San Miguel Corp. (SMC) said Thursday it signed a toll concession and joint venture agreement (JVA) with the provincial government of Pangasinan for a new 76.8-kilometer expressway.
The Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEX) project, which will start at the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) exit in Binalonan, is part of SMC’s larger plan to strengthen the road networks in Central and Northern Luzon, according to SMC president and chief executive Ramon Ang.
It also aims to create a seamless link to the soon-to-be-launched New Manila International Airport (NMIA) in Bulacan province.
PLEX will consist of two phases. Phase 1 will span 42.76 km. from TPLEX to Lingayen, while Phase 2 will extend all the way to Alaminos.
“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,” Ang 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 said.
Phase 1 of PLEX will be split into three segments: the first 6.90-km. section from Binalonan to Manaoag, followed by an 11.30-km. section from Manaoag to Calasiao and the 22.17-km. section from Calasiao to Lingayen.
A 2.39-km spur road will also be built in Calasiao. Meanwhile, Phase 2 of the project will be a demand-driven expansion to Alaminos.
Pangasinan Governor Ramon V. Guico III said the project would help spur economic activity in the province and unlock 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 of the project would reduce travel time from Binalonan to Lingayen to just 20 to 30 minutes from the 90 to 105 minutes.
“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,” Guico said.
Vice-Governor Mark Lambino said the agreements would 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 Corp. led by its visionary president and chief executive officer Mr. Ramon Ang for extending his hand to enter into this joint venture agreement with Pangasinan,” said Lambino.
“This agreement is a historic collaboration and a testament to our shared commitment to nation-building,” said.