President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Tuesday said the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) Elevated Extension Project could help spur the country’s economic recovery from the impact of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

“We welcome this infrastructure development at a time when our economy is slowly opening up and recovering from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic,” Duterte said in his speech during the inauguration of the extension project at the Alabang Northbound Entry in Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

He said the expansion project is expected to promote greater mobility, help ease traffic, and support economic growth and productivity in Metro Manila and its surrounding areas.

He commended the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and its private partners for the successful inauguration of the SLEX Elevated Extension Project, noting that it shows the government’s commitment to pursue sustainable and resilient infrastructure projects amid the current challenges presented by the ongoing pandemic.

“I wish to reaffirm my administration’s steadfast dedication to complete critical infrastructure projects and sustainable development programs,” he said.

“Let me assure the entire nation that we will be unrelenting in the pursuit of a more comfortable life for everyone through safe and reliable infrastructure. A modern, sustainable and inclusive society is what we envision and what we will achieve for the Filipino people,” he added.

San Miguel Corp. president and CEO Ramon Ang said the new project can accommodate around 200,000 cars daily and would reduce travel time between Muntinlupa and Balintawak in Quezon City from two hours to just 25 to 30 minutes. (PNA)