President Rodrigo Duterte honored the construction workers who physically worked for the completion of the 7.42-kilometer Sariaya Bypass Road project in Quezon province despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The completion of the project is a testament to the – well let us give also honor to – itong mga nagtatrabaho, ‘yung mga nagpapala doon ng ilang buwan (these workers, and those who have been shoveling for how many months),” he said in his Talk to the People aired on Monday night.

Duterte also lauded “the expertise” of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and its project partners for accomplishing the road project that starts at the Manila South Road Daang Maharlika Road and ends at the Quezon Eco-tourism Road.

Duterte, likewise, commended former DPWH Secretary Mark Villar, describing him “as one of the most outstanding government officials at present.” Villar resigned to run as a senator in the 2022 elections.

The road project is part of the administration’s ambitious “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program.

“Napakaganda ho nito (This is very beautiful). It is a new 7.42 kilometers bypass road,” Duterte said.

In a video presentation, the DPWH said the Sariaya Bypass Road will provide daily transport efficiency around 15,000 motorists and commuters daily going to different provinces in the Southern Tagalong region.

The government expects the project to help boost economic and social development by providing transport efficiency, road safety, and expansion of existing business opportunities in the whole of Quezon province.

On Oct. 21, Duterte led the opening and inauguration of the road project which, he said, will play vital role in the full reopening of the Philippine economy amid the pandemic.

“As we continue to overcome the current pandemic and carefully reopen our national and local economies, infrastructure development will play a vital role in our success,” he said in his speech.

Duterte expressed confidence that the Sariaya Bypass Road would spur the growth of industries and business opportunities in the Quezon province.

“It will not only provide faster and safer travel for motorists but also [allow] efficient transport of goods to and from the markets [in] Southern Luzon. This new bypass road is also expected to lessen the traffic volume along Daang Maharlika from Sariaya to Lucena by 40 percent,” he said. (PNA)