PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday witnessed the presentation of the signed Concession Agreement (CA) for the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) extension project.
The project is expected to reduce travel time between Rosario and San Juan in La Union from 90 minutes to 40 minutes.
“With the signed Concession Agreement for the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway or TPLEX Extension Project, we are now witnessing another milestone that brings into fruition the Build Better More infrastructure program,” President Marcos said.
In his speech, President Marcos said the TPLEX Extension Project “exemplifies our dedication to progress, the extension of our dreams, and the opportunities we want to give to our people.”
He said the project will “extend the present terminus of the TPLEX from Rosario to San Juan in La Union.”
“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.
The TPLEX Extension Project involves the construction of a 59.4-kilometer four-lane toll road. It is a flagship PPP project that will start from the last exit of the existing TPLEX in Rosario, La Union and end in San Juan in the same province.
Aside from bringing in tourists and economic activities faster to the northern part of the country, President Marcos said the project will also bring resources and food faster to the southern part of Luzon.
“We also expect [it] to forge value-adding partnerships among agriculture, industry, and tourism enterprises in the area as it links vital regional corridors and hubs. This will, of course, generate a significant number of decent jobs and more opportunities for all,” he added.
The President extended his gratitude to the San Miguel Holdings Corp. (SMHC) for being “a steadfast partner of the government through the years” and for “leading a brilliant example of how the private sector can have a great impact” on the country’s development.
The notice of award was issued to SHMC, the winning private component, on June 3, 2024.
“Indeed, with more meaningful public-private partnerships like this, we can pursue and gain more for the benefit of the nation. Of course, DPWH and the other government agencies have been an important part for helping us shape this vision and slowly bring it to fruition,” President Marcos said.
“All stakeholders can expect that this government and its entire machinery will provide the necessary support to complete this venture,” the Chief Executive stressed.
President Marcos also appealed to the SMHC to complete the TPLEX Extension Segment 1 by 2028 and all other sections as scheduled and to ensure “that every person involved in this project – whether in the office or in the construction zone – will work with determination and integrity.
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