Freeport mobility enhanced with SFEX

We envision Subic to be a globally-competitive investment and tourism destination and a world-class economic growth center

After being traversed by more than 100,000 motorists, the expanded Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEX) has provided improved mobility in travel to the Freeport, improving its being a key investment destination.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairperson and administrator Wilma Eisma cited infrastructure projects such as the expanded SFEX are essential in the continuing development and operation of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone because better access means more investments and livelihood opportunities.

“We envision Subic to be a globally-competitive investment and tourism destination and a world-class economic growth center. This is why we are strengthening Subic’s capacity to take in more business and more jobs. The expanded SFEX brings in more business to Subic,” Eisma said.

P1.6B in infusions

The Metro Pacific-led NLEX Corp. recently invested P1.6 billion for the expansion of the 8.2-kilometer SFEX to increase the expressway’s capacity from one lane to two lanes in each direction. Completed last February 2021, the new road has paved the way for business activities to accelerate amid the ongoing pandemic.

A total of 16.4 new lane kilometers, two new bridges in Jadjad and Argonaut and a new tunnel were constructed as part of the SFEX expansion project.

The tollway company also installed international standard LED lights, raised the elevation of the Maritan Highway-Rizal Highway-Tipo Road junction and enhanced the area’s drainage system to boost motorists’ safety.

Eisma noted that “investment projects by private companies like NLEX Corp. pump welcome infusions into Subic’s overall development strategy,” adding that “we have to upgrade our infrastructure so that travel to and from Subic would be faster, safer, and more efficient.”

Complementary plans

The SBMA chairperson also mentioned that the SFEX expansion complements SBMA’s big-ticket projects such as the P396.5-milion replacement of the Magsaysay Bridge at Subic’s main gate and the P225.4-million road rehabilitation package that started in 2019.

She said the SBMA has undertaken four major road repair projects in the past four years to increase mobility and traffic capacity as well as improve security and offer conducive environment in the Freeport.

J. Luigi Bautista, president and general manager of NLEX Corp., pointed out that the company’s infrastructure investment in Subic is particularly beneficial to the supply chain and logistics sectors, both of which play a key role in the economic recovery.

“As our country recovers from the effects of the pandemic, we are hopeful that the SFEX and other road projects will ramp up the growth through increased investments and tourism in both the Subic and Clark Freeports — benefitting thousands of locators and other business owners,” Bautista said.