The Tarlac–Pangasinan–La Union Expressway (TPLEX), a vital artery in the Philippine expressway network, has significantly reshaped travel in the north. Through the years, this main highway that connects Central and Northern Luzon to Metropolitan Manila paved the way for massive economic growth along the area as it eased congestion, and opened up new opportunities for trade, tourism, and socio-economic development.
To further bring development to these regions in Luzon and facilitate connectivity to Central Luzon and Metro Manila through high speed mobility and secured access, the present administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is bringing more extension projects to TPLEX.
TPLEX Extension Project
The TPLEX extension project is a three-segment infrastructure work which involves a 59.4-kilometer, four (4)-lane toll road which will start from the last exit of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) in Rosario, La Union and will terminate at San Juan, La Union. It is divided into three phases.
The first segment is an 18.5 km road from Rosario to Tubao, both in La Union. The second segment is from Tubao to Naguilian, which stretches to about 23.1 km. The last one is from Naguilian to San Juan, which is a 17.8 km extension.
The TPLEX project is worth P23.36 billion pesos and is being implemented by SMC TPLEX Extension Infrastructure Corporation under a public-private partnership scheme. It was conceptualized in the early part of 2024 and last July 2024, the presentation of the signed Concession Agreement (CA) was conducted. The project is now underway and is expected to be completed by 2028.
In his speech during the presentation of the CA last July, President Marcos Jr. said this project is part of his administration’s vision, the “Build Better More”.
“If we aim to improve the lives of our people, it is not enough to build for the sake of building. The keywords are “Build” and “Better,” as it is also important to be strategic and to be focused on our pursuits to propel the nation’s economy forward,” President Marcos stressed.
With the project, Marcos added that “we are now witnessing another milestone that brings into fruition the Build Better More infrastructure program. The TPLEX project exemplifies our dedication to progress, the extension of our dreams, and the opportunities we want to give our people.”
Impact on Socio-Economic Development
The TPLEX project will not just enhance connectivity and ease congestion but is also expected to bring further socioeconomic development in Central Luzon and neighboring regions.
Travel wise, this project will shorten travel time. As President Marcos puts it, he said that “Once finished, this extension will reduce the travel time between Rosario and San Juan from the current 90-minute travel time to about 40 minutes, resulting in smoother and safer journeys for those who wish to go to and from La Union, and the Ilocos and Cordillera regions.”
He added that it will likewise bring more tourists and economic activities in the northern part of the country. Central and Northern Luzon are among the country’s main tourism hubs–with Baguio City and Cordillera in the central part and the Ilocos Region on the northern side. La Union itself boasts amazing beachfronts. Both regions attract a large volume of tourists from different parts of the country and even from international markets.
In terms of economic development, this project is poised to make businesses flourish more in the region. It will also enable faster delivery of resources to the southern parts of Luzon and vice versa, which will minimize potential losses in terms of transportation.
The extension project will also have a big impact on the agriculture sector. Central Luzon, which is known for its agricultural produce, will find it easier to transport their commodities to neighboring places, especially to one of its biggest markets: Metro Manila.
TPLEX is designed with modern safety features, which will result in a significant reduction in road accidents. This will contribute to the safety and well-being of travelers and local communities.
In a nutshell, this project will promote regional development. The expressway has unlocked the economic potential of previously underserved areas. By improving connectivity, TPLEX extension will attract more investments, create employment opportunities, and spur development in towns and cities along its route. This will lead to improved infrastructure, better public services, and a higher quality of life for residents.
Meanwhile, for locals and frequent travelers to the central and northern part of Luzon, this project is another welcome development. A businessman from Ilocos Sur who frequently travels to different parts of Luzon said that this project will facilitate ease of travel, just like how the main TPLEX has done to their lives.
“Sobrang blessing na ng TPLEX sa mga taga-Norte. What more kung matapos pa itong extension. Malaking tulong talaga ’to sa mga kagaya ko na laging bumibiyahe via La Union,” he said.
The Road Ahead for TPLEX
President Marcos expressed his appeal to SMC to complete the entire project before his term ends in 2028.
“I appeal to San Miguel Holdings Corporation to complete the TPLEX Extension Segment 1 by 2028 and all other sections as scheduled, to ensure that every person involved in this project—whether in the office or in the construction zone—will work with determination and integrity, day in and day out,” he said.
He added that “all stakeholders can expect that this government and its entire machinery will provide the necessary support to complete this venture.”
Looking ahead, the TPLEX extension project is expected to further enhance connectivity and unlock new opportunities for growth in the region. The continued development and improvement of the expressway network will play a crucial role in driving progress and prosperity in both Central and Northern Luzon.
This project is a testament to the commitment of the present administration to bring in more infrastructure development across the country through the “Build Better More” program. It is also embedded in the National Development Plan of President Marcos Jr. (JM Danao, PTV)
