President Marcos formally launched yesterday two key projects aimed at enhancing land travel and improving healthcare services in Central Luzon.
The Chief Executive called the opening of the P7.8-billion North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Candaba 3rd viaduct as a significant step toward boosting connectivity and regional development.
“The 3rd Viaduct enhances the capacity of this expressway, reduces congestion, and ensures faster, more efficient travel,” Mr. Marcos said.
Speaking during the ceremony in Pulilan, Bulacan, he emphasized the viaduct’s importance in easing congestion, improving travel efficiency, and promoting economic growth.
The President noted that the infrastructure is part of the administration’s “Build Better More” program, which aims to modernize and expand the country’s transportation network.
“This reflects our commitment to enriching connectivity, opportunity, and a brighter future for all,” he added.
The five-kilometer structure, built between two existing viaducts that connect Pulilan, Bulacan, and Apalit, Pampanga, is designed to withstand environmental challenges and meet the increasing demands of motorists.
It is expected to benefit over 80,000 daily users and facilitate the smoother movement of goods and services between Central Luzon and Metro Manila.
He highlighted the viaduct’s role during the holiday season, a period of increased travel activity.
Mr. Marcos called on the Department of Transportation, the Toll Regulatory Board, and NLEX Corporation to implement effective traffic management strategies to ensure smooth travel for motorists.
“The timing of this milestone could not be more opportune,” he stated.
Later on Tuesday, Mr. Marcos broke ground on the Bagong Pilipinas Cancer Care Center which is being built as a specialized wing at the OFW Hospital in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Citing Philippine Statistics Authority data that ranks cancer as the second leading cause of death in the country from January to May this year, the President emphasized the urgency of building facilities to support patients.
“Aggressive as this terrible disease is, we need to be equally aggressive in providing treatment for our patients—to give them hope, to provide them with care, and to make them feel at home when they need it most,” he said.
The cancer care center, set to occupy the hospital’s second floor, will function as an outpatient department and treatment facility.
It is expected to accommodate 64 patients and offer chemotherapy, diagnostic services, surgical oncology, and other treatments.
Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2025, with completion targeted for November 2025.
The center is slated to open in early 2026, pending required permits and certifications from the Department of Health (DOH).
During the event, the President acknowledged the late DMW Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople’s lifelong dedication to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families.
“Her legacy reminds us to approach every patient with compassion and care, assuring them they are not alone in their fight,” Mr. Marcos said.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Newly opened NLEX Candaba 3rd Viaduct seen to benefit 80k motorists daily.”
