Cabanatuan city: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced the opening of a new segment of the Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEX), highlighting its potential to reduce travel time and lower rice transport costs, thereby benefiting both farmers and consumers. The President inaugurated the four-kilometer section in Cabanatuan City, which is part of a corridor connecting Tarlac to Nueva Ecija.

According to Philippines News Agency, the President emphasized that the travel time between Tarlac and Cabanatuan City will decrease dramatically from one hour and 30 minutes to just 20 minutes. This reduction in travel time is anticipated to lead to lower fuel consumption, a crucial development amid rising oil prices, and help maintain stable commodity prices, particularly rice. Nueva Ecija, known as the 'Rice Granary' of the Philippines, plays a significant role in the country's rice production.

Marcos stated, 'Ito ay makakatulong na makabawas sa transport cost at sa pagbawas ng transport cost mananatili ang presyo ng bigas (This will help reduce transport costs and, in turn, help keep rice prices stable).' The new road segment is expected to benefit approximately 11,500 vehicles daily and will be toll-free until December to promote usage and alleviate traffic congestion along MacArthur Highway.

The expansion of CLLEX is part of the administration's strategic efforts to enhance key road networks. This initiative aims to improve mobility, cut logistics costs, and mitigate the effects of rising fuel prices due to the Middle East crisis. It aligns with other recent infrastructure developments, including the CAVITEX-C5 Link Segment 3B and the new NAIA Expressway exit. These projects fall under the government's Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) strategy, designed to address current energy and transport challenges.