By Eva C. Visperas

 

THIS is it. It’s gonna happen, really.

Something exciting is unfolding in Pangasinan.

I thought last Monday, July 10, was going to be just an ordinary regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) that a group of 10 mediamen usually cover.

We didn’t realize it was going to be a historic moment when, at the middle of the session presided by Vice Governor Mark Lambino, something big cropped up.

Governor Ramon Guico III suddenly showed up and was given the floor for a very important announcement.

Yes, it was about the Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEX) 1^st phase from Binalonan exit of TPLEX to Lingayen.

The governor proudly announced that San Miguel Holdings Corp. (SMHC), the original proponent, will build this gigantic project, worth P34-billion but at no cost to the provincial government, after no other groups or corporations submitted their proposal and the Swiss Challenge has already concluded.

His announcement was followed by his request for a resolution from the SP authorizing him to enter into and sign a joint venture agreement and tollway concession agreement with the San Miguel Holdings Corp. (SMHC) for the implementation of the PLEX.

It’s part of the process that needs to be complied with after the period for submission of proposal as published in a national newspaper Malaya, and the end of Swiss Challenge and the awarding of notice of award last Monday finally lapsed.

“It’s a sweetheart deal,” according to the governor.

So, the question now is no longer “Matutuloy ba” ? but “Kailan ang groundbreaking?” said Vice Gov. Mark.

Before the TPLEX was constructed, most of the complaints I heard from those in Metro Manila wanting to visit the Minor Basilica in Manaoag was “Ang layo”.

Now, commuters can be heard saying., “Ang bilis ng byahe dahil sa TPLEX”.

With the PLEX construction, as shared by Vice Gov Lambino in our interview, expect massive job generation, economic boom and tourism phenomenal rise, especially going to the western part of the province.

Land value will jack up and faster mobility of people and goods will surely be a big plus.

He said travel time from Binalonan to Lingayen at a normal speed is about 90 minutes but this will be cut by 60 to 65 percent with the PLEX.

Then, Yoly of PDI asked jokingly, “Wala nang mag he-helicopter?”

Oh no! I’ll miss the whirring sound of the gov’s helicopter whenever he flies over my hometown Binmaley going to the Urduja House.

The PLEX will extend up to Alaminos in its second phase.

“The PLEX will become the backbone of the economic development here in the province. It’s going to connect eastern to central and western Pangasinan and we want to build all our developments around that backbone,” Vice Gov Mark said.

I must admit I also doubted the project when I first heard of it. I said then, “Dream on. It’s free,” as I am used to unfulfilled campaign promises of some politicians I know.

Oh yes, then Cong. Monmon promised it during his campaign. And one year after he and his Agila team won, it is now happening. Hindi pangakong napako.

This is the beauty of a united Executive-Legislative branches of the provincial government. But not all the time, please. I am missing to hear fiscalizing in the SP, too.

Investors will not think twice pouring in billions of pesos of their investments in a place like Pangasinan where its leaders share the same vision and mission.

In the coming days, we expect the signing of the agreement to happen, then the groundbreaking, establishing “the position of the right of way and the engineering aspect of the project, the design”, the governor happily shared.

Two weeks ago, we had shared the good news that the Pangasinan Polytechnic College, also another campaign promise of the Guico team, is ready to start this school year.

Brace for more to happen. Isa-isa lang, mahina ang kalaban, joked the governor.

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