San Miguel, Pangasinan gov’t ink concession, JV deal to develop PLEX

Conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) and the provincial government of Pangasinan on Thursday signed a toll concession and joint venture agreement (JVA) to develop the 76.80-kilometer Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEX) project.

The deal was sealed by SMC president and CEO Ramon Ang and Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III.

The PLEX is proposed to start at Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) exit in Binalonan.

SMC said it will shoulder the construction costs, with zero expense for national or provincial governments.

Moreover, the Pangasinan LGU is poised to receive a substantial share of the project's earnings under the deal.

The new toll road project is part of SMC's larger plan to strengthen the road networks in Central and Northern Luzon, the company said.

It added that PLEX also aims to create a seamless link to the soon-to-be-launched New Manila International Airport (NMIA) in Bulacan, which is seen to be the Philippines' next premier international gateway.

SMC said PLEX will consist of two phases —Phase 1 will extend 42.76 kilometers from TPLEX to Lingayen, while Phase 2 will extend 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,” 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 added.

The Phase 1 of PLEX will be split further into three segments —the first 6.90 kilometers section from Binalonan to Manaoag, followed by an 11.30 kilometers section from Manaoag to Calasiao, while the third segment would be the 22.17-kilometer section from Calasiao to Lingayen.

SMC said a 2.39-kilometer spur road will also be built in Calasiao.

Meanwhile, the Phase 2 of PLEX will be a demand-driven expansion all the way to Alaminos, Pangasinan, it said.

“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 III, adding that Phase 1 of the project would reduce travel time from Binalonan to Lingayen to just 20-30 minutes from the current one hour 30 (minutes) to one hour and 45 minutes,” Guico said.

“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,” the Pangasinan governor said.

This endeavor is seen to fuel growth for Pangasinan’s micro and small businesses, offering increased job opportunities for locals, according to SMC.—AOL, GMA Integrated News