San Miguel and Gov't sign deal for Pasig River Expressway

Government greenlights SMC's 19.4-km PAREX project

Remember when San Miguel Corporation (SMC) announced its plans to build an expressway over the Pasig River? Called the Pasig River Expressway (PAREX), it's estimated to cost PHP 95 billion and will measure a total of 19.4-km. Once completed, it will connect Radial Road 10 in Manila and C-6 Road.

SMC previously said that they plan to start construction as soon as possible. However, they can't start working on the toll road without government approval. That changes today after the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and SMC signed a Supplemental Toll Operations Agreement (STOA) for PAREX.

Interestingly, SMC says PAREX will not just be another elevated expressway. According to the company, it will be the country's first roadway that combines sustainability features with the functionality of a safe and efficient roadway.

"This will be an inclusive, user-centered infrastructure that will integrate various modes of transportation beyond cars," said Ramon S. Ang, president of SMC.

Following the government approval of the project, Ang said that they are tapping the firm of renowned architect, environmental planner, and green urbanism advocate Architect Felino Palafox Jr. to help build PAREX.

"Together with Palafox and Associates, we will build what will be the country’s first sustainable infrastructure, one that will not just be ‘green’, but will have multiple uses and direct environmental, social, and economic benefits to Filipinos," added Ang.

In review, PAREX will have three segments. Segment 1 will span from R-10 to Plaza Azul and will measure 5.74-km. Segment 2, on the other hand, will cover 7.32-km and will see the expressway connect from San Juan River to C-5 Intersection. Last but not least, Segment 3 will link C-5 Intersection with C-6 Intersection and will measure 6.3-km. PAREX will also connect and utilize a 2.7-km. portion of the new Skyway Stage 3 from Nagtahan to Plaza Azul.

Once work on PAREX is complete, SMC says that it will serve as a faster means of traveling to the business districts of Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio Global City (BGC). The elevated expressway will also decongest parts of Cainta, Rizal, and Marikina; it will also seamlessly connect every city in Metro Manila.

SMC will fully shoulder the PHP 95-billion cost to build PAREX, with no taxpayer or government money to be used.