MPTC’s Cavite-Tagaytay-Batangas expressway project gets OPS

In photo are DPWH Undersecretary for planning and PPP Maria Catalina Cabral, DPWH Secretary Mark Villar, and president and CEO of Metro Pacific Tollways South Luigi Bautista.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) yesterday granted the original proponent status (OPS) to the 50.42-kilometer Cavite-Tagaytay-Batangas Expressway (CTBEx) project of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC).

“This is one of the first projects we will grant OPS for DPWH in this administration. This is a sign that the Build Build Build of our President is all systems go,” Public Works Secretary Mark Villar said.

Villar said the project was given the OPS because of its significance in addressing congestion in the CALABARZON area.

“Travel time going to Tagaytay and Nasugbu from Manila will be cut short so this will really help ease congestion,” he said.

The P22.43 billion CTBEx will connect from the west of Silang East Interchange of the Cavite Laguna Expressway and will pass through Silang, Pook, Amadeo, Tagaytay, Mendez, Alfonso, Magallanes, Tuy and Nasugbu.

The project was conceived in early 2016 in line with MPTC’s desire and commitment to help bring progress to the western part of Southern Luzon.

 “This awarding of the OPS status of CTBEx is just the beginning, we are cognizant that this proposal will still be subject to NEDA approval, successful negotiation with DPWH on the terms of the concession and lastly, a Swiss challenge. All of which should be completed by the second quarter of 2019, and subject to the acquisition of the right of way; 2020 is the target date of construction,” said Luigi Bautista, president and CEO of Metro Pacific Tollways South, a business unit of MPTC.

 “Once completed, CTBEx will be the preferred route for motorists going to Tagaytay and Nasugbu from Manila and vice versa as this will seamlessly connect to CALAEx and CAVITEx,” Bautista said.

MPT South is currently constructing the Cavite Laguna Expressway which will connect to CAVITEx and the C5-Southlink that will enable transfers from Laguna, Cavite, Manila, Las Piñas, Parañaque and Taguig to be seamless.