PRRD leads the opening of CCLEX on April 27

MINERVA BC NEWMAN

CEBU CITY – The Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC) opens today, April 27 the bridge linking Cebu and Cordova with President Rodrigo Duterte leading the ceremony with top government officials and executives from the private sector including MPTC President and Chairman Pangilinan and some members of the Duterte cabinet and local mayors.

According to The Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), this 8.9-kilometer CCLEX has now become an iconic engineering marvel in Cebu.

MPTC chairman Manuel Pangilinan, Cebu has started to reap the benefits of the CCLEX that was built at a cost of at least P33 billion.  “We are happy to have been involved in building this piece of magnificent infrastructure for our countrymen in Cebu,” he added.

Pangilinan expects more investments, stimulate trade and commerce, revitalize tourism, and give a collective sense of pride among its people here. CCLEX connects Cordova town in Mactan Island to the South Road Properties in Cebu City.

President Duterte during the run through last year said, the project underscores the importance of accelerating socio-economic development in the country, especially the Visayas, through sustained infrastructure building. He said this approach is the legacy of his administration.

“My presidential watch will be remembered, among other things, for the expansive network of roads and bridges around the country which contributed to sustained socio-economic development of the Philippines,” Duterte said.

CCLEC President Allan Alfon encouraged motorists in Cebu to have their vehicles installed with the RFID stickers that are needed to use the expressway.   “We are excited to open the CCLEX to the Cebuanos who have long been looking forward to its opening.”

The CCLEX, Alfon said is truly an engineering marvel and has become a new Cebu icon that symbolizes a dynamic and progressive province firmly in touch with its history and culture.  This was built on the foundation of a strong partnership among MPTC and the local governments of Cebu City and Cordova town.

Center for Social Research and Education of the University of San Carlos (USC) cited key benefits to include reduced travel time, even with a toll fee, motorists are seen to benefit in terms of time saved and in the movements of goods and products from factories in the nearby cities and towns.

It will also boost Cebu’s economic growth as well as real estate values which are already starting to increase within the cities of Mandaue, Lapulapu and Cebu and nearby municipalities.  An updated land use plan has already been approved, the study said.

The study also said, the CCLEX will become a direct link to Southern Cebu and its many tourist destinations.  MPTC president and CEO Rodrigo Franco noted foreign direct investments have begun to pour in Cebu City and Cordova.

“Our company is pleased to complete this project and contribute to the economic development of the southern Philippines,” This project is an important boost to trade and commerce and we have seen new dynamism in the local business community and soon Cebu will experience an influx of visitors who will enjoy the use of the CCLEX,” Franco said. (Photos: CCLEX FB/Google Images)