
The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) said on Thursday that the economy and growth of Central Luzon is being driven by high-impact infrastructure and innovation-driven projects.
These include the Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation Project Phase I in Pampanga and the Plaridel Bypass Road Phase III in Bulacan.
The agency said these projects improved access and resilience in critical areas.
The DEPDev (formerly National Economic and Development Authority) that the government is fast-tracking several projects under the Regional Development Investment Program including the Central Luzon Link Expressway, New Manila International Airport, North-South Commuter Railway, MRT-7, Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge, Capas-Botolan Road, and the Dalton Pass East Alignment Road.
The 6.5 percent economic growth of Central Luzon in 2024 is coupled with a P2.47 trillion Gross Regional Domestic Product output, which maintained the region's position as the third-largest contributor to the national economy.
The DEPDev said that innovation, research and development, and stronger academe-industry linkages will help sustain regional productivity and development.
“Investments in innovation and upskilling are vital to make our workforce future-ready and support high-value industries,” the agency said.