President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. commended Central Luzon for its strong economic performance, contributing to the Philippines’ ranking among the world’s fastest-growing economies in 2024.

The President noted that the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 5.7 percent, while Central Luzon’s gross regional domestic product rose by 6.5 percent, making it the third fastest-growing region nationwide.

“Kaya naman, ginagawa po ng ating administrasyon ang lahat na kaya po nating magawa upang masuklian ang inyong pagsisikap at ang inyong suporta,” the President said in his speech during the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas Rally in Malolos City.

President Marcos also cited Bulacan’s 5.6 percent economic growth, with its GDP increasing from PhP598.05 billion in 2022 to PhP631.64 billion in 2023.

To sustain growth, President Marcos said the government is ramping up agricultural support, including the distribution of fertilizers, seeds, machinery, and the construction of farm-to-market roads and post-harvest facilities.

In Malolos alone, PhP55 million was allocated from 2023 to 2024 for four farm-to-market road projects.

From 2022 to 2024, 37 “Gulayan sa Paaralan” projects were launched in Malolos, and three Bagong Urgent Care and Ambulatory Services (BUCAS) centers were built in Central Luzon, out of 51 nationwide.

On infrastructure, the President reported that the North-South Commuter Railway–North 1 (NSCR1) is 72 percent complete and targeted for completion by 2030. He added that the San Ildefonso-San Miguel Bypass Road is progressing and slated for inauguration this December. | PND