A major infrastructure project designed to expand the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (Sctex)-Hacienda Luisita Interchange in Tarlac will not only open up the landlocked province to major economic centers in Central Luzon, but also accelerate the development of economic zones within the area.
The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is investing P172.1 million for the Sctex-Luisita Interchange expansion and broke ground for the project on August 11.
BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang said the project is designed to serve the wider Tarlac community and Central Luzon, beyond the developments within BCDA-administered properties.
Among the major economic and development areas in Tarlac that will benefit from the interchange expansion are the Luisita Industrial Park, Ayala Land’s Cresendo estate, and TARI Estate of Aboitiz Infracapital.
The Luisita Industrial Park, located in San Miguel, Tarlac City, offers a core industrial area spanning 300 hectares for manufacturing, logistics, and technology ventures. Additionally, an adjacent area of 200 hectares being developed by the Luisita Realty Corp. provides spaces for complementary commercial and residential uses.
Ayala Land’s 290-hectare Cresendo mixed-use estate, also located in Tarlac City, meanwhile includes the 32-hectare Cresendo Industrial Park dedicated to light, non-polluting industries, logistics, and warehousing. The rest of
the estate is allocated for an urban core featuring civic spaces, residential zones, and commercial districts.
On the other hand, the 384-hectare TARI Estate, also located in Tarlac City, is being positioned by Aboitiz InfraCapital as an industrial-anchored mixed-use economic estate. The development boasts of being at the convergence of Sctex, the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (Tplex), and the Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLex).
BCDA said the Sctex-Hacienda Luisita expansion project involves the construction of a 624-meter two-lane access entry ramp bound for Baguio City or Tplex and a 242-meter one-lane additional exit ramp bound for the Tarlac City and adjacent towns.
The project also covers the construction of a toll plaza, drainage facilities, slope protection, utilities, streetlights, and other structures. It is scheduled for completion by the second quarter of 2027.
Bingcang said the Hacienda Luisita Interchange expansion is designed to connect people and businesses to opportunities.
‘When we improve connectivity, we make it easier for people to get to work, businesses to move goods, and investments to reach communities. This is the kind of infrastructure that helps the broader region grow,’ Bingcang said.