Motoring Today Column

Sep 29, 2021

Is there really a need for another elevated tollway running across Metro Manila?

Government and proponents of the P95-billion Pasig River Expressway (PAREX) project believes the metropolis needs one.

This time the tollway, envisioned as a six-lane elevated highway, will run along the banks of the Pasig River - fromRadial Road 10 in the City of Manila to C-6 road - and thus will avoid much of the cost of most large-scale infrastructure projects, right-of-way acquisition.

There's no stopping the construction of the new tollway now after the Supplemental Toll Operations Agreement (STOA) for the PAREX has been signed and groundbreaking rites have been held.

While there already is an elevated tollway running north to south of Metro Manila, including the recently opened Skyway 3 that provides a seamless link from SLEX to the NLEX, there is no tollway running east to west.

The PAREX will be this east-to-west elevated tollway and with links to the Skyway will complete the long-envisioned north-south-east-west expressway connectivity for the metropolis, according to it primary proponent, San Miguel Corporation (SMC).

As envisioned by SMC president Ramon Ang, the PAREX "will be an inclusive, user-centered infrastructure that will integrate various modes of transportation beyond cars. It will have dedicated bike lanes, walkways, a bus rapid transit system, among others."

SMC has tapped the firm of Architect Felino Palafox Jr., internationally renowned green urbanism advocate and urban planner, to help build the PAREX.

"Together with Palafox and Associates, we will build what will be the country's first sustainable infrastructure, one that will not just be 'green', but will have multiple uses and direct environmental, social, and economic benefits to Filipinos," Ang said.

Again as envisioned by Ang, the PAREX will serve to ease traffic congestion at at-grade streets while providing faster travel time between cities for motorists as well as for commuters with the establishment of a Bus Rapid Transit system.

A BRT system on the PAREX that is linked to one on Skyway will provide commuters faster, more convenient, and reliable alternative transportation to different points within Metro Manila.

As to the question of whether the PAREX will be bad for the Pasig River ecosystem, the SMC may already have a ready answer.

Last June, SMC, together with theDepartment of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and Metro Manila mayors, launched a P2-billion five-year initiative Pasig River Cleanup project that aims to remove some three million metric tons of silt and solid waste from the river.

This initiative emphasizes SMC's commitment to integrate sustainability in all its undertakings.

If PAREX fulfills all goals set forth by Ang, then there is no question that this is one thing that Metro Manila needs - a green hybrid highway.

All-New mu-X Arrives

The All-New Isuzu mu-X has arrived and ready to take the lead in the seven-seater midsize SUV segment.

The second generation mu-X ticks off a lot of boxes in the checklist for good contemporary SUVs- style, premium interior comfort and convenience features, smart connectivity, cutting edge driver assist and safety technology, versatility, reliability, power and performance.

It is only right for Isuzu Philippines president, Hajime Koso, to express confidence the arrival of the All-New mu-X signals Isuzu's return to head of the pack in the midsize SUV segment.

Says Koso: "Finally, the long wait is over, get ready to be impressed and moved with a mu-X that will give you confidence and pleasure to drive. A mu-X that we've never seen before, one that will definitely push you further to 'Take the Lead'."

Nissan EV Push

Nissan Philippines is one of the leaders in advocating a shift to electric vehicle locally.

During the 9th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit, Nissan presented the next phase of its EV strategy for the country following the launch of the fully-electric Nissan LEAF last May.

Said Atsushi Najima, Nissan Philippines president and managing director at the summit: "Now that the Nissan LEAF is here, the next phase of our electrification plans for the country involve continuously educating the public about the benefits of EVs, while making the Nissan LEAF accessible to more parts of the country through our Nissan EV dealerships."

Nissan sells the Nissan LEAF in six EV dealerships around the country:Cebu, Mantrade Makati, Otis Manila, and Bonifacio Global City in Metro Manila; and Tagum and Matina in Mindanao.

Each dealership has a charging station for free and exclusive use of LEAF customers.

Nissan says it is now looking for potential partners to further promote EV use in the country.

"We are not just offering our customers a zero-emissions vehicle with the Nissan LEAF, and a nationwide EV charging network through our EV dealerships. We are also looking at building a network of partners here in the Philippines for sustainability and resilience, unlocking the potential for EV technology to address social concerns," said Najima.

Mitsu's New Dealers

Congratulations are due Mitsubishi Motors Philippines and dealer partner Global Excellence Motors Inc. (GEM) for the opening of two new dealerships - Mitsubishi Global City and Mitsubishi Valenzuela.

Bonifacio Global City and Valenzuela City will certainly help bring Mitsubishi products and top-notch aftersales services within reach to more Filipinos in key areas in the metro.

Mitsubishi Motors Global City is located at the heart of the business district in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) while Mitsubishi Valenzuela is located at a highly developed area in Valenzuela City along McArthur Highway, and accessible to to both commercial areas and residential communities within the area.

Toyota Vehicle Center

Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) has opened and is now operating the Batangas Vehicle Center (BVC).

The 32-hectare facility will streamline vehicle handling prior to inter-island transport and ensure promised delivery time and quality of Toyota vehicles for dealers and customers.

"This Batangas Vehicle Center is our renewed commitment to better days ahead. This is part of our joint efforts with the government, business sector and Filipino people to win the war against COVID-19 and build a better tomorrow, together," said TMP chairman Alfred V. Ty during the inauguration of the BVC.

Happy Motoring!!!

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