SMC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang, Pangasinan Governor Ramon V. Guico III, Pangasinan Vice Governor Mark Ronald D.G Lambino, and Congressman Ramon N. Guico, Jr. lead the groundbreaking ceremony for the Pangasinan Link Expressway (P-LEX). This 76.80-km project, fully funded by SMC, will connect the eastern and western sides of the province, making transportation more efficient and boosting economic activity. The P-LEX will also connect to the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX), providing a seamless link to the future New Manila International Airport in Bulacan.

MANILA — San Miguel Corporation (SMC), in partnership with the Pangasinan Provincial Government, has initiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the much-anticipated Pangasinan Link Expressway (P-LEX) at a site spanning Binalonan and Laoac towns.

The project is seen to further unlock the province’s economic potential through improved accessibility and mobility.

SMC President and CEO, Ramon S. Ang, described the 76.80-km expressway project as a game-changer for Pangasinan that is seen to boost local industries, agriculture, and tourism by linking the province’s eastern and western corridors.

“The P-LEX project affirms SMC’s affinity with and deep commitment to Pangasinan. We believe in the bigger potential of the province and its people, and that is why we continue to invest here. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership, and with the help and support of the provincial government, creating more jobs, livelihood, and business opportunities in the province,” he added.

The project is structured in two phases, with the first phase linking Binalonan to Lingayen, the provincial capital. This phase is subdivided into three segments — a 6.90-km section from Binalonan to Manaoag, an 11.30-km stretch from Manaoag to Calasiao, and a 22.17-km passage from Calasiao to Lingayen, along with a 2.39-km spur road in Calasiao. Phase 2 of the project will be a demand-driven expansion to Alaminos, Pangasinan.

P-LEX will connect to the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) at the Binalonan exit, providing direct access to the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan.

Ang reassured that the construction of P-LEX would incur no costs for the provincial government, committing to timely completion pending the acquisition of the necessary right of way.

“The Provincial Government will also receive a substantial share of the project’s earnings, which it can use to provide more social services to our kababayans,” Ang said.

He thanked the Pangasinan provincial government led by Governor Ramon V. Guico III and Vice Governor Mark Ronald D.G. Lambino, for the opportunity to work together on the P-LEX project.

“This collaboration between the Provincial Government of Pangasinan and the private sector is proof that when people work together toward a common goal, anything is possible,” Ang said.

(el Amigo/MNM)

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and the local government unit (LGU) of Pangasinan signed on Thursday (19 Oct 2023) a toll concession and joint venture agreement (JVA) for the 76.80-kilometer Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEX) project.

The project, which will begin 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.

This development also aims to create a seamless link to the soon-to-be-launched New Manila International Airport (NMIA) in Bulacan, set to be the Philippines’ premier international gateway.

PLEX will consist of two phases: Phase 1 will extend 42.76 km. from TPLEX to Lingayen, while Phase 2 will extend all the way to Alaminos, Pangasinan.

At the sidelines of the formal signing ceremony in Pangasinan, SMC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang said:  “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.”

He added: “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.”

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 third segment, 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 all the way to Alaminos, Pangasinan.

Pangasinan Governor Ramon V. Guico III lauded the partnership, underscoring the project’s role in helping spur economic activity in the province and unlocking 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 III, adding that Phase 1 of the project would reduce travel time from Binalonan to Lingayen to just 20-30 minutes from the current 1 hour 30 to 1 hour and 45 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,” he added.

For his part, Vice-Governor Mark Lambino said:  “The forging of the agreements will finally 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 Corporation led by its visionary president and chief executive officer Mr. Ramon S. Ang for extending his hand to enter into this joint venture agreement with Pangasinan.”

“This agreement is a historic collaboration and a testament to our shared commitment to nation-building,” Lambino added.

Beyond connectivity, PLEX is set to bridge the province’s east and west corridors, stimulating economic activity. SMC will shoulder the construction costs, with zero expense for national or provincial governments. Furthermore, the LGU is poised to receive a substantial share of the project’s earnings.

This endeavor is seen to fuel growth for Pangasinan’s micro and small businesses, offering increased job opportunities for locals. (ai/mnm)

Inline imageSan Miguel Corporation President and CEO Ramon S. Ang (with cap) shakes the hand of Pangasinan Gov. Ramon Guico III after signing the joint venture and toll concession agreement for the Pangasinan Link Expressway, a 76.8 km. that would link the western corridor of the province to its eastern side. Once operational, travel time from TPLEX Binalonan to Lingayen, the province’s capital, will be drastically reduced to 30 minutes from 90 minutes, which Guico described as a “game changer” for the province.