San Miguel sets P554-billion toll road expansion

SAN MIGUEL Corp. (SMC) is embarking on a P554-billion expansion of toll roads under its joint venture with state-run Philippine National Construction Corp. (PNCC), with the development of these infrastructure projects set to start as early as next year.

San Miguel Holdings Corp. (SMHC), the infrastructure arm of the diversified conglomerate, and PNCC inked the deal on Wednesday, which SMC President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon S. Ang said was a reiteration of their existing agreements.

SMHC and PNCC are joint venture partners in Citra Central Expressway Corp. (CCEC) and Citra Intercity Tollways, Inc. (CITI), the companies that own the concession rights of Skyway Stages 3 and 4, respectively.

Through its legislative franchise, PNCC has the authority to construct, maintain and operate the South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) and Skyway Stages 1, 2, 3 as well as all extensions, linkages or stretches from any part of the existing toll roads.

“Within the next year or so, we hope that work can begin on the extension of (South Luzon Expressway), Skyway Stage 3 and C6. We have within our agreement all the extensions that will help us create an entire seamless network of roads and expressways connecting Metro Manila to neighboring provinces. We will operate, between us, the most extensive network of Philippine tollways,” Mr. Ang was quoted in the statement as saying.

Other expansion projects in the pipeline include the San Pedro-C6 Laguna Lake Road that will link SLEx from San Pedro, Laguna to C6 in Taguig; Skyway Stage 8 or Tanauan-Tagaytay Expressway; SLEx Toll Road 5 that will extend the expressway from Pagbilao, Quezon to Matnog, Sorsogon; Skyway Stage 7 that will connect Taguig to Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City; Buendia Interchange and Ramp Extension to Macapagal Boulevard and Skyway Stage 9 or Pasig River Alignment.

Mr. Ang reiterated San Miguel’s commitment with PNCC “to do everything we can” to deliver the infrastructure projects that fall within their concession agreement. Both parties are looking to fast-track the process of prioritizing and constructing identified projects.

“A dynamic, job-creating economy needs good infrastructure and a good transport system. We need to fast-track infrastructure spending to significantly improve investment into the Philippines. Good roads, good airports, good ports-all of this was needed yesterday, “ Mr. Ang said.

For his part, PNCC President and CEO Mario K. Espinosa said: “PNCC is looking forward to exploring with SMHC the possible stretches, linkages and extensions that can be built from the toll roads of our existing joint venture companies.”

Shares in SMC dropped 50 centavos or 0.46% to end at P109 apiece on Wednesday.

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?title=san-miguel-sets-p554-billion-toll-road-expansion&id=144359

Search for Reyna ng Aliwan 2017

The search for the annual Aliwan Fiesta culminates today with the coronation of the Festival Queen or Reyna ng Aliwan 2017.
Vying for the title are 22 candidates representing various festivals. They are Rowena Gandeza (representing the Manggahan Festival of Guimaras); Aira Abedin (Inaul Festival, Maguindanao); Julie Faith Agsalud (Zamboanga Hermosa Festival); Erna Torreblanca (Masskara Festival); Maria Vivien Fabella (Boling-Boling Festival); Patricia Kate Gonzales (Antipolo Maytime Festival); Venisse Charm Costibolo (Sangyaw Festival); Carmela Villaruel (Timpuyog Festival); Angelica Doguiles, (Pescao Festival); Alexia Sonia Edmund (Bambanti Festival); Angelica Gabriel; Ariella Jazmine Roque (Tuna Festival); Elaine Segura (Paraw Regatta Festival); Marla Alforque (Sinulog Festival); Alyssa Charish Vivas (Kneeling Carabao Festival); Kyla Ocso (Kalivungan Festival); Cherry Rose Fernandez (Panagbenga Festival); Maria Ahtisa Manalo (Niyog-yugan Festival); Kathleen Mae Lendio (Karansa Festival); Liezel Libria (Sultan Kudarat Festival); Leidda Paulette Babasanta (Sikhayan Festival); and Apriel Smith (Utanon Festival).
Aliwan Fiesta 2017 is a project of Manila Broadcasting Company, Star City and Cultural Center of the Philippines in cooperation with the Cities of Manila and Pasay, with support from Pride Detergent, Unique Toothpaste, Shield Bathsoap, Tanduay, Globe Telecom, EyeBerry, Dunkin’ Donuts, Cherry Mobile, Fukuda, MyJuiz, AICS, M. Lhuillier, 2Go, Manila Bulletin, GES Led Lights, Steeltech, Maxim’s Hotel at Resorts World Manila, Bayview Park Hotel, Isla 7107, Zanea Shoes, and It Figures Facial and Slimming Salon.
• • •
Valeen Montenegro joins ‘Encantadia’
A new character was introduced last week on the GMA fantaserye “Encantadia.” She is Bathalumang Haliya, played by Valeen Montenegro. Haliya is the character who Cassiopeia (Solenn Heussaff) and Emre (Zoren Legaspi) are expecting to help them fight the Etherean and free the Devas.
Meanwhile, on “Meant To Be,” the character Jak Roberto plays named Andoy, is evolving.
He delights viewers as he woos and prepares for his date with Billie (Barbie Forteza). According to him, “Level-up na ’yung character ko. Mas tame pa rin sa aming apat, kalmado pero mas nadagdagan ang lakas ng loob ni Andoy kasi magko-compete na kami sa isat-isa, meron ng rivalry.”
“Encantadia” and “Meant To Be” air weeknights on GMA Telebabad.
• • •
Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, April 22, go to Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Leonor Caparas, Regina Patricia “China” Cojuangco, Vicky Lapena, Freddie Mañalac, Aiah Soliman, Marc Dionela, Erwin Dona, May Belen, April Rose Lina, Ciah Roliman, Mamam Bella Perez Saavedra, Ning-Ning Orlina, Minerva Matias, Marc Hanzel Dionela and Linda Tan… April 23: MBC Network Program Director Ivan Quiling, Vice President Leni Robredo, Angel Locsin, Angelita Bernardo, Joan Lim, Cecille E. Cuartero, Gloria Gomez, Boy C. de Guia, Rusty Ibasco Samson, Sandra Jane Graham, Mrs. Mary Carbonell, Mrs. Nida Rame, George Bernabe, Camilo Vergara, Eddie Katindig, Albert Virata de los Santos, Renz M. Glua, son of Edgar Glua of BSP, Annie Samson, April Eva-Betila of New York, Bert Lina, Clair Alinio, April Eva Betila, Gloria Gomez, Cecille Cuartero, Sandra Graham, Camilo Vergara, Joan Lim, and Valenzuela Barangay Councilor Niña Shiela B. Lopez… April 24: former DOLE Sec. Pat Sto. Tomas, Amb. Raul Goco, columnist Mons Romulo, Norma Ledesma, Alicia Lim, Michelle Daniella M. Dee, Marvin J. Villegas, Crisa Saavedra Tagulao, twins Hershey and Hazel Hermano, Nolita Natividad-Valdez, Rosemarie Ferrer of Bais City, Symon Montejo, Kristian Sendon Cordero, Atty. Jesus Santiago, Christopher Silan of Queens Village, New York, and “Unang Hirit’s” Lhar Santiago… Belated b-day greetings to Tristan Lozano (April 19) and Angelica Castro Ortega, Lyn Miranda, Mariebeth Brieva of Pasay City (April 21)…Condolences to Juanita Fernando-Pisado, who passed away peacefully in the great of our lord on April 19. Her remains line in state in Loyola Memorial Chapels and Crematorium, Inc., Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City. Interment will be held on Everest Hills Memorial Park, Muntinlupa City on April 25 after the 8 a.m. Mass.

MEGA MANILA SUBWAY

LRMC taps First Balfour for P980-M LRT-1 upgrade

Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC) has signed an agreement with engineering and construction firm First Balfour for the P980 million structural restoration project for the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1.

LRMC said the project is the single largest contract awarded for the LRT-1. Line 1 serves 20 stations from Baclaran station in Pasay City to Roosevelt in Quezon City.

The project involves restoration of parapets, faulty concrete, and repair of river bridges for enhanced passenger safety.

“This project is a priority for us given that it concerns the safety of our passengers,” LRMC president and chief executive officer Rogelio Singson said.

“While we have been working toward powering up more trains, replacing the tracks, and improving the environment of the stations, the structural integrity of all LRT-1 stations is our prime concern and responsibility,” Singson said.

The project was given the notice to proceed in March.

It is targeted to be completed in two years.

Once completed, the project is expected to provide a better riding experience, as well as complement other improvement works being undertaken by LRMC for the LRT-1.

In the past, First Balfour has worked on other projects for the LRT-1.

In 2005, First Balfour worked on the power supply and electrical works for the LRT-1 capacity expansion project. It likewise completed the design and build contract of the LRT-1 North Extension project through a joint venture with DMCI.

LRMC which is composed of Metro Pacific Investments Corp.’s Metro Pacific Light Rail Corp., Ayala Corp.’s AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp., and Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) PTE Ltd., bagged the P65-billion public-private partnership (PPP) project to operate, maintain and extend the LRT-1.

Under the contract for the PPP project, the LRT-1 will be extended until Bacoor in Cavite.

The extension which covers 11.7-kilometers, involves putting up new stations across Pasay City, Parañaque City, Las Piñas City and Cavite.