On 4 October 2024, Second Secretary KINOSHITA Akito joined Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan at the inauguration ceremony of the expanded 22.46km Plaridel Bypass Road in the province of Bulacan. Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando was also present to celebrate the momentous milestone.
The Plaridel Bypass Road is the alternate route to the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway (Daang Maharlika Highway), traversing the municipalities of Balagtas, Guiguinto, Plaridel, Bustos and San Rafael in Bulacan. It is funded by the Government of the Philippines and the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the Arterial Road Bypass Project.
The Arterial Road Bypass Project Phase III consists of four contract packages aimed at widening the Plaridel Bypass Road. The ceremony marks the completion of 2 additional lanes (total length 11.65km), including 7 short bridges, 1 flyover, drainage facilities and slope protection. The completion of this widening project is expected to promote further development in Bulacan and neighboring provinces by alleviating traffic congestion and improving local economic activities and productivity.
