CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary (DPWH) Vince Dizon inspected infrastructure projects in Arayat, Pampanga aimed at improving connectivity and addressing long-standing transport delays and flood risks affecting local communities.
Among the projects visited by Dizon together with Pampanga Vice Governor Dennis Pineda and local officials on May 21 was the San Agustin Bridge in Arayat, a project that had been delayed for eight years and which Dizon discovered in December 2025 was still unfinished.
The inspection followed the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to accelerate the completion of delayed infrastructure projects, with the bridge targeted for completion within the next five months.
“Binilinan tayo ni Presidente na ang priority ngayon ng DPWH ay tapusin yung lahat ng mga nakatenggang proyekto… Ngayon nakakatuwa lang na kung magtutulungan ang national government, provincial government, at local government, ang bilis ng progress natin dito. At sinabihan ako ng Regional Director natin dito na in five months, finally, ay matatapos na itong San Agustin Bridge,” Dizon said.
Once completed, the bridge is expected to improve mobility and shorten travel time for motorists and commuters between Pampanga and Nueva Ecija.
Dizon also thanked local government units for helping address right-of-way concerns that contributed to the project delay.
Meanwhile, Pineda emphasized the importance of coordination among barangays, municipal governments, the provincial government, and DPWH in addressing erosion and flood-related concerns.
Dizon likewise inspected the collapsed dike in Barangay Candating, where a nature-based intervention is being considered to protect nearby homes and prevent floodwaters from affecting communities.
In Barangay Cupang, sheet piling works for an ongoing flood control project are being expedited to minimize risks and prevent further damage in the area.
The continuing coordination among government agencies from the barangay to the national level reflects ongoing efforts under the Marcos administration to strengthen infrastructure systems, safeguard communities, and ensure the safety and welfare of Kapampangans. (Rick P. Quiambao)
