infrastructure – Author Carlo Carrasco

President Marcos approves flagship infrastructure projects of Build Better More (BBM) program worth P9 trillion

March 17, 2023March 11, 2023carlocarrasco

Philippine infrastructure will continue to develop and improve over time as almost two hundred projects worth P9 trillion have been approved recently by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. This is the latest about the Build Better More (BBM) program.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA news report. Some parts in boldface…

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved 194 high-impact infrastructure flagship projects (IFPs) worth PHP9 trillion, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) announced Thursday.

Marcos, who chairs the NEDA Board, greenlit these projects in a meeting with NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan and other members of the board at Malacañan Palace.

“The approved new list of infrastructure flagship projects includes a total of 194 projects amounting to about PHP9 trillion,” Balisacan announced in a Palace press briefing.

Of the 194 projects, Baliscan said 123 projects were initiated during the Marcos administration while the remaining 71 projects were from the administration of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

“…The basis for their inclusion there is, this has been approved and this has been before and they have been already implemented. In other words, they have started and so, we cannot discontinue any of those projects,” he said.

Balisacan said these projects will showcase the administration’s “Build Better More” infrastructure program, which is among the priorities under the 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda.

He noted that majority of these infrastructure flagship projects are in physical connectivity and water resources which include projects in irrigation, water supply and flood management.

The list also includes projects in digital connectivity, health, power and energy, agriculture and other infrastructure.

“Some of the new projects included in the new list are the Panay Railway Project; Mindanao Railway Project III; North Long Haul Railway; San Mateo Railway; UP-PGH Diliman Project; Ninoy Aquino International Airport Rehabilitation Project; Ilocos Sur Transbasin Project; and the Metro Cebu Expressway,” Balisacan said.

Balisacan said the IFPs are seen to address the binding constraints to business investment and expansion that will create more high quality and resilient jobs.

“IFPs shall be prioritized under the government’s annual budget preparation and enjoy the benefits of expedited issuance of applicable permits and licenses consistent with current legal frameworks,” he added.

He said the projects will adopt an optimal mix of financing from various development partners or official development assistance (ODA), the national government and general appropriations, and the private sector, particularly public-private partnerships.

Balisacan said 45 out of the 194 projects are seen to be financed through partnerships with the private sector.

“The government shall harness the financial and technical resources of the private sector which allows the public sector to allocate its funds for greater investment in human capital development, especially to address the scarring in health and education due to the pandemic, and provide targeted assistance that protects vulnerable sectors from economic shocks,” he said.

Joint Venture guidelines – Meanwhile, Baliscan also announced that the NEDA Board also approved the proposed amendments to the 2013 NEDA Joint Venture Guidelines.

“The amendments aim to enhance competition for projects under joint ventures, ensure better performance of private sector participants, and improve check and balances to ensure that the project is technically and financially sound,” he said.

He said the amendments will also help ensure that the guidelines are aligned with the provisions of the recently amended Build Operate Transfer (BOT) Law Implementing Rules and Regulations, and the proposed amendments to the BOT Law or PPP Act pending in Congress but expected to be passed by this year.

“What we are addressing there is: Number one is to simplify the joint ventures. Again, to make sure that the joint ventures can move efficiently and quickly and will address the public interest, concerns. And so, the amendments will involve putting in place features that improve the competitive processes in the selection of joint venture partners. So, in other words hindi “lutong Macau” iyong mga JVs kundi (the JVs were not rigged) you know, properly completed by or offered in competition,” he added.

Economic transformation – Baliscan described the approval of the new IFP list and the amendments to the NEDA JV Guidelines as a ”giant step” towards the administration’s goal of elevating the country’s competitiveness in promoting the Philippines as a prime investment destination in the region.

Although the country has “much work to do” to catch up with its neighbors in the region, Baliscan said pursuing high-impact initiatives will encourage greater local and foreign investment and private sector participation in infrastructure development.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? Do you think that the nation’s infrastructure improvement will lead to better transportation accessibility as well as reinvigorating the economy?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

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Las Piñas City chosen by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), dredging technology test on local river to follow

January 26, 2023January 22, 2023carlocarrasco

Recently it was announced that the City of Las Piñas has been selected by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as the site where they will test the floating amphibious excavator of Kochi Marutaka which means dredging on Las Piñas river, according to a Manila Standard news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Standard news report. Some parts in boldface…

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has chosen Las Piñas city for its pilot test of Kochi Marutaka’s floating amphibious excavator.

Sen. Cynthia A. Villar noted that this technology to be used in cleaning the Las Piñas-Zapote River and waterways in Las Piñas is new. The technology, Villar said, can do extensive dredging while floating in shallow waters of the river due to its remarkable buoyancy.

“There is no doubt that you have chosen well. In Las Piñas, under my guidance, we are serious and very persistent in our river clean-up and rehabilitation,” Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, said.

The senator, along with her daughter, Deputy Speaker Camille Villar, joined JICA Rep. Takuya Hashizume, DPWH- NCR Director Loreta Malaluan and DPWH-Bureau of Equipment Dir. Toribio Noel Ilao and Las Piñas- Muntinlupa District Engr. Isabelo Baleros, in the launching of JICA’s Verification Survey for the “Utilization of Floating Amphibious Excavator for the Construction Works On Disaster Management and Disaster Restoration in the Philippines.”

The project brief was given by Toru Asakura of CTI Engineering International Co., Ltd. and Hiroshige Takano , chairman of Kochi Marutaka Corporation, while Mikako Shimizu from JICA Philippine office and Tomohiro Matsubara from the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines gave their keynote speeches during the launch.

“I welcome events like this that cultivate solutions to the challenges we face to tackle disasters and mitigate its effects. As you know, the Philippines is one of the most vulnerable countries to disasters, it is frequented by around 20 typhoons per year,” Villar said.

She also pointed out the use of a floating amphibious excavator is also very much in consonance with her lifelong advocacies of cleaning our city’s rivers and waterways and of efficient waste management.

Prior to the project, the Japanese group approached the Las Pinas city government, seeing the efforts of Sen. Villar in cleaning the Las Piñas- Zapote River which bagged an international environment award given by the United Nations.

The initiative to clean the said river and rid it of waterlilies that triggered floodings was under the so-called “Sagip Ilog Para Sa Kinabukasan.”

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you delighted over the news that the JICA chose Las Piñas City for testing the mentioned dredging technology? Do you think the dredging along the Las Piñas-Zapote river will reduce potential flooding?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Las Piñas receives 2022 SubayBayani special award, the only NCR city to receive it

December 20, 2022December 15, 2022carlocarrasco

Last week, the City of Las Piñas got awarded and it turns out to be the only city in the entire National Capital Region (NCR) to receive it, according to news report by the Manila Bulletin.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

The Department of Interior and Local Government-National Capital Region (DILG-NCR) awarded the city government of Las Piñas with the 2022 SubayBayani special award for its notable performance in the result –based monitoring and evaluation of local government unit (LGU) infrastructure project.

The city government is the only city in the NCR that received the award on Monday, Dec. 12, during the awarding rites held at the Cocoon Boutique Hotel in Quezon City.

Mayor Imelda Aguilar said the special award for SubayBayani is given to recognize the excellent and consistent performance of the LGUs’ focal persons in the conduct of overall implementation and monitoring of LGU infrastructure projects enrolled in the SubayBayan platforms.

Aguilar and Vice-Mayor April Aguilar received the award for the city from the DILG for citing the notable accomplishments of the city government’s programs through the SubayBayan.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, what is your reaction to this new development? How familiar are you with the SubayBayani award?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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New Manila International Airport construction in full swing

November 8, 2022November 7, 2022carlocarrasco

There is simply no stopping the improvement and expansion of infrastructure here in the Philippines. Infrastructure is indeed essential not only for the travel-related purposes of people but also for the growth of the national economy. In a recent development, the construction of the New Manila International Airport located in Bulacan province is now in full swing, according to a news article published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

The construction of the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan, some 35 kilometers north of Metro Manila, is in full swing, with Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista leading the inspection over the weekend.

In a news release issued Monday, the DOTr said Bautista was joined by San Miguel Corporation (SMC) president and CEO Ramon Ang and other transport officials during the inspection in the town of Bulakan.

Bautista assured stakeholders of the new international airport that the gateway will soon be open for business. Operations at the new gateway are targeted to start in 2027.

Land development works are now being done at the airport’s 1,693-hectare site.

Works on the PHP735-billion airport officially started on Sept. 18, 2019, when the government, through the DOTr, signed a concession agreement with San Miguel Aerocity Inc. (SMAI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of San Miguel Holdings Corp., and the infrastructure arm of SMC.

The DOTr and the SMAI are working together to make sure that the project complies with environmental protection requirements, particularly flood mitigation, considering the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) which was conducted prior to the commencement of works at the airport site.

Once built, the new international airport will be fully owned by the government under a “build-operate-transfer” program.

Once operational, the new gateway will not only help decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) as the capital’s main gateway, but will also be a “game changer” and catalyst of economic growth in Central Luzon. Phase 1 of the airport will have a capacity of 35 million passengers per annum, is expected generate more than 1 million jobs, and rake-in increased foreign direct investments and higher exports.

Under the 50-year concession agreement, SMAI will undertake the financing, design, construction, supply, completion, testing, commissioning, and operation and maintenance of the new international gateway.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to the ongoing construction of the New Manila International Airport? Do you believe that such an ambitious project will benefit Bulacan province economically? Do you think the upcoming airport will succeed in decongesting the current airports in Metro Manila? Can you imagine yourself traveling all the way from Muntinlupa City to the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan to catch a flight or pick up someone who is arriving?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Parañaque City ranks only 19th among Highly Urbanized Cities of the nation in terms of Competitiveness according to CMCI 2022 results

October 31, 2022October 26, 2022carlocarrasco

Have you heard of the words Parañaque Renaissance? Whether it is a political slogan or the description of the supposed improvements of the city, or even the name of some food or beverage product, Parañaque Renaissance was designed to make people believe that the City of Parañaque is great and prospering.

Recently, the results of the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index 2022 Rankings (CMCI 2022) were published and already there were local government units (LGUs) and provincial governments that highlighted what they achieved.

The City of Muntinlupa finished #1 among all Highly Urbanized Cities (HUCs) in the category of Resiliency while also ranking 5^th overall on Competitiveness, 4^th on Infrastructure and 10^th on Innovation. Quezon City, which is the Most Competitive among all HUCs, finished with #1 on Innovation and #2 on Infrastructure, Resiliency, Government Efficiency and Economic Dynamism. Pasay City emerged as #1 on Economic Dynamism while finished 3^rd overall on Competitiveness.

Parañaque, the city that has BF Homes and Better Living among its many residential communities within its borders, ended up with 19^th place in the category of Competitiveness among HUCs. To be clear, there are 33 HUCs all in all. Parañaque finished 10^th place on Economic Dynamism, 13^th place on Infrastructure, 16^th place on Resiliency, 23^rd place on Government Efficiency and 29^th place on Innovation. The results can viewed at https://cmci.dti.gov.ph/rankings-data.php?unit=Highly%20Urbanized%20Cities

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Parañaque City resident, what can you say about your city’s performance in the newest CMCI study? Do you think your city became less competitive due to criminal activities (click here, here, here, here, here, here and here) or perhaps due to the COVID-19 pandemic? Do you think that your new city government officials plan to do something to make the city more competitive with other highly urbanized cities of the nation? Based on the latest CMCI results, do you consider Parañaque a great city at all?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Get ready for the “Build, Better, More” infrastructure program

August 24, 2022August 23, 2022carlocarrasco

If there is something highly significant done by the previous administration under former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte that a lot of people will benefit from, it would be the “Build Build Build” infrastructure program which was designed to grow the economy, reduce poverty and solve congestion. This resulted in expansion and improvements through projects on roads, bridges, highways, airports and also water resources. For more on the impact of “Build Build Build”, click here and here.

Of course, the 6-year term of Duterte was ultimately insufficient to complete all the projects of the program (note: the incomplete ones are still continuing) and now we have a new leader with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., who specifically mentioned infrastructure during his State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Yesterday, it was reported by the Manila Bulletin that a new infrastructure program under the Marcos administration has officially been announced as “Build, Better, More”. Other than the name, there are notable details listed which will give people a clear idea about what to expect about the continued development of Philippine infrastructure.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

“Build, Better, More”–or BBM for short–is officially a program of the Marcos administration, and the executive branch is asking P1.196 trillion from Congress in order to fund it next year.

Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman acknowledged during a press conference with House reporters Monday, Aug. 22 that the BBM program was an “expansion” of the previous Duterte administration’s “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure modernization initiative.

BBM is also the initials of the incumbent President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

The BBM program was listed as a “spending priority” on the DBM’s briefer on the 2023 National Expenditure Program (NEP), which the agency submitted to the House of Representatives Monday.

“A total of P1.196 trillion has been allocated for the government’s 2023 infrastructure programs,” read a statement from DBM, referring to the budget being sought from lawmakers.

“The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will receive [a] P718.4-[billion] budget in 2023, while the Department of Transportation will receive P167.1 [billion] in 2023–an increase by 120.4 percent for its P75.8-[billion] budget in 2022, which covers the augmented funding requirements for various foreign assisted railway projects,” it stated.

Pangandaman said during the presser that BBM includes “convergence programs with Department of Tourism, Department of Education, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Trade and Industry”.

“Related po doon sa Build, Better, More program natin (Related to our Build, Better, More program), which is an expansion of the Build, Build, Build program are programs po under the DOTr,” the DBM chief noted.

Among the major transportation infrastructure projects that will be implemented include the North-South Commuter Railway (costing P75.1 billion), Metro Manila Subway Project (P26.3 billion), and Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 Cavite Extension Project (P2.7 billion).

Also linked to the BBM program are more specific infrastructure initiatives such as the Network Development Program (P140.4 billion), Asset Preservation Program (P88.5 billion), and Bridge Program (P38 billion).

Pangandaman said that the Network Development Program’s purpose is to “expand the connectivity and road systems across the country”. On the other hand, the Asset Preservation Program involves “maintenance, rehabilitation, and reconstruction”.

“We also have the Bridge Program po, [the] construction and maintenance and repair of bridges,” she added.

In his State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 25, Marcos said, “The backbone of an economy is its infrastructure. The infrastructure program of the Duterte administration must not only continue but, whenever possible, be expanded. We shall confidently build on this firm foundation established by my predecessor. As it is in building an edifice, we must keep the momentum and aspire to Build Better More.”

The 2023 NEP, which is the precursor of the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) or proposed national budget, will be scrutinized first in the House of Representatives. It will eventually endorse to the Senate its GAB after they approve it on third and final reading.

Regardless of who is in-charge in the national government, I personally favor the widespread, massive development of infrastructure projects around the country. In my honest opinion, improved and expanded infrastructure will pave way for better economic growth covering vast sectors like industry, commerce, tourism, real estate, agriculture and more. The past Build, Build, Build and the new Build, Better, More are clearly more than just about solving traffic congestion. The Marcos administration now has the task of implementing the new infrastructure program which will not only improve infrastructure but also create new jobs.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you glad that President Marcos and his administration are focused on continuing the momentum of massive infrastructure development that his predecessor started? What kind infrastructure projects would you want the nation government to start working on?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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676-meter Zapote River Drive stretch inaugurated in Las Piñas City

August 10, 2022August 9, 2022carlocarrasco

Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the 676-meter stretch of the Zapote River Drive was formally inaugurated by Senator Cynthia Villar, Senator Mark Villar and House Deputy Speaker Camille Villar as shown through the Villar SIPAG Facebook page.

Other officials who attended the inauguration were City Councilor Danny Hernandez, City Councilor Carlo Aguilar, City Councilor Ruben Ramos, Barangay Pilar Kagawad Ping Nerbes, and Barangay Talon Uno Kagawad George Zuniga to name some.

*The ribbon cutting ceremony. (photo source – Villar SIPAG Facebook page)*

*The Villars and other officials inspecting the newly inaugurated stretch of the River Drive. (photo source – Villar SIPAG Facebook page)*

The expanded road located along Pasong Baka connects to Barangay Talon Uno and Barangay Talon Singko within the city. It is expected to ease travel from Marcos Alvarez Avenue to Barangay Pilar. Take note, however, that in one of the pictures showing street signs leading to the 676-meter stretch of Zapote River Drive, there is a notable public instruction that motorcycles, bicycles and tricycles are not allowed.

*Pay close attention to the details on the signs in this picture. (photo source – Villar SIPAG Facebook page)*

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Las Piñas City resident, what is your reaction to this recent development? Have you been driving along the River Drive recently? Do you find travel along the River Drive helpful or more efficient when compared with traveling along the Alabang-Zapote Road?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Muntinlupa City declared the Most Resilient among all Highly Urbanized Cities

June 29, 2022June 29, 2022carlocarrasco

The progressive City of Muntinlupa continued to make waves around the nation as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) formally recognized it for achieving 1^st place in the category of resiliency among all the Highly Urbanized Cities (HUCs) of the nation based on the results of the 2021 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI), the Manila Bulletin reported. The plaque of recognition was received by the City Government.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) awarded the Muntinlupa city government a plaque of recognition on Wednesday, June 29, for ranking No. 1 in resiliency among all highly-urbanized cities (HUCs) in the country under the 2021 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI).

According to the CMCI website, “local competitiveness is how a city or municipality knows its resources and how it uses these to improve its standard of living.”

Outgoing Mayor and congressman-elect Jaime Fresnedi received the plaque of recognition from DTI Competitiveness Bureau Director Lilian Salonga.

Muntinlupa topped the resilience pillar of CMCI for two consecutive years. The resiliency pillar ranking is based on annual disaster drill, budget for disaster risk reduction and management plan, disaster risk reduction plan, emergency infrastructure, employed population, early warning system, local risk assessments, land use plan, sanitary system and utilities.

Also joining the program were City Administrator Allan Cachuela, Business Permits and Licensing Office executives led by Eli Hilapo, City Planning and Development Office acting chief Alvin Veron, International Relations Officer James Arriola, National Quality and Competitiveness Division chief Ma. Sheryl Santos, and DTI-NCRO Area 2 Division Chief Rowena D.B. San Jose.

The DTI, through the National Competitiveness Council, conducts the annual CMCI, which ranks local government units in the country based on four pillars: economic dynamism, government efficiency, infrastructure, and resiliency.

In the 2021 rankings for highly-urbanized cities in the country, defined as LGUs with at least 200,000 population and latest annual income of at least P50 million, Muntinlupa ranked first with a score of 20.68.

In the overall CMCI rankings for HUCs in the country, Muntinlupa placed fifth with a score of 48.

The above article ended stating that Muntinlupa ranked 5^th in Infrastructure, 7^th in Government Efficiency and 19^th in Economic Dynamism based on the findings of the 2021 CMCI.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a Muntinlupa City resident, what is your reaction to this development? Are you happy with what Muntinlupa City achieved according to the 2021 CMCI results?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

420-kilometer SLEX toll road approved

June 8, 2022June 6, 2022carlocarrasco

Traveling south along the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) will lead to more destinations faster as the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and other stakeholders approved the SLEX TR5 (South Luzon Expressway Toll Road 5) which is over 400 kilometers long, according to a Malaya news report. The said toll road stretches from Lucena, Quezon province to Matnog, Sorsogon.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Malaya news report. Some parts in boldface…

The Department of Transportation (DOTr), along with other government agencies, has given the green light for the 420-kilometer South Luzon Expressway Toll Road 5 (SLEX TR5) from Lucena, Quezon to Matnog, Sorsogon.

The supplemental toll operations agreement was signed last June 3, almost two years after the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) designated San Miguel Corp.’s proposal as a certified toll road project.

The agreement was signed by the DOTr, TRB, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and San Miguel Holdings Corp. (SMHC), and will be submitted to the Office of the President for approval.

As a toll road project, SLEX TR5 will involve various activities such as a right-of-way acquisition and construction, among others.

According to the TRB and the toll concessionaire, SLEX TR5 will connect Quezon and the provinces in Bicol. It is also expected to provide better and safer access to the tourism destinations, roll-on roll-off ports and fish ports in the provinces as well as address the traffic congestion in Bicol Region.

The TR5 is a four-lane divided toll road that starts from the terminal point of the SLEX TR4 project at Barangay Mayao, Lucena City in Quezon and ends at Matnog in Sorsogon near the Matnog Ferry Terminal.

SLEX TR5 is composed of eight segments which will run parallel to the existing Philippine National Railways, Maharlika Highway and Padre Burgos National Road or Quirino Highway.

The first segment is a 59.6-km. expressway from Lucena to Gumaca in Quezon that is estimated to cost P22.6 billion. Segment 1 is expected to be completed within 24 months, according to the DPWH.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this new development? Once the toll road is completed, do you intend to travel far further south?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/

San Miguel Corporation’s P14-billion SLEX Elevated Extension Project Inaugurated

February 17, 2022February 16, 2022carlocarrasco

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) is back in the news again as its ambitious South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) Elevated Extension Project was inaugurated recently by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, GMA Network reported.

For the newcomers reading this, SMC under the leadership of CEO and President Ramon S. Ang is the same corporation behind the improvements made to the Metro Manila Skyway which ultimately benefited many travelers with improved accessibility and reduced travel times. Ang was present during the inauguration of the SLEX Elevated Extension Project which is worth P14 billion and is almost 4 kilometers long.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the GMA Network news report. Some parts in boldface…

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday led the inauguration of the newly completed South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) Elevated Extension Project, which is seen to ease traffic and boost economic growth in Metro Manila and its surrounding provinces.

In his remarks during the inauguration ceremony at Alabang Northbound Entry in Muntinlupa City, Duterte lauded the formal opening of the SLEX Elevated Extension Project “at a time when our economy is slowly opening up and recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“I am personally excited of this expansion projection which is expected to promote greater mobility, help ease traffic, and redound to the economic growth and productivity in Metro Manila and its surrounding areas,” the President said.

For his part, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) president and CEO Ramon Ang said the northbound and southbound lanes of the P14-billion SLEX Elevated Extension project can accommodate 200,000 cars per day.

The four-kilometer project connects Skyway in Sucat, Parañaque to SLEX at Susanna Heights in Muntinlupa, bypassing the Alabang viaduct and providing motorists a direct access to Skyway 1, 2, and 3.

“With this, travel time between Muntinlupa and Balintawak will now be reduced from two hours to just 30 minutes. This will go a long way in addressing traffic congestion,” Ang said.

“Since we soft-opened the southbound SLEX Extension last December 10, 2021 motorists in the south have seen a major improvement in the traffic situation. It has provided relief to thousands of motorists who go home every day to Muntinlupa, Las Pinas, Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas. With both the southbound and northbound section of the SLEX Extension now fully operational, travel to and from the south is easier and faster than ever,” the SMC chief said.

Originally, the project was set for completion by December 2020, a little over a year since it began.

However, this was pushed back when the COVID-19 pandemic struck the Philippines in March 2020, necessitating quarantine restrictions which slowed work progress.

And here is the related video about the inauguration…

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: Do you often travel on the Skyway Elevated Extension? How was your travel experience on the Skyway and the elevated extension going north or south? Do you hope to see San Miguel Corporation keep funding and improving major infrastructure projects in the years to come?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/

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