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SMC and Pangasinan LGU sign joint venture agreement for PLEX project

The expressway project will span 76.80 kilometers stretching from Binalonan to Lingayen.

Jerome Tresvalles on Oct 20, 2023

On Thursday, an agreement was formally inked between San Miguel Corp. (SMC), a major conglomerate, and the provincial government of Pangasinan. This agreement, signed by SMC's President and CEO, Ramon Ang, and Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III, marks a significant milestone in the development of the 76.80-kilometer Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEX) project.

The PLEX project is set to commence from the exit point of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) in Binalonan. The PLEX project is part of SMC’s overarching plan to bolster the road networks of Northern Luzon and Central Luzon. Furthermore, this initiative has the objective of establishing a smooth connection to the upcoming New Manila International Airport (NMIA) in Bulacan, which is poised to become the Philippines' foremost international gateway. Good news all in all for Pangasinan’s trade and industry sector.

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“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.”

Ramon V. Guico III
Governor

The Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEX) will be implemented in two distinct phases. Phase 1 is slated to cover a distance of 42.76 kilometers, stretching from TPLEX to Lingayen, while Phase 2 will further extend to Alaminos, Pangasinan. SMC will fully cover the construction expenses, without any financial burden on national or provincial governments. Additionally, the LGU stands to gain a significant portion of the project's revenues.

During the official signing ceremony in Pangasinan, Ramon S. Ang, President and CEO of SMC, expressed his gratitude to the Pangasinan provincial government for their dedication and commitment to enhancing the lives of the Pangasinense community through this landmark project. He emphasized that the project's significance goes beyond just constructing major infrastructure; it presents an opportunity to uplift the livelihoods of many Filipinos in the region.