Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 1) — The infrastructure unit of San Miguel Corporation (SMC) formally opened the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway Phase II project (NAIAx) Thursday evening.

The four-lane,12.65-kilometer expressway is part of the Duterte administration’s “Build, Build, Build” program to decongest Metro Manila roads.

NAIA Expressway will connect the three Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminals to the Skyway, Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEx) and Pagcor Entertainment City in Pasay City.

Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar said the expressway will benefit 80,000 travellers per day, and will reduce travel time from the South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) to NAIA to 20 minutes from one hour.

“A total of 17 off and on ramps have been constructed along strategic locations at Villamor Airbase, Resorts World, Naia Terminal 3, MIAA Road, Imelda Avenue, Cavitex, Seaside Drive and Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard,” Villar said in a statement.

Villar added the two newly-added ramps, Ramp 1 and 17, will be toll-free for 30 days.

SMC unit Vertex Tollways Developent, Inc. won the contract in 2013 to construct and operate the expressway.

“I am very proud to say that over the last seven years, our company has become one of the most active players in the Philippine infrastructure sector,” said Ramon S. Ang, SMC president and Chief Operating Officer said in a separate statement.

The project cost is P20.45-billion. Government has a budget of P15 billion and SMC offered and additional P11 billion to the construction cost.

“That’s a lot of money and, by our estimate, we expect to recover our investment in about 20 years. But we wanted to do this to help and do our share in nation-building,” Ang said.

“At San Miguel, we see to it that we balance our responsibility to the broader society and our commitment to the company’s shareholders. That’s why we make sure that we take on projects that will not only build San Miguel for long-term success but also help create a better world for the next generation,” he added.

The NAIA Expressway Project passes through Sales Avenue, Andrews Avenue, Parañaque River, MIAA Road and Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard.

01 June 2017
By Chad de Guzman