The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has opened the expanded 22.46-kilometer Plaridel Bypass Road, bringing profound changes to the daily lives of residents, commuters, and businesses in Bulacan province.
By widening the road and enhancing key infrastructure such as flyovers and bridges, the project has significantly reduced traffic congestion, shortened travel times, and created new opportunities for local economic growth, said DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan.
He described the vital infrastructure, inaugurated on October 10, 2024, in the presence of Bulacan Governor Daniel Fernando and Kinoshita Akito, infrastructure attache of the Embassy of Japan, as a testament to the government’s commitment to improving the lives of Filipinos.
“Today marks a monumental day for the people of Bulacan and the entire Central Luzon region, paving the way for growth and opportunity for everyone,” Sec. Bonoan said during the inauguration.
Gov. Fernando echoed Bonoan’s sentiments, highlighting the far-reaching impacts of the project.
“This road not only serves as a key infrastructure but also as a symbol of progress and unity. We are opening doors to a brighter future for the people of Bulacan. This project will continue to drive economic growth, create jobs, and ease travel,” Fernando said.
The bypass road serves as an alternative to the congested Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway, directly benefiting travelers, residents, and businesses previously burdened by long commutes and transportation delays.
By bypassing urban areas in Balagtas, Guiguinto, Plaridel, Bustos, and San Rafael, the expanded road has improved mobility while fostering growth in agriculture, commerce, and tourism across the region.
Addressing congestion and delays
Before the expansion, the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway was a notorious traffic bottleneck, especially in urbanized municipalities like Plaridel, Pulilan, and Baliuag.
Heavy commuter traffic from Metro Manila to northern provinces often left drivers stranded in long jams, wasting hours daily. Local residents endured frustration and lost productivity, while businesses faced higher costs for transporting goods through congested routes.
Without a proper bypass, motorists had to navigate narrow streets and limited access points in densely populated areas, compounding traffic woes. These inefficiencies slowed economic growth and hindered the movement of goods.
A remarkable transformation
The Plaridel Bypass Road is part of a strategic initiative by the Philippine government and Japan, funded through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the Arterial Road Bypass Project.
The project’s goal was clear: to create a reliable alternative route to ease traffic congestion, enhance mobility, and boost the region’s economy.
Initially planned as a toll road, the project was revised to become a free public highway to ensure accessibility for as many Filipinos as possible.
Construction began in 2016 and progressed through several phases of development. The most recent phase, completed in 2024, widened the road to four lanes and included the construction of seven new bridges, improved flyovers, and expanded drainage systems for long-term durability.
Improved travel times
For daily commuters, the benefits of the expanded Plaridel Bypass Road are immediately evident.
“Before the bypass was widened, I had to plan my day around heavy traffic. Now, it’s easier for me to deliver goods, and I can make more trips in less time,” said Maria Santos, a business owner in Bustos.
Jacinto Ramos, a commuter from Balagtas, shared similar sentiments: “Thanks to DPWH and President [Ferdinand R.] Marcos [Jr.] for this great infrastructure. I get home to my family much quicker now.”
The reduced commute times have significantly improved residents’ work-life balance and overall well-being.
Boosting the local economy
The expanded road has not only improved transportation but also given a tremendous boost to the local economy.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) now enjoy quicker access to suppliers and markets, reducing operational costs and increasing profitability. Farmers, too, have benefited from faster and more reliable transportation of crops.
“Before, transporting crops to markets took so long. Now, it’s faster, and I don’t have to worry about delays during harvest season,” said Lito Aguilar, a farmer from San Rafael.
The improved road has also made Bulacan’s historical landmarks and natural attractions more accessible, contributing to a growing tourism industry.
An economic boom
The economic impact of the Plaridel Bypass Road extends beyond the immediate beneficiaries.
“By reducing travel time, the road has made the region more attractive to investors, spurring development in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors,” said Gov. Fernando.
With faster access to Metro Manila and Central Luzon, Bulacan is now a more competitive destination for business and investment.
The project’s construction itself generated thousands of jobs. The ongoing benefits include increased economic activity and employment opportunities, aligning with the national government’s goals for economic recovery and growth.
Voices from the road
Frequent travelers and local residents alike have praised the bypass road.
“I used to dread traveling through Bulacan because of the traffic. Now, I can drive through without worry, saving so much time,” said Erwel Montero, a traveler from Nueva Ecija.
Public transportation drivers have also welcomed the changes.
“The road used to be so crowded that even jeepneys and buses had trouble. Now, with the expanded road, we have more space, and our passengers are much more comfortable,” said John Mark Relucio.
A lasting legacy
The Plaridel Bypass Road exemplifies President Marcos Jr.’s commitment to improving infrastructure in the Philippines.
The project is part of a broader vision to establish a network of highways and arterial roads connecting provinces, cities, and rural areas, fostering inclusive development and raising the quality of life for Filipinos.
“The expanded bypass road will remain a key driver of progress and positive change for the people who rely on it every day,” Bonoan said. (PTV)
