ILOILO – The proposed Iloilo-Capiz-Aklan Expressway (ICAEx) that promises to significantly reduce travel time for residents of Panay Island is currently under review.
“There is an unsolicited proposal currently under consideration by our Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Service,” said Engr. Sanny Boy Oropel, officer-in-charge of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 6.
The PPP Service is based at DPWH’s central office.
The evaluation process includes assessing the actual cost of the project and finalizing the terms of reference (TOR), said Oropel.
Spanning approximately 210 kilometers, the ICAEx is planned to be a state-of-the-art, full access controlled toll expressway with four lanes.
It will connect two major cities and 20 municipalities across three provinces: Iloilo, Capiz, and Aklan, starting from Barangay M.V. Hechanova in Leganes, Iloilo. This strategic location near the planned Panay-Guimaras Bridge will ensure seamless access for travelers from the nearby islands of Guimaras and Negros.
Engr. Arecio Casing Jr., director of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Region 6, in a previous statement to Panay News, mentioned that the feasibility study is anticipated to be completed by early 2024.
“The study began early this year and is expected to be completed within two years. It is envisioned as a public-private partnership project, with the private sector being invited to construct the expressway,” said Casing.
The expressway aims to reduce travel time, alleviate congestion on existing highways, improve emergency response during inclement weather, and boost tourism and economic activities in the region.
The project is listed as a priority for implementation through PPP under Republic Act No. 7718, commonly known as the Build-Operate-and-Transfer (BOT) Law.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. of Iloilo expressed enthusiasm for the project, pointing out the need for a planned transport system to enhance connectivity among the provinces./PN
