Village Connect
San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and the Provincial Government of Pangasinan (PGP) are set to mark a significant milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEX) Phase I, which is scheduled to take place today, March 21, at Barangay Balligi in Laoac.
This event is a pivotal moment, as it signifies the commencement of a monumental project that is valued at P34 billion and represents an unprecedented development in the province of Pangasinan.
The project is being spearheaded by two notable figures: Governor Ramon V. Guico III of Pangasinan and Mr. Ramon S. Ang, the esteemed President and Chief Executive Officer of San Miguel Corporation. This initiative is a part of San Miguel Corporation’s larger vision to improve and expand the road networks across Central and Northern Luzon, aiming to facilitate better connectivity and support the region’s growth.
The Pangasinan Link Expressway, or PLEX, is the embodiment of Governor Guico’s ambitious vision to drive economic and tourism growth within the province, positioning it as a transformative project that could significantly alter the province’s landscape. The project’s importance was further cemented when the joint venture and tollway concession agreements between San Miguel Corporation and the Provincial Government of Pangasinan were officially finalized on October 19, 2023.
Spanning a total length of 42.76 kilometers, the first phase of this extensive project will connect the town of Binalonan to the capital town of Lingayen. The project is divided into several segments, including a 6.9-kilometer stretch from Binalonan to Manaoag, an 11.3-kilometer section from Manaoag to Calasiao, a 2.39-kilometer portion within the Calasiao area, and a 22.7-kilometer stretch from Calasiao to Lingayen.
This ambitious endeavor is structured as a public-private partnership that is set to unfold over four years, with the goal of revolutionizing Pangasinan’s internal connectivity. By enhancing the province’s road infrastructure, the PLEX aims to facilitate the faster movement of people, goods, and services across the region.
One of the most significant benefits of the PLEX is the dramatic reduction in travel time it promises. Once operational, the expressway will cut down the travel time from Binalonan to Lingayen from the current duration of an hour and 40 minutes to a mere 20 to 30 minutes.
This improvement in travel efficiency is expected to have a profound impact on the province’s economic dynamics and quality of life for its residents.
Furthermore, after a period of 35 years, the ownership of the PLEX will be transferred to the province of Pangasinan, ensuring that the benefits of this project will be enjoyed by the local community for generations to come.
