SBMA seeking P140B for major infra projects

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority is seeking a P140-billion budget to fast-track big-ticket infrastructure projects that would help Subic prepare for an expected “upsurge of foreign investments next year.”

In a statement, SBMA chair Martin B. Diño said he intended to send to Malacañang a formal request for funds, which would mainly bankroll six major projects.

These projects include two cargo terminals and a P126-billion package of four major roads and bridges that would help shorten the travel time of cargo trucks and passenger vehicles to and from Northern Luzon and Metro Manila.

First is a proposed P11-billion, 17.3-kilometer bypass road that would connect the Subic container terminals to Subic-Clark- Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx).

Second is a P22-billion, 25.7-im Tipo-Castillejos bypass road which will also include the construction of seven bridges—connecting Tipo Road at the exit of SCTEx to Castillejos, Zambales.

Third is a P91-billion, 65-km multimodal expressway that would directly connect Subic Freeport to Manila.

Fourth is a P2-billion project for the widening of the Tipo-SCTEx Road, adding another lane on both sides as well as improving the existing tunnel and the construction of an additional tunnel.

“These infrastructure projects will bring Subic Freeport and other centers of commerce in Luzon area closer to each other,” Diño said.

Also, the SBMA under Diño is also proposing at a cost of P10 billion the construction of New Container Terminal 3 and 4, which will be built parallel to the existing NCT 1 and NCT 2.

Finally, the SBMA wants P4 billion to expand and improve the Naval Supply Depot, which mostly serves as storage facility for bulk grains and other noncontainerized cargoes.

Diño said he had coordinated with the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) to seek its endorsement to Malacañang for the approval of the proposed projects.

“We have sent a memorandum to Neda seeking its endorsement so we could go ahead and fast track these projects and complete them the soonest possible time,” he said.