Three firms have been prequalified by the Philippines Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) with a view to working on the PHP35.4bn ($819.1m) Cavite-Laguna (CALA) expressway project.
The three firms that will proceed to the next level of bidding are Ayala Corp and Aboitiz Land; San Miguel Corp; and Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Tollways Development Corp.
DPWH assistant secretary Eugenio Pipo Jr said that a fourth firm, Alloy MTD, has been given another three more days to submit certifications of its completed projects. All four companies submitted their prequalification documents on 23 October.
Prior to the submission of the bids, 18 firms had expressed their interest in the project.
CALA expressway project, which is the DPWH’s third infrastructure scheme under the government’s public-private partnership (PPP) programme, includes financing, design, construction, operation and maintenance of a four-lane, 47km-long toll expressway that links the Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) and the Southern Luzon Expressway (SLEX).
The scheme will comprise interchanges at nine locations – Kawit, Daang Hari, Aguinaldo Highway, Silang, Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay, Governor’s Drive, Laguna Boulevard, Technopark, and a toll barrier before SLEX.
Once completed, the project is expected to ease traffic congestion along the Cavite-Laguna road, while reducing the time taken to travel between Metro Manila and CALA area.
The entire project has a concession period of 35 years, including the design and construction.