APALIT, Pampanga — Responding swiftly to mounting safety concerns, the Provincial Government of Pampanga, under the leadership of Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda and Vice Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda, has launched emergency rehabilitation efforts along the heavily damaged stretch of MacArthur Highway in Apalit.
Locally referred to as a “moon road” due to its large potholes and jagged surface, the highway had become a daily hazard for commuters. The deterioration was caused by an unfinished road project by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), made worse by continuous rains and inadequate drainage systems.
To prevent further accidents and ensure commuter safety, the Capitol quickly mobilized manpower, heavy equipment, and construction materials in coordination with the Apalit municipal government and private sector partners. Vice Governor Pineda and Apalit Mayor Jun Tetangco personally oversaw the road rehabilitation operations, with support from the Porac Quarry and Truckers Association, Primemix Group, and HMD JV.
“Pansamantala lang ho ito. Number one, makaiwas ho tayo sa aksidente sa mga commuters natin. Nakita n’yo ho ‘yung lalim niyan, nahuhulog lalo na ‘yung mga light vehicles, lalo na ‘yung mga hindi taga-rito. Dahil puno ng tubig, akala nila ayos, ‘yun pala sobrang lalim na po. Wala, wala po talagang pakialam ang national agencies natin. Iyung sa DPWH, ‘yung sa region natin, ‘yung sa district natin, na araw-araw nakikita ang problema pero nakapikit lang po,” said Vice Governor Pineda.
A total of 60 truckloads of vibro waste were used to fill the worst-affected areas in Barangays San Vicente, Sampaloc, and Palogui. Graders, compactors, and wheel loaders were deployed to level and stabilize the road surface, ensuring safer passage for motorists.
Beyond the potholes, officials also pointed out the long-standing issue of poor drainage in the area, which contributes to the road’s rapid deterioration and worsens flooding during the rainy season.
“Mr. President, nung 2023 na nag-meeting ho tayo, sinabi ng DPWH na gagawin na nila ngayong 2024, na kumpleto na yung pondo. 2025 na po, hindi pa rin natatapos ang project na ito. Sana po tapusin na—hindi lang po taga-Apalit ang naabala, maraming tao ang naaapektuhan,” said Mayor Tetangco.
As of this writing, rehabilitation work has been completed in Barangay San Vicente and is ongoing in the remaining affected areas.
This swift intervention reaffirms the Provincial Government’s commitment to public safety, local collaboration, and decisive action in the face of delayed national projects.
