Marcos inspects CALAX Governor's Drive progress

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. inspected Friday the ongoing construction of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) Governor's Drive Interchange.

In a statement released by the Presidential Communications Office, Marcos was accompanied during the activity by Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Cavite Governor Athenda Tolentino, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation Chairman Manuel Pangilinan, among others.

"During the inspection, particular focus was given to the Governor's Drive Interchange, which is currently 44% complete and targeted for full operation by the third quarter of 2025. Once operational, this segment will decongest Governor's Drive and provide seamless access to major economic hubs in the region," the PCO statement read.

Once completed, the PCO said the expressway should ease traffic on major thoroughfares in Cavite area, namely the Governor's Drive, Aguinaldo Highway, and Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road.

"It is also expected to significantly reduce travel time between CAVITEX and SLEX by about 45 minutes, benefiting up to 95,000 motorists daily," said the PCO, noting that CALAX will connect to the Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX).

According to the PCO, this will further boost trade, tourism, and economic activity in the region.

Apart from CALAX, the Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) holds concession rights for the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), NLEX Connector Road, and the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway. 

Meanwhile, Marcos also led the “Trabaho at Serbisyong Pangkalusugan sa Bagong Pilipinas” in Dasmariñas City, Cavite.

The event featured a one-stop shop for employment pre-screening and advisory services offered by various national government organizations, as well as a job fair with 3,600 openings from 41 employers.

In the same activity, the Department of Labor and Employment distributed P5,600 each to 500 beneficiaries of TUPAD program and livelihood financial aid under the department’s Integrated Livelihood Program.

A two-art medical mission was also held by the Department of Health, offering screening laboratory services such as ECG, X-Ray, medical consultations, pneumonia vaccinations, anti-dengue commodities, and distribution of medicines, among others.

Further, the Department of Social Welfare and Development distributed P3,000 to each AICS beneficiary, while the Department of Agriculture brought its KADIWA stalls to provide affordable basic goods. — VDV/VBL, GMA Integrated News