NEDA Board approves revised terms for TPLEX extension

• The National Economy and Development Authority Board approved the P23.4-billion Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway Extension Project

• The project involves building a 59.4-kilometer toll road that links the last TPLEX exit in Rosario, La Union to San Juan, La Union

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board approved on November 10 three high-impact projects, including the revised terms for the P23.4-billion Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) Extension Project.

The two other projects are the capability improvement for the Philippine Coast Guard and the Php28.2 billion Pang-Agraryong Tulay Para sa Bagong Bayanihan ng mga Magsasaka or PBBM Bridges Project of the Department of Agrarian Reform.

Approved in June, the TPLEX Extension Project involves construction of a 59.4-kilometer toll road that will connect Rosario, La Union to San Juan, La Union. The project aims to stimulate economic activity, reduce road congestion, improve access to safer roads, and foster development in nearby regions.

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In 2018, San Miguel Holdings Corp. was granted original proponent status for its unsolicited proposal to extend TPLEX to San Juan, La Union. TPLEX itself is a 78.39-kilometer expressway that links the provinces of Tarlac and Pangasinan. It is a public-private partnership project between the Department of Public Works and Highways and San Miguel Corp.’s SMC TPLEX Corp. (formerly Private Infra Development Corporation).

The TPLEX Extension Project is one of the Infrastructure Flagship Projects (IFP) included in the administration’s Build-Better-More Program.

Meanwhile, the PBBM Bridges Project is aimed at constructing 350 modular steel bridges with an estimated total length of 10,500 linear meters to enhance access and connectivity for agrarian reform communities.

The NEDA Board also gave its nod for the Php29.3-billion Phase 3 of the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project for the Philippine Coast Guard, which will involve the design, construction, and delivery of five units of multi-role response vessels, each with a length of 97 meters.

With a five-year integrated logistics support, it is seen further improve the PCG’s capability to respond to threats and incidents within the country’s maritime jurisdiction, particularly by enabling it to secure important sea lines of communication in the West Philippine Sea, Sulu-Celebes Seas, and the Philippine Sea.

To be financed through Japan’s official development assistance loan, it will also help the PCG combat illegal activities and enforce maritime laws in the Philippine waters.

As of the third quarter of 2023, there are 71 ongoing IFPs, 29 approved for implementation, nine awaiting government approval, 52 in the project preparation phase, and 35 in the pre-project preparation phase.