PIA Press Release Wednesday, January 25, 2012 RDC 3 OKs proposed upgrade of national road in BulacanCITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga Jan. 25 (PIA) -- Regional Development Council (RDC) of Central Luzon had passed a resolution favorably endorsing the proposed Bigaa-Plaridel national road upgrade project in Bulacan.In a statement, RDC 3 said, “the planned overhaul is expected to mitigate the traffic problems and increase tourist arrival in Malolos City which is home to a number of historical landmarks such as the Barasoain Church where the first Philippine republic was established.” The project consists of three components. First component is the widening, improvement and beautification of Paseo Del Congreso, followed by the construction of Plaridel-Malolos toll booth and finally, the widening and improvement of Malolos section of Bigaa-Plaridel road. RDC said, “Paseo del Congreso, where Barasoain is located, shall be expanded to 15 meters from the current nine meters.” Decorative street lights shall also be installed and a drainage canal shall be built in the mentioned thoroughfare. Estimated cost of Paseo rehab is P213 million and P228 million as per two alternative programs of work of the Department of Public Works and Highways. Meanwhile, the proposed construction of a toll booth will provide the people of Plaridel, Malolos and nearby towns direct access to North Luzon Expressway. Moreover, the widening and improvement of Malolos section of Bigaa-Plaridel road will resolve the traffic congestion along Daang Maharlika which is otherwise known as Cagayan Valley Road. RDC 3 is the highest policy-making body in Central Luzon and serves as the counterpart of the National Economic Development Authority Board at the subnational level. It is the primary institution that coordinates and sets the direction of all economic and social development efforts in the region and serves as a forum where local efforts can be related and integrated with national development activities. Council members include all governors, city mayors, municipal mayors of capital towns, presidents of municipal mayor’s league, regional directors of national government agencies and representatives from the private sector. (WLB/CLJD-PIA 3) |