PRRD inaugurates C3-R10 Section of NLEX Harbor Link project

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte chats with Metro Pacific Investments Corporation Chairman Manuel Pangilinan after leading the inspection of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Harbor Link Circumferential Road 3 (C3)-R10 Section in Caloocan City on March 5, 2020. SIMEON CELI JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday inaugurated the C3-R10 Section of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Harbor Link project which is expected to decongest Metro Manila as it provides direct access to NLEX without the need to pass through Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) or the Balintawak Toll Plaza.

In his speech, Duterte lauded the construction of the 2.6-kilometer elevated NLEX Harbor Link C3-R10 section, citing combined efforts of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Transportation (DOTr), and NLEX Corporation for the timely completion of the project.

Duterte also recognized the support given by the local government officials and the people of the cities of Malabon, Navotas and Caloocan.

He assured the public that the administration will continue to pursue road infrastructure development throughout the country to improve the economy, create more jobs, and strengthen investment climate for sustainable growth.

In turn, he urged the public to do their part in nation-building as government pushes for its massive “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program.

“We need to work together to ensure that the strides we have made and the benefits of all our development efforts will be felt by all Filipinos.

No one should be left behind or forgotten on the path [to] progress,” he said.

The NLEX Harbor Link is one of the high-impact projects of the Duterte administration’s Build, Build, Build infrastructure program.

Last month, DPWH Secretary Mark Villar led the inaugural drive-through for the formal opening of the Malabon Exit.

Aside from significantly easing up the daily traffic congestion and serving as an alternative route to Dagat-Dagatan Avenue, the Malabon Exit also aims to open up development potentials in the area.

On the other hand, the C3-R10 Section of the NLEX Harbor Link is expected to improve the movement of cargo between the Port Area and NLEX by shortening the travel time from the usual one hour to only 10 minutes.

It will not only stimulate commerce and lead to greater development in Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela (Camanava) area, but also reduce the incidence of road accidents due to better road pavement and major traffic management control.

More than 30,000 motorists are expected to benefit per day with the entire Harbor Link C3-R10 Section completed.

Meeting Manny

During the inauguration, Duterte met and shook hands with Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. Chairman Manuel Pangilinan amid the former’s tirade against the businessman’s water firm.

Pangilinan’s Metro Pacific Investments Corp. owns a controlling stake in Maynilad.

Duterte’s verbal attacks against Maynilad and Manila Water began when the Permanent Court of Arbitration in Singapore, in its separate rulings, compelled the Philippine government to pay PHP3.4 billion and PHP7.39 billion to Maynilad and Manila Water, respectively, for supposed losses and damages suffered by the two water firms.

Currently, the government is attempting to strike a new deal with Maynilad and Manila Water.

Duterte’s former aide, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go said that Duterte has invited Pangilinan to a meeting “soon.”