After a frustrating seven-year delay, the Atlu Bola Bypass Road in Pampanga has finally been completed and is set to open soon. This vital infrastructure project, which connects the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Sta. Ines exit to Barangay Atlu Bola, had been stalled since 2018, rendering the initially constructed 1.2-kilometer road useless for nearly a decade.
Collaboration Breaks the Deadlock
The breakthrough came through the concerted efforts of a trio of key figures: Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, Mayor Geld Aquino, and NLEX President Luis Reñon. While former Mayor Cris Garbo deserves credit for initiating the project and getting it off the drawing board, it took this new collaboration to overcome the prolonged impasse.
The delay was attributed to unmet requirements from NLEX and the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), compounded by the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Rather than assigning blame, the focus shifted to finding a practical solution to resume and finish the project.
A Simple Coffee Meeting Sparks Action
The turning point occurred two weeks ago when Mayor Geld Aquino met with Secretary Vince Dizon at Porch Cafe in Clark. During this informal discussion, Aquino raised the issue of the stalled bypass road. Just one week later, a follow-up meeting was held with NLEX President Luis Reñon, DPWH Assistant Secretary Suzanne Liwanag, Regional Director Arnold Ocampo, City Engineer Rod Deang, and their technical teams.
This series of meetings proved decisive. As a result, work resumed on the crucial 90-meter concrete road segment that links the NLEX to the existing 1.2-kilometer road built seven years earlier. The completed bypass now connects to Moc Candelaria Street, which in turn leads to MacArthur Highway, according to City Planning Officer Rosan Pacquia.
Project Details and Funding
The completion project, valued at approximately 5 million pesos, falls under the DPWH's "Convergence and Special Support Program: Construction/Improvement of Access Roads Leading to Trades, Industries and Economic Zones" initiative. Funding had already been made available last year, and the project underwent proper government procurement processes, including bidding compliance.
Minor adjustments are still needed, such as fine-tuning the curve or loop ramp, but the main construction is complete. Mayor Geld Aquino expressed profound gratitude to Secretary Dizon, the DPWH team, NLEX President Reñon, and the Toll Regulatory Board for their roles in finally seeing this project through to completion.
Broader Infrastructure Vision
Secretary Vince Dizon personally inspected the project despite his demanding schedule, recognizing its significance for boosting local economies. His background as former head of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) gives him particular insight into connectivity projects like this one, which were originally planned by teams that included current CDC President Jake Bingcang and former CDC President Noel Manankil.
Dizon also contacted TRB Executive Director Jay Art Tugade to secure approval for the exit, as the TRB holds regulatory authority over toll road entrances and exits. The completion aligns with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s directive to continue and finish stalled projects, whether delayed by insufficient funding or other circumstances.
Regional Impact and Future Projects
In Pampanga alone, several other projects await completion, including the Sto Cristo overpass in Angeles City. For the Atlu Bola Bypass Road, Secretary Dizon remarked during his visit, "Kalakbangan ne mu" (a step away), emphasizing that this final step completes the journey toward enhanced convenience, livelihood opportunities, and broader economic benefits for the community.
Looking ahead, Mayor Aquino is also pushing for approval of the Dolores connector road, which traverses the northern periphery of Clark Freeport and would provide another vital link to Ayala Land's Pampanga Technopark in Barangay Tabun. With demonstrated momentum from this successful collaboration, local officials are optimistic about advancing more infrastructure projects that promise to stimulate economic growth and improve connectivity across the region.
