to fund the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

President Marcos noted that the BCDA has contributed PhP59.71 billion for the equipment, weaponry, vehicles, vessels, and structures used by the armed forces, which are a great contribution to the “Bagong Pilipinas.”

“Indeed, the BCDA has a major role to play in the Bagong Pilipinas vision that all Filipinos are working hard to achieve. Your contribution to Bagong Pilipinas goes beyond your physical inventory of projects delivered, planned, and being built,” President Marcos said.

President Marcos said that BCDA’s contribution to the Bagong Pilipinas will also include “the culture of excellence, innovation, foresight and industry.” (PND)