The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the North Luzon Expressway Corporation of Metro Pacific Corporation, and the local government of Hermosa, Bataan have recently partnered to construct a P495.35-million road interchange.

The new interchange will connect the municipality of Hermosa in Bataan to the 94-kilometer Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), supporting the growth of Central Luzon’s logistics and manufacturing corridor.

The DPWH said the proposed budget for the project is P495,347,000.00, including right-of-way acquisition.

The interchange forms part of a long-term regional development strategy to improve connectivity along the SCTEX. It aims to provide a vital link between Bataan’s growing economic zones and other key growth areas in Central Luzon such as the Clark Freeport Zone, New Clark City, and the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The project will also improve access to the BCDA-administered Bataan Technology Park in Morong, the future site of the Philippine Marine Corps headquarters.

“More than just infrastructure, this interchange will unlock a new gateway to economic opportunities for Central Luzon — providing much-needed support for the region’s growing logistics and manufacturing sectors, and generating more jobs for Filipinos. In support of the Luzon Economic Corridor initiative, the enhancement of SCTEX will drive industrial growth and strengthen the region’s role as a key engine of national progress,” said BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua Bingcang.

The BCDA added that the project aligns with the Marcos administration’s “Build Better More” infrastructure drive and is part of the SCTEX Expansion and Enhancement Plan jointly implemented by the DPWH, BCDA, NLEX Corporation, and concerned LGUs.

It is also expected to boost regional connectivity within the Luzon Economic Corridor, supporting efforts to position Central Luzon as a strategic hub for manufacturing and electronics.