SAN MARCELINO, Zambales — A proposed 48.5-kilometer San Marcelino-Floridablanca Bypass Road is being positioned as a potential new transport link between Zambales and Pampanga, with the project expected to improve road connectivity, expand access to land and support economic activity along its proposed alignment.
The proposed bypass road was discussed during a coordination and information and education campaign meeting led by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Sept. 21 at the office of San Marcelino Mayor Elvis Ragadio Soria.
The project will provide an alternative road connection between San Marcelino, Zambales and Floridablanca, Pampanga, potentially giving motorists, businesses and communities another route between the two provinces.
In San Marcelino, the proposed alignment will pass through Barangays Nagbunga, San Rafael, Aglao and Buhawen, before proceeding to Barangay Batiawan in Subic and continuing toward Barangays Gutad and Carmencita in Floridablanca.
Beyond reducing dependence on existing road corridors, the proposed bypass could improve access to areas currently located away from major transport routes. Better road access can be particularly significant for the movement of agricultural products, construction materials and other goods, while also improving mobility for workers and residents.
The planned connection may likewise open up opportunities for economic activity in communities along the alignment by improving access to commercial areas, agricultural land and potential development sites.
For businesses, improved connectivity can reduce travel distances and improve access to markets, suppliers and labor, factors that can influence decisions on where to establish or expand operations. However, the actual economic and investment impact of the project will depend on its final alignment, design, funding, right-of-way acquisition and eventual implementation.
The coordination meeting also focused on road-related issues and other technical concerns that need to be considered as part of the project’s assessment and planning.
Representatives of the DPWH-Zambales 2nd District Engineering Office attended the meeting, together with Municipal Planning and Development Office Head EnP. Floralyn Ramat-Mendoza and Municipal Engineer Armida Fabelinia.
Also present were Municipal Assessor Dario Mauricio, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office Officer Marvin Beltran, MDRRMO Head Arsenio Edar Mauricio III, and Municipal Agriculturist Remin Sardo.
The participants discussed the project’s technical requirements, potential benefits and issues that need to be addressed before the proposed road project moves forward.
If implemented, the bypass would create a new east-west transport connection linking communities in Zambales, Subic and Pampanga, potentially strengthening the movement of people and goods and improving access to areas that could support future economic development.