The Philippine National Bank (PNB) has approved a P2.1-billion loan for the Manila North Tollways Corp. (MNTC) to finance the construction of a road project linking Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) in Valenzuela City. The 2.7-kilometer road project, called Segment 8.1, sets the stage for implementing NLEX Phase 2. Phase 2 is a P12.1-billion road development program meant to ease traffic flow in Metro Manila and provide wider access to NLEX. Photo shows MNTC chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan receiving a copy of the loan contract from PNB chairman Florencia Tarriela (4th and 5th from left) following signing of the loan agreement. Also in photo are (from left) Renato Castillo, executive vice president and chief credit officer, PNB; Ma. Elena Piccio, executive vice president and head of Business Development Sector, PNB; Omar Byron Mier, president & CEO, PNB; Rodrigo E. Franco, president, Manila North Tollways Corp.; Jose Ma. K. Lim, president, Metro Pacific Investments Corp.; and Ramoncito S. Fernandez, president, Metro Pacific Tollways Corp.