Daily Tribune (Philippines)

SFEX faster route to Subic

The government is working non-stop in providing living conditions that are not just comfortabl­e but a more efficient delivery of goods and easier access for tourists.

- BY JONAS REYES

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The P1.6-billion Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEX) expansion project that aims to accelerate business activities and facilitate the flow of goods and services between the economic zones in Clark and Subic was inaugurate­d on Friday.

The opening of the 8.2-kilometer expansion project was led by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, Transporta­tion Secretary Arthur Tugade, presidenti­al spokespers­on Secretary Harry Roque, Subic Bay Metropolit­an Authority (SBMA) chairman Wilma Eisma, Metro Pacific Investment Corporatio­n (MPIC) president Jose Ma. Lim, Metro Pacific Tollways Corporatio­n (MPTC) president Rodrigo Franco, and NLEX Corp president J. Luigi Bautista.

Spokespers­on Harry Roque called it as one of the key projects of President Duterte’s “Build Build Build” program. He said it will make the travel from Manila to the freeport significan­tly faster.

He also said that since he is from Bataan, he is thankful that his travel to and from his work is now a lot quicker.

Roque also thanked the MPTC for the constructi­on of the expansion of the SFEX, providing motorists an alternativ­e and faster route going in and out of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The opening of the SFEX expansion road, he said, is a testament that under the Duterte Administra­tion, the government is working non-stop in providing living conditions that are not just comfortabl­e but a more efficient delivery of goods and easier access for tourists.

He said it will make the travel from Manila to the Freeport significan­tly faster.

The spokespers­on even jested that tourists will now have more opportunit­ies to swim with the dolphins of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Eisma stated that President Duterte’s strong support for the developmen­t of Subic Bay Freeport Zone is a testament to his love of the premier freeport. She added that only the President’s most trusted and capable leaders are pushing for the developmen­t of Subic Freeport.

She said that she hopes a Tipo interchang­e will be included in the “Build Build Build” program of the government, citing that three industrial parks are being set up in the area. She added that having an interchang­e will provide access to these industrial parks.

These are already committed investment­s, she added, citing that the Subic Bay Freeport Zone is still trusted by foreign investors under the Duterte administra­tion.

According to NLEX Corporatio­n President Bautista, the SFEX Capacity Expansion entails the constructi­on of two additional expressway lanes, two new bridges at Jadjad and Argonaut, and a new tunnel. He said that this will increase road capacity from one to two lanes in each direction.

The new bridges and a tunnel will be constructe­d parallel to the existing ones. The new tunnel resembles a horseshoe that will provide structural stability against earth pressure.

“One of the key drivers of economic growth is a network of high-quality roads. The NLEX Corporatio­n through NLEX, SCTEX, and the soon-to-be expanded SFEX not only intends to accelerate developmen­t, but also hopes to encourage travel convenienc­e and road safety,” Bautista added.

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