President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has issued a directive to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to prioritize the completion of the New Clark City Access Road. This infrastructure project, known as ANAR, is anticipated to significantly enhance Luzon’s connectivity landscape. During a speech, President Marcos emphasized the strategic importance of this 20-kilometer highway, highlighting its potential to transform Clark into a vital alternative growth hub.
The completion of ANAR is expected to drastically reduce the travel time from Clark International Airport to New Clark City, cutting it down from an hour to a mere 20 minutes. Moreover, the President pointed out that the road would be toll-free, offering financial savings to commuters.
The President’s remarks were made during his visit to the Sacobia Bridge, a part of the access road within the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone in Pampanga. He expressed confidence in the BCDA’s ability to deliver high-quality workmanship, adhering to the relevant procurement rules, laws, and regulations.
President Marcos also envisioned Clark as a dynamic center for diverse economic activities, including innovation labs, creative workshops, manufacturing, leisure complexes, and a cyber corridor. He noted Clark’s strategic position in the agricultural heartland, hinting at its potential to attract tourists, investments, and serve as a vibrant marketplace for goods and services, partly due to the allure of Kapampangan cuisine.
The P8.42 billion project is not just a roadway but a catalyst for reducing traffic congestion and spurring economic growth across Luzon by improving the efficiency of travel and trade between Central and Northern Luzon, Metro Manila, and Clark International Airport. The inclusion of a 900-meter bridge over the Sacobia River in Bamban, Tarlac, exemplifies the project’s engineering sophistication and its consideration for environmental impacts.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance infrastructure and connectivity across the Philippines, aiming to foster economic development, ease travel, and promote regional growth.