Press Release

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) welcomed the completion of Contract Package 3 (CP3) of the Arterial Road Bypass Project (ARBP) or Plaridel Bypass Project Phase III in Bulacan citing its role in cutting traffic congestion and boosting economic activity in the regions amid the pandemic.

The 9.399 billion yen Official Development Assistance (ODA) is the third phase of a road project bypassing the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway to alleviate traffic in towns of Bulacan. CP3 of ARBP III covered the construction of two additional lanes of the Angat Bridge and widening of underpass, drainage, and other works.

"We laud the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the consultant and the contractor for ensuring the completion of CP3 even under the difficult time of pandemic. Transportation infrastructure plays an important role in the economic recovery of the Philippines from the pandemic encouraging much needed investments and jobs," said JICA Philippines Chief Representative AZUKIZAWA Eigo. "We are also pleased to have shared Japanese skills and knowhow in the construction of road projects."

ARBP III will help divert some 15,000 vehicles from Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway and help ensure that agricultural products and other commodities from Central Luzon reach other areas.

The entire ARBP stretches over 24.61 kilometers, of which the first two phases were completed in 2012 and 2018. The third phase is composed of three (3) flyovers, ten (10) bridges, and additional lanes.

"JICA believes that transportation infrastructure can help sustain Philippine's economic growth and improve delivery of social services in the long-term. Aside from construction, we also support the improvement and maintenance as well as capacity building to ensure quality infrastructure building," added Azukizawa.

Over the years (1974-2019), JICA has allocated some 466 billion yen of ODA to supporting Philippine roads and bridges.

Aside from the ARBP, JICA is also supporting eight other roads and bridges projects under the Philippines' Build Build Build agenda, namely Road Upgrading and Preservation Project, Central Luzon Link Expressway Project, Metro Manila Interchange Construction Project Phase VI, Metro Manila Priority Bridges Seismic Improvement Project, Davao City Bypass Construction Project, Programme for the Support for Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Marawi City and its Surrounding Areas, Road Network Development Project in Conflict-Affected Areas in Mindanao, and Cebu-Mactan Bridge (4th Bridge) and Coastal Road Construction Road Project.

Photos taken during the opening of CP3 Section of Arterial Road Bypass Project Phase III