Three-in-one
Three connector roads in one day. The inauguration and groundbreaking, that is. How does one do it? How did the Guest of Honor cope?
Well, if the Guest of Honor was none other than the President of the Republic, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PBBM), known for his indefatigability and for keeping a hectic work schedule, then it isn’t any wonder.
Not to mention that the on-time completion of two of the connector roads of the Cavite Expressway, or CAVITEX, was totally energized by the expression of support by the highest office of the land.
And so it was that on a recent fine day in June that PBBM presided over the launching and groundbreaking of three major links for the Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway Project (CAVITEX).
These were the groundbreaking ceremony of the CAVITEX-CALAX Link, the groundbreaking of CAVITEX C5 Link Segment 3B, and the inauguration of the CAVITEX C5 Link Sucat Interchange (Segment 2).
These projects are being undertaken by Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC), the infrastructure arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC), through its subsidiary Cavitex Infrastructure Corp. (CIC) in partnership with the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA).
Dubbed as CCLink, the CAVITEX-CALAX Link will span 1.3 km with 2×2 lanes, linking MPTC’s toll road networks in the South — the CAVITEX and the ongoing Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX). The target completion is by mid-2025, in alignment with the full operations of CALAX.
CAVITEX C5 Link Segment 3B is another vital project designed to improve traffic flow and accessibility. This segment will complete the ongoing CAVITEX C5 Link by 2025, spanning 2 kilometers to connect CAVITEX Parañaque in the West and C5 Road Taguig in the East.
CAVITEX C5 Link Segment 2, now known as the Sucat Interchange, provides enhanced travel efficiency and a smoother commute for thousands of motorists in the Southern part of Metro Manila. This 1.9-kilometer, 2×3 lane expressway connects CAVITEX R-1 (Coastal Rd.) from Parañaque Toll Plaza to Sucat through the R-1 Interchange. With this newly opened segment, around 16,000 motorists are expected to enjoy a reduced travel time of 10 minutes from CAVITEX to Sucat Road and vice versa.
In his speech, PBBM called these events “the final step in completing the CAVITEX C5 Link Expressway, enhancing our transportation infrastructure network on behalf of countless motorists and passengers.” He also said that though the length of the CAVITEX-CALAX Link may be short, its impact will still be substantial because by establishing a direct connection to CALAX (from Kawit, Cavite), the traffic congestion at the busy intersection of Tirona Highway and Centennial Road will be eased.
With this, we anticipate a significant improvement in the road network connectivity from Kawit to the greater CALABARZON region.
In response, MPTC chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan (MVP), expressed gratitude for the government’s support in turning these projects into reality. “We have always been believers in potential of PPPs,” MVP said. “And we thank his excellency President Marcos for his prudent governance, as well as members of his Cabinet, who have made it easy to undertake monumental projects in collaboration with the government.”
MVP added, “We are confident that our continued collaboration will help the Filipino people welcome even more success, and ultimately give rise to a nation that is more competitive, inclusive and united — one we can be proud to bequeath for future generations.”
MPTC president and CEO, former Public Works Secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson said that the completion of these major links would greatly improve mobility, and even connectivity, in the Southern Tagalog region. “Extensive road networks increase economic benefits and convenience to our people,” he stressed.
For his part, CIC president Raul Ignacio said “the Presidential declaration of support for these major infrastructure projects has energized us all in completing the projects on time, leaving no stone unturned to finish the job.”
“The Presidential imprimatur has resonated as the President’s marching orders for our CIC project managers and our two contractors to speed up the construction so that the two segments will be ready for full operations in August 2025,” Ignacio added.
It goes without saying that this is another example of the success of a Public-Private Partnership or PPP. As long as government and the private sector work together, then nothing is impossible. Not even three inaugurations or groundbreaking ceremonies in one day.
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