CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — The Regional Development Council Region 3 (RDC-III) has identified priority development projects for Central Luzon during an executive meeting on May 25 at the Diosdado Macapagal Government Center in this city.

RDC-III Chairman and Zambales Governor Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. said the priority projects focused on flood resilience, critical transport infrastructure, and the creative economy in the region’s seven provinces—Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales.

Key initiatives in the region include the Pampanga River Basin Flood Control Master Plan, the Lazatin Flyover Project, and the Manila Bay Integrated Flood Control and Coastal Defense project.

The Pampanga River Basin Flood Control Master Plan, which was designed to address perennial flooding in the province, complements the DENR National Flood Management Master Plan, which has shifted its approach from a reactive, disaster-response model to a proactive, water-security strategy that treats floodwaters as a valuable resource.

On the other hand, the Manila Bay Integrated Flood Control, Coastal Defense and Expressway Project (MBIFCCDEP), is envisioned as both a flood mitigation structure and a new transport corridor linking Metro Manila with the provinces of Bulacan, Pampanga, and Bataan.

Aside from providing an alternative route to Central Luzon, the proposed MBIFCCDEP, which is backed by the Asian Development Bank, is expected to address recurring flooding that has long affected communities along Manila Bay, particularly Hagonoy and Calumpit towns in Bulacan.

The RDC-III has also endorsed the Lazatin Flyover Project, which will improve the two-lane modular steel flyover in San Fernando, Pampanga, which serves as a vital corridor for motorists traveling between Pampanga, Bataan, and Zambales.

At its present state, the flyover is exclusively open to light vehicles weighing under 20 tons and with a maximum vertical clearance of 2.75 meters.

Gov. Ebdane said the discussions emphasized the need to flesh out plans within reasonable timetable and available resource, and to identify issues that hinder project implementation.

Joining Ebdane in the executive council meeting were Bataan Gov. Joet Garcia, Tarlac Gov. Christian Tell Yap, Nueva Ecija Gov. Aurelio Umali, Bulacan Gov. Daniel Fernando, and Pampanga Vice Gov. Dennis Pineda, who represented Gov. Lilia Pineda.

Also present in the meeting were Dept. of Economy, Planning and Development Region III Director Nerrisa Esguerra, who is RDC-III vice-chairperson; Dept. of Public Works and Highways Region III Director Arnold Ocampo; and Dept. of Budget and Management Region III Director Rosalie Abesamis.

Last March, RDC III approved a P197.64-billion Tier 2 budget for the Fiscal Year 2027.

Gov. Ebdane said the budgeted programs and projects are expected to accelerate inclusive economic growth, strengthen social services, enhance governance systems, promote environmental sustainability, and modernize infrastructure across Central Luzon. – Taktikom News & Features