MPTC, San Miguel ink deal to build P72-B Cavite-Batangas, Nasugbu-Bauan expressways

 

Giant tollway companies Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC) and San Miguel Corp. (SMC) have solidified their collaborative effort to construct the Cavite-Batangas Expressway (CBEX) and Nasugbu-Bauan Expressway (NBEX).

On August 14, MPTC and SMC formalized their partnership by signing a memorandum of agreement (MOA), as announced by Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), the parent company of MPTC.

The agreement was endorsed by MPIC Chairman Manuel Pangilinan and SMC CEO Ramon Ang.

According to the MOA's terms, MPTC and SMC will collaboratively design, construct, and manage the combined 87.96-kilometer length of CBEX and NBEX. These two tollways have a combined cost of P72 billion.

The comprehensive project is designed to connect MPTC's Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) to Bauan, Batangas, enhancing travel convenience for drivers.

Ang expressed, "Our shared commitment to nation-building has led us to this historic collaboration. Together, we aim to deliver world-class road networks that will serve as arteries of progress, growth and development for our country and the Filipino people. This collaboration stands as a testament to what we can achieve when we are united in purpose."

Pangilinan echoed this sentiment, saying, "Together with SMC, we envisage a future where our CBEX and NBEX can help pave the way for connectivity and economic growth in the CALABARZON region. We look forward to leveraging on our respective strengths for the realization of this vital infrastructure project."

The joint endeavor encompasses a 27.06-kilometer CBEX segment linking CALAX’s Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange to Nasugbu, Batangas, and a 60.90-kilometer NBEX section enabling seamless connectivity from Nasugbu to Bauan, Batangas.

The ceremonial groundbreaking for the CBEX and NBEX is scheduled for 2024, with completion and public availability anticipated by 2027.

The route will traverse Cavite townships including Silang, Amadeo, Tagaytay, Indang, Mendez, and Alfonso before reaching Nasugbu and then Bauan in Batangas.

Final implementation of the project is contingent upon fulfilling specific conditions, including the acquisition of requisite approvals and the signing of definitive agreements.

In 2018, MPTC proposed the 50.4-kilometer Cavite-Tagaytay-Batangas Expressway (CTBEX) project to the Department of Public Works and Highways, gaining original proponent status. Similarly, SMC's unsolicited proposal for CBEX and NBEX was approved by local governments.

Considering the shared goal of uniting Cavite and Batangas provinces via Tagaytay City, MPTC and SMC have united as partners in this significant endeavor.

MPTC manages CALAX, Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), C5 Link Segment, North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic-Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), NLEX Connector Road, and Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) in Cebu.

Meanwhile, SMC oversees South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Skyway, NAIA Expressway (NAIAX), Star Tollway, Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX), and Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway (MCX) concessions.