THIRD District Representative Aurelio Gonzales Jr. and Arayat Mayor Emmanuel Alejandrino led the groundbreaking of the P125-million Arayat-Magalang Bypass road that is among the series of bypass road projects programmed for the district.

Gonzales said the bypass road aims to connect the two far-flung barangays of La Paz Turu (both of the same name) in Magalang and Arayat.

The road will also connect Arayat to Magalang town by the eastern frontier, providing an effective link to the two around Mt. Arayat.

“This road is essential in bringing far-flung barangays connected commercial and urban areas. This is also part of our initiative to position Mt. Arayat as a tourism destination and effective road networks are an essential factor in driving not just commerce and investment but also tourism,” Gonzales said, stressing that more road projects are now in the pipeline also to interconnect the towns of the district and the district to other districts in Pampanga.

Gonzales said the almost 15-kilometer road will start along the boundary portion of Barangays Laquios and San Juan Bano.

Alejandrino, for his part, lauded the project, saying the town has long been in need of the road to connect its farthest barangay.

He said once the road is completed, delivery of essential services and access to the urban center of the town will greatly benefit residents along the stretch of the road project.