President Marcos ordered the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to ensure the timely completion of all major infrastructure projects in the country.

"I urge the DPWH to ensure the timely completion of all major projects, particularly those outside Metro Manila, to bolster regional development," Marcos said in his message delivered by Special Assistant to the President Antonio Ernesto Floirendo Lagdameo Jr. during the inauguration of the Arterial Road Bypass Project Phase III (ARBP III) Contract Package 4 in Bulacan on Monday, Oct. 9.
The President further said that the inauguration of ARBP III Contract Package 4 is "a call to action, and a call to work tirelessly towards the Bagong Pilipinas."
He stressed that infrastructure development, particularly in transportation, is crucial to the sustained progress of our economy as 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," he said.
The Chief Executive said the ARBP III is just one of the several roads the government is pursuing to ease congestion and spur development across the country.
He cited the 197 infrastructure flagship projects, which include transportation connectivity projects, in various stages of development under the administration's Build-Better-More Program.
The 22.4-kilometer ARBP III involves the widening of the existing Plaridel Bypass Road in Bulacan from two lanes to four lanes.
The project, which includes the construction of 10 bridges and three flyovers, is primarily funded through an Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
It has a total project cost of P5.26 billion, P4.25 billion of which is covered by the JICA Loan Agreement, while the remaining P1.01 billion is shouldered by the Philippine government.
Contract Packages 3 and 4 were completed on March 31, 2021, and April 30, 2023, respectively. Contract Package 3 was opened to traffic in July 2021.
Meanwhile, Contract Packages 1 and 2 were 63.09 percent accomplished as of end of September, and are targeted to be completed by March 2024.