MANILA - The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will receive over PHP495 million for the acquisition of right-of-way for the NLEX-SLEX Connector Road Project (NSCRP), the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced Tuesday.

This, after DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman approved the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) amounting to PHP495,129,744 to the DPWH.

"This (SARO) is to cover the payment of right-of-way for properties affected by the NLEX-SLEX Connector Road Project," the DBM said in a statement.

Pangandaman acknowledged that acquiring ROW is crucial in implementing the NSCRP.

"That's why securing the payment for all affected properties is very important. And we also thank our kababayan(countrymen) for their solidarity and cooperation. Importante po 'yun para umusad ang proyekto (That's important for the project to push through)," she said.

The DBM said the fund would be charged against the program, activity, or project under the DPWH's 2023 budget approved for release by Pangandaman on Feb. 22.

Pangandaman said the fund release would further boost the Marcos administration's "Build, Better, More" infrastructure development program.

"As we continue the timely release of funds under the 2023 General Appropriations Act, the DBM also ensures that priority projects and programs of the Marcos Jr. administration will be provided with the needed budget at the soonest possible time," she said.

"The budget for the right-of-way payments for the NSCRP will definitely boost our Build, Better, More program," Pangandaman added.

In January, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said civil works for the NSCRP is 69 percent complete, while the ROW acquisition is 94 percent complete.

The construction of the PHP12.20-billion NSCRP began in May 2019.

Targeted to be completed in December 2023, the NSCRP is approximately an eight-kilometer, four-lane elevated toll expressway extending the NLEX southward from the end of Segment 10 in C3 Road, Caloocan City to PUP Sta. Mesa, Manila and connecting to the Skyway Stage 3, and mostly traversing along the PNR rail track.

Upon completion, the travel time from SLEX to NLEX will be reduced from two hours to just 20 minutes. It is projected to benefit 35,000 motorists per day.

The project seeks to help decongest traffic in Metro Manila, as well as stimulate development in Manila, Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and other surrounding areas. (PNA)