President Marcos has led the inauguration of the P7.8-billion North Luzon Expressway Candaba 3rd Viaduct, which, he said, is poised to serve Filipinos for decades.

"Built to withstand the challenges of nature, and the demands of our time, it is poised to serve our people for decades, offering them not only convenience, but also security as they traverse this route," Marcos said during the opening of the viaduct in Pulilan, Bulacan on Tuesday, Dec. 10.

"The timing of this milestone could not be more opportune. As we enter the holiday season, a period marked by heightened activity and an influx of holiday travelers, this bridge becomes even more crucial," he added.

Marcos said the third viaduct enhances the capacity of the expressway, reduces congestion, and ensures faster and more efficient travel.

He further said it is crucial in improving the movement of goods, services, and of people, which will eventually lead to economic growth, more opportunities for trade and tourism, and drive regional development.

"Designed with the latest in engineering innovation, this structure attests to our dedication to safety, durability, and progress. And furthermore, I take note of the fact that the scheduled program was scheduled to be completed in 24 months, but with the use of the latest technologies, we were able to cut it to 20 months. Congratulations to Metro Pacific for a good work," Marcos said.

In his speech, the President called on all concerned agencies, including the Toll Regulatory Board and the NLEX Corporation, to remain vigilant.

He recognized the efforts of the NLEX Corp.  and the Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., saying their work mirrors the kind of nation we aspire to become— consistent, synergistic, and forward-looking.

He told them to prioritize swift responses, mechanisms, and deploy well-coordinated traffic management strategies to address the ever-changing conditions and the increasing demands in the corridor.

He likewise remind the government to build infrastructure projects with future challenges in mind to meet the needs of the future.

Since its opening in 1977, the five-kilometer bridge has been a critical link, connecting the towns of Pulilan, Bulacan and Apalit, Pampanga.

From a two-lane design, it expanded to three lanes in each direction by 2017, now accommodating over 80,000 motorists every day.

The NLEX Candaba 3rd Viaduct, which commenced construction last year, is a five-kilometer-long infrastructure built between the two existing bridges connecting Pulilan and Apalit.