CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is fast-tracking major road and bridge rehabilitation projects in the province to prevent flooding, ensure road safety, and protect economic activity ahead of the rainy season.
DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon led the inspection of ongoing rehabilitation works along MacArthur Highway in Barangay Sampaloc, Apalit, including a 290-meter damaged section now undergoing concrete paving using P35 million from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund.
“We have to finish these before the rainy season,” Dizon said, citing the risk of further road damage and flooding if repairs are delayed.
The Apalit road works are expected to be completed within four months and are intended to ease traffic, improve access to communities, and reduce disruptions during heavy rains.
The DPWH is also moving forward with the rehabilitation of the 600-meter Apalit–Macabebe Road, funded by P40 million from the agency’s Quick Response Fund.
Residents said the projects address long-standing concerns in flood-prone areas.
“Damaged roads are a major burden, especially when flooding happens. Our livelihood is affected. Now that construction has started, we are thankful that this problem will finally be solved,” said Barangay Sampaloc resident Angelica Catian.
In Arayat, Dizon also inspected the San Agustin Bridge, a key transport link that had remained unfinished for nearly eight years.
The DPWH said construction resumed in December 2025 and is targeted for completion this year using departmental savings, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to complete long-delayed infrastructure projects.
Vice Governor Dennis Pineda, who joined the inspection, urged local government and barangay officials to closely monitor project implementation to ensure adherence to approved designs and timelines.
For his part, Arayat Mayor Jeffrey Luriz said the completion of the bridge is critical to public safety and regional trade.
“We are grateful for the swift action of the DPWH and the close coordination with the provincial government. Once completed, many will benefit, and it will give people peace of mind. The bridge was already unstable and urgently needed repair. This is a major route to Nueva Ecija, and if it becomes impassable, businesses will suffer, the flow of goods will be disrupted, and prices will increase,” the mayor stressed.
The DPWH said continued coordination with the Provincial Government of Pampanga and local government units will be essential to ensure timely completion of infrastructure projects that support mobility, disaster preparedness, and economic stability across the province. (CLJD/MJSC, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)
