Central Luzon gets P26.3 B for infra projects

CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines – At least P26.3 billion has been earmarked by the national government for infrastructure development in Central Luzon this year.

Antonio Molano Jr., Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional director, said the amount represents a huge increase from last year’s P18.9 billion.

Molano said Nueva Ecija got the largest part of this year’s budget with P6.3 billion, followed by Tarlac, P5 billion; Pampanga, P4 billion; Bulacan, P2.7 billion; Zambales, P2.2 billion; Aurora, P1.19 billion, and Bataan, P1.5 billion.

The DPWH plans to step up spending in order to finish major road networks in the region, including the Baler-Casiguran Road in Aurora, the Canili Bypass Road, also in Aurora, as well as some 40 bridges and flood control projects.

Molano said the DPWH regional office has allocated P672 million for flood management projects.      

Lorie Malaluan, DPWH assistant regional director, said the amount includes foreign-assisted projects.

Arthur Santos, regional planning officer, said the budget department originally proposed P28 billion, but this was reduced to P26.3 billion.

Santos said the implementation of projects along the  Maharlika Highway, Manila North Road and Jose Abad Santos Avenue, formerly Gapan-Olongapo Road, would be in full swing.