San Miguel Corp. (SMC) on Thursday said it signed a toll concession and joint venture agreement (JVA) with the local government unit (LGU) of Pangasinan for the extension of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX).
The 76.80-kilometer Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEX) project, which will begin at the (TPLEX) exit in Binalonan, is part of SMC’s larger plan to strengthen the road networks in central and northern Luzon.
The projects will seamless link to the soon-to-be-launched New Manila International Airport (NMIA) in Bulacan touted as the country’s premier international gateway.
Phase 1 of the project extends 42.76 kilometers from TPLEX to Lingayen while Phase 2 runs all the way to Alaminos, Pangasinan.
“We are grateful to the Pangasinan provincial government for their passion and commitment to boost Pangasinense life through this landmark project. More than just building a major infrastructure project, we have an opportunity to improve the lives of so many of our countrymen here,” Ramon S. Ang, SMC president and chief executive, said.
“With PLEX connecting to other infrastructure such as TPLEX, which will support access to the NMIA, this project will significantly benefit Pangasinan’s local industries, home-grown products, and agricultural sector. At the same time, the rich history, culture, and cuisine of the province will be even more accessible to more Filipinos,” he added.
Phase 1 is split into three segments: the first 6.90-kilometer section from Binalonan to Manaoag, followed by an 11.30-kilometer section from Manaoag to Calasiao, and the third segment, the 22.17-kilometer section from Calasiao to Lingayen. A 2.39-kilometer spur road will also be built in Calasiao.
Phase 2 of the project is a demand-driven expansion all the way to Alaminos, Pangasinan.
Pangasinan Governor Ramon V. Guico III said project will help spur economic activity in the province and unlocking growth in different parts of Pangasinan.
“Through the PLEX, we shall have a very systematic approach in navigating Pangasinan, creating a roadmap never before imagined possible for our province,” said Guico, adding that Phase 1 will cut travel time from Binalonan to Lingayen to just 20 or 30 minutes from one hour to 1 hour and 45 minutes at present.
“PLEX is one of the most important projects, a game-changer for Pangasinan and for this administration. This is because it is envisioned to reinvent the transportation and enrich the tourism landscape; prioritize accessibility of citizens to major towns and cities, magnify business and livelihood opportunities, multiply economic activity, build more infrastructure, and protect the environment,” he added.
Vice-governor Mark Lambino said: “The forging of the agreements will finally set in motion what many of us dreamed of–a better, safer road network not only in Pangasinan, but the entire Ilocos region…. We express our gratitude to San Miguel Corporation led by its visionary president and chief executive officer Mr. Ramon S. Ang for extending his hand to enter into this joint venture agreement with Pangasinan,” Lambino added.
Beyond connectivity, PLEX bridges the province’s east and west corridors and stimulate economic activity. SMC will shoulder the construction costs, with zero expense for the national or provincial governments. Further, the LGU stands to receive a substantial share of the project’s earnings.
The endeavor is seen to fuel growth for Pangasinan’s micro and small businesses, offering increased job opportunities for locals.
