**PRINCESS CLEA ARCELLAZ **March 05, 2021

A ROAD network that will connect the four legislative districts of Pampanga is being mapped out as part of the province's megalopolis plan.

Fourth District Representative Juan Pablo "Rimpy" Bondoc said he and fellow lawmakers Carmelo "Jonjon" Lazatin of the first district, Juan Miguel "Mikey" Arroyo of the second district and Aurelio "Dong" Lazatin of the third district are in the process of sourcing budget for the implementation of the multi-billion peso project that is eyed to be implemented by the end of this year.

He said the funding for the project, which is projected to be over P1 billion, may include assistance from other countries as he is in talks with some foreign representatives who are willing to lend a helping hand.

Bondoc said the road network will be anchored at the soon-to-be constructed North Luzon Expressway interchange in Barangay Pau, Sto. Tomas town.

From there, a service road going to the McArthur Highway will be constructed which is also connected to the recently-finished Pasac-Culcul road in Minalin town leading to Macabebe and Masantol, bypassing the heavy traffic at the portion of McArthur Highway in Apalit and San Simon.

A new highway that will traverse the City of San Fernando, Mexico, San Luis, Sta. Ana, Candaba, Arayat, Magalang going to the Clark Freeport Zone is also eyed to be built as part of the proposed road network.

Additional bypass roads will also be constructed to detour from the already-busy existing highways around the province, Bondoc said.

"Our goal here is to connect all the cities and municipalities of Pampanga through a new road network. It is envisioned to provide a quicker travel even with minimal access to NLEx (North Luzon Expressway)," he added.

Bondoc said the project, also supported by Governor Dennis Pineda, is infused to the Pampanga Megalopolis plan or the 50-year comprehensive development plan co-developed by former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Vice Governor Lilia Pineda.

Once completed, he assured that the road network will open new opportunities to Kapampangans as factories and other business establishments are expected to open along the route.

Source: https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1887891/Pampanga/Local-News/Multi-billion-Pampanga-circumferential-road-eyed