SMC: Invest binge continues

The completion of TPLEX, along with SMC’s commitment to continue investments on major infrastructure projects, should help the national government to jumpstart the economy

Diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) remains committed to maintaining the flow of investments in growth-generating and job-creating projects to aid the country’s economic recovery from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

“In the face of a global pandemic that has also greatly affected our economy and the livelihoods of many Filipinos, we at SMC remain committed to continuing our investments,” SMC president Ramon S. Ang on Wednesday said.

The SMC and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have formally opened the final section of the 89.21-km Tarlac Pangasinan La Union Expressway (TPLEX) on Tuesday.

Pump-priming infusions

Ang underscored that the completion of TPLEX, along with its commitment to continue investments on major infrastructure projects, should help the national government to jumpstart the economy.

Earlier, SMC also received original proponent status for its proposal to extend the TPLEX from Rosario, La Union to San Juan, La Union, the beaches of which have become a hot spot for local tourism.

According to Department of Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, SMC’s continuous investments in infrastructure will also keep the flow of goods and services moving, and pave the way for more local tourism in the long-term.

SMC also disclosed significant progress at Skyway 3, Skyway Extension, Skyway 4 while MRT-7 is also in the pipeline.

The company likewise said it is pushing through with its plan to build the Manila International Airport project in Bulakan, Bulacan.

The massive development is expected to solve congestion problems at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, increase the country’s competitiveness as a tourist and investment destination and produce over a million direct and indirect jobs nationwide.

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF SMC THE final section of the 89.21-km TPLEX was formally opened yesterday by San Miguel Corp. and the Department of Public Works and Highways. Photos show SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang his message during the launch. Witnessing the event are Department of Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III (middle), Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade (2nd from left), Department of Budget and Management Acting Secretary Wendel Avisado (extreme left) and National Task Force Against COVID-19 Deputy Chief Implementer Secretary Vince Dizon (extreme right).