Acting swiftly on growing concerns over commuter safety, the Provincial Government of Pampanga has launched emergency repairs along a badly damaged section of MacArthur Highway in Apalit.
Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda and Vice Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda led the rehabilitation efforts, in coordination with the Apalit municipal government and private sector partners. The stretch, locally dubbed the “moon road” due to deep potholes and jagged surfaces, had become hazardous to motorists—especially during heavy rains.
The road damage stemmed from an unfinished Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) project, compounded by persistent rains and poor drainage. With no immediate action from national agencies, the Capitol stepped in to prevent further accidents.
Vice Governor Pineda and Apalit Mayor Jun Tetangco personally supervised the emergency operations, backed by the Porac Quarry and Truckers Association, Primemix Group, and HMD JV. Sixty truckloads of vibro waste were poured into the worst-hit sections in Barangays San Vicente, Sampaloc, and Palogui. Graders, compactors, and loaders were deployed to restore the road’s stability and safety.
“Pansamantala lang ho ito. Ang mahalaga, makaiwas tayo sa aksidente. Yung mga light vehicles, lalo na ‘yung hindi taga-rito, nalulubog kasi hindi kita ang lalim ng lubak dahil sa tubig. Nakakalungkot na walang aksyon mula sa national agencies tulad ng DPWH, na araw-araw nadaan dito pero parang bulag,” said Vice Governor Pineda.
Mayor Tetangco also criticized the long-delayed DPWH project. “Noong 2023 sinabi nilang may pondo at matatapos ito sa 2024. Ngayon, papasok na ng 2025, wala pa ring nangyayari. Sana po tapusin na, dahil hindi lang taga-Apalit ang naaapektuhan.”
As of press time, road repairs in Barangay San Vicente have been completed, with work ongoing in other affected areas.
The Capitol’s decisive intervention underscores its commitment to public safety and responsive governance, especially in the face of national project delays.
