President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday witnessed the formal presentation of the Concession Agreement for the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway extension project, a cornerstone of the Build Better More infrastructure program and aims to shorten to 40 minutes the usual 90-minute drive between Rosario and San Juan, both towns of La Union.
President Marcos hailed the 59.4-kilometer, four-lame toll road extension of TPLEX as a symbol of progress and opportunity for the Filipino people, and underscored its promise to spur economic growth across Central and Northern Luzon.
Beyond connectivity, the toll road project of the San Miguel Group, led by its chairman Ramon Ang, Is expected to stimulate tourism and economic activities in the northern regions as well as facilitate transportation of resources to the south. Those economic activities are expected to generate more jobs.
“Remembering how the TPLEX became a driver of economic growth in Central and Northern Luzon when it was completed, we expect this extension to generate an even greater flurry of activity in Luzon,” the President said.
“Once finished, this extension will reduce the travel time between Rosario and San Juan from the current 90-minute travel time to about 40 minutes, resulting in smoother and safer journeys for those who wish to go to [and from] La Union, and the Ilocos and Cordillera Regions,” he added.
President Marcos acknowledged San Miguel’s long-standing partnership with the government and its pivotal role in driving national development.
The project, awarded to San Miguel in June, underscores the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in advancing ambitious infrastructure goals.
Looking ahead, President Marcos urged timely completion of the TPLEX Extension Project by 2028, urging all stakeholders to uphold standards of integrity and dedication in their roles. With robust government support and private sector expertise, this initiative is poised to redefine regional connectivity and economic vitality in Luzon, reflecting a commitment to transformative infrastructure development under President Marcos’s leadership.
