New SCTEX Interchange Planned to Enhance Connectivity in Hermosa, Bataan

The Philippine government is actively pursuing a collaborative project to establish a new road interchange linking Hermosa, Bataan, to the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), as announced by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) on June 23, 2025. This initiative involves partnerships with NLEX Corporation and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), along with local government support from Hermosa, emphasizing the project’s role in bolstering regional connectivity.

Joshua Bingcang, President and CEO of BCDA, stated, "More than just an infrastructure project, this interchange will unlock a new gateway to economic opportunities for Central Luzon. It is designed to provide essential support for the region’s burgeoning logistics and manufacturing sectors, ultimately generating increased job opportunities for Filipinos." This sentiment reflects the government's ongoing commitment to enhancing economic development in the region.

The SCTEX is a critical infrastructure project, spanning 94.62 kilometers and connecting Tipo, Subic, and La Paz, Tarlac. It operates under a 35-year concession agreement between the BCDA and NLEX Corporation, which is led by Manuel V. Pangilinan. Under the current arrangement, both parties share revenue equally, with each receiving 50% of the proceeds.

The proposed interchange is part of a broader strategy aimed at improving the Luzon Economic Corridor, which seeks to drive industrial growth and elevate the region’s status as a vital engine of national progress. By enhancing access to major expressways, the government anticipates that the interchange will facilitate the movement of goods and services, ultimately stimulating economic activity throughout the region.

In addition to the SCTEX, NLEX Corporation operates several other major expressways, including the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), the Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway (CAVITEX), the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX), the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX), and the NLEX Connector, thus underscoring its significant role in the country’s transportation infrastructure.

As this project progresses, it will be crucial to monitor its potential impacts on local economies and the environment, ensuring that infrastructure development aligns with sustainable practices. The collaboration between government and private entities could serve as a model for future infrastructure projects across the Philippines, promoting not only connectivity but also comprehensive growth in various sectors.