The name Rene has French origins meaning which symbolizes renewal and new beginnings. It reflect qualities of resilience and the ability to inspire change or transformation. While the name Romero has Spanish origins and refers to someone who made a pilgrimage, particularly to the Holy Land and imply qualities of journeying, exploration, and a deep connection to tradition and faith.
To clarify, the title I use is my humble recognition of Rene Romero’s endeavors rather than an official designation. While not formally appointed, he has truly earned the title of “Infrastructure Czar” throughout the years for his tireless efforts and visionary approach to Pampanga’s development. I honor his current status while acknowledging the profound impact of his contributions and influence in shaping the region’s infrastructure.
In the early 2010s, Romero was actively involved in various infrastructure projects in Pampanga. This period saw significant road improvements and the development of flood management systems under his leadership.
From 2016 to 2019, he continued to play a crucial role in advancing infrastructure projects, including the construction of new roads and public facilities.
In 2019, Rene Romero, then-president of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PamCham), outlined his vision for Pampanga’s industrial future. At the Balitaan media forum, he proposed the creation of new pocket industrial parks by the provincial government, emphasizing potential sites in Macabebe and Masantol for marine and aquaculture industries.
Romero also highlighted existing parks in Calibutbut, Bacolor, for light industries; TIPCO in Mabalacat City; and Quezon Road in San Simon for heavy industries. He envisioned more sites in Apalit, Candaba, and Arayat, where workers could bike or walk to reduce traffic and transportation costs. He also advocated for interconnected parks via circumferential roads and land consolidation in Macabebe.
In 2019, Romero expressed optimism about Pampanga’s economic future under the Build, Build, Build programs, believing they would ease traffic and enhance development. He noted the rise in private construction projects and emphasized the government’s role in facilitating these developments.
By January 2020, Romero urged PamCham members to act as development advocates and highlighted PamCham’s role in addressing traffic congestion through the Regional Development Council.
In February 2020, he advocated for more infrastructure projects, including rehabilitating the Candaba viaduct and relocating the San Fernando toll plaza to ease traffic congestion.
He was also actively involved in pandemic response efforts, which included enhancing health infrastructure and improving community facilities in response to COVID-19.
In early 2021, Romero expressed strong support for the expansion of Clark International Airport. He emphasized that the airport’s development was crucial for boosting the region’s economic growth and enhancing connectivity for both domestic and international travel.
Throughout 2021, Romero promoted the concept of sustainable infrastructure.
He supported projects that incorporated environmental considerations, such as green building practices and eco-friendly transportation solutions. He was also actively involved in discussions about flood management projects in Pampanga, highlighting the need for effective flood control measures to protect communities and infrastructure from seasonal flooding.
In November 2022, Romero pushed for the construction of a third NLEX viaduct to avoid business disruptions and called for regular maintenance of the existing bridges.
By March 2023, Romero sought to improve traffic management in San Fernando City, proposing a “traffic separator and road barrier” to alleviate congestion in the Dolores area.
In October 2023, he called for immediate intervention on the Dolores and Lazatin flyovers to resolve traffic issues and emphasized the need for a permanent bridge. He urged collaboration among the DPWH, San Fernando LGU, and the business community to address the problem.
Recently, Romero addressed concerns over the Kalangitan Sanitary Landfill’s closure, assuring that new facilities in Porac and Floridablanca could handle solid waste.
Rene Romero’s dedication to infrastructure development underscores his role as an infrastructure czar, driving progress in Pampanga and Central Luzon. His efforts demonstrate a deep understanding of infrastructure’s role in sustainable growth and reflect a collaborative approach with both government and private sectors.
Romero’s legacy as an infrastructure czar, even without a formal appointment, is cemented by his tireless efforts and commitment to Pampanga’s growth.