Tarlac City, Tarlac
July 15, 2021

As the country continues to develop major infrastructure projects under the ‘Build, Build, Build’ Program, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte once again led the inauguration of one of the program’s flagship projects — the 18-Kilometer portion of the Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEX).

Expected to benefit 11,200 motorists and commuters, the 18-km section of the CLLEX Project shortens travel time from Tarlac City to Cabanatuan City to just 20 minutes from the usual 70 minutes, and will significantly ease traffic congestion in the Pan-Philippine Highway by 48 percent.

“Directly linked with SCTEX and TPLEX, this new expressway will greatly benefit commuters going to and from Metro Manila and Cabanatuan City, with a shorter commute allowing them to have more time for their families and other productive activities,” said the Chief Executive.

President Duterte lauded the work and effort of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for the timely completion of the said portion of the CLLEX project.

“I also commend the Department of Public Works and Highways and its partners for the speedy, efficient and timely completion of this part of CLLEX. Just keep in mind that transparency, accountability and integrity must be upheld in all our development projects,” said the President while assuring his countrymen that his administration remains committed in providing a more comfortable life for all Filipinos through infrastructure and transportation-related projects.

Moreover, he acknowledged Japan’s funding assistance in the PhP12-billion infrastructure project through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The Chief Executive considers Japan as one of the Philippines’ most important partners in improving Filipino commuter experience and supporting infrastructure developments.

The three (3) sections of the expressway, namely Tarlac, Rio Chico River Bridge and Aliaga became accessible to the public today while work on the Cabanatuan segment is still ongoing.

Once completed, the four-lane, 30-km CLLEX Phase 1 Project will also improve connectivity among the localities in Tarlac and Nueva Ecija. Under the project’s Phase 2 plan, CLLEX will be extended from Cabanatuan City to San Jose City in Nueva Ecija, extending the 30-km Phase 1 Project to 65-km length expressway.

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