P25 B earmarked for Cental Luzon infra

TALAVERA, Nueva Ecija, Philippines – At least P25 billion has been earmarked by the government for Central Luzon’s infrastructure projects next year.

Lorie Malaluan, public works and highways assistant regional director, said the amount represents 66 percent increase from last year’s P15 billion.

Malaluan said the amount includes those for foreign-assisted projects, and those in President Aquino’s hometown in Tarlac.

Also included are the widening and rehabilitation of roads and at least 40 bridges in Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales.           

The Department of Budget and Management originally proposed P28 billion, but the amount was reduced to P25 billion.

Malaluan on Thursday led the turnover  of the Nueva Ecija first district engineering office here.

George Santos assumed the post from outgoing district engineer Adilbert Rosete, who served for a year and a half.

Santos said the regional office would continue to pursue projects along the  Maharlika Highway, the Manila North Road and the Jose Abad Santos Avenue, formerly Gapan-Olongapo Road.

He said this year they would start the construction of the so-called “Spanish Trail,” an alternate route to Dalton Pass at the boundary of Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya.