A pleasant day to all!
I am very pleased that we are inaugurating another key infrastructure development project under this administration’s Build-Better-More Program.
This project is an important step towards the realization of our dream of a better Philippines that is filled with hope, brimming with optimism, and teeming with boundless opportunities.
Infrastructure development, particularly in transportation, is crucial to the sustained progress of our economy: It improves the movement of people, goods, and services.
It enhances the efficiency of our logistics and transportation systems. And it facilitates our journey towards lasting prosperity.
Thus, in my Second State of the Nation Address, I made a clear commitment to open more transportation gateways to different corners of our country.
And this project—the ARBP III Contract Package 4—embodies the fulfillment of that commitment.
The completion of the entire ARBP 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.
With the enhanced road capacity and the substantially shortened travel time, this project will revolutionize not only the movement of people, but also of agricultural products and services, thereby boosting the productivity of the farming industry in Bulacan.
In time, this will attract even more investments, create more employment opportunities, and perpetuate a positive cycle of development that will benefit the province of Bulacan and its residents.
I assure you that this Administration remains unwavering in our commitment to complete the ARBP III by March 2024.
We will continue to address all the issues and challenges we encounter even as we strive to hasten the construction activities for the completion of this project.
To our esteemed partners, Japan International Cooperation Agency or JICA, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your support in this critical project.
JICA has long been a steadfast partner in our journey to improve our infrastructure, and we hope for continued collaboration in our future endeavors.
I also recognize the Department of Public Works and Highways for their relentless efforts in ensuring the completion of this project.
As you move forward with this project, ensure that all outstanding issues—particularly those pertaining to the road right-of-way—will be addressed promptly.
The ARBP III is just one of the several roads we are pursuing to ease congestion and spur development across the country.
There are a total of 197 Infrastructure Flagship Projects, which include transportation connectivity projects, in various stages of development under our Build-Better-More Program to support this goal.
I urge the DPWH to ensure the timely completion of all major projects, particularly those outside Metro Manila, to bolster regional development.
The inauguration of ARBP III Contract Package 4 is a call to action, and a call to work tirelessly towards the “Bagong Pilipinas” that we envision—a Philippines that shines brightly on the world stage, a Philippines where every Filipino’s dreams are realized.
Thank you and mabuhay tayong lahat.
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