TOURISM in Central Luzon is seen to get a big boost after close to half-a-million vehicles had been recorded to have used the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), the full stretch of which was opened for full operation recently.

Regional Development Council for Region 1 (RDC-1) chairman Dr. Salvador Duque said providing fast, safe and convenient access is integral to the country’s tourism business.

Based on traffic volume information gathered at the SCTEx, close to half a million motorists have used the expressway since it opened in April.

The Subic-Clark section of the SCTEx began commercial operations on April 28, while the Clark-Tarlac segment officially opened on July 25, fully opening the whole 94-kilometer expressway, currently the longest expressway in the country.

Duque said this surge in traffic volume is expected to continue as there are now more entertainment choices and alternatives made available to travelers visiting Central Luzon.

“Visitors staying in Subic, for example, can take a 45-minute trip via the SCTEx to events in Angeles City and return the same day. Those in Clark, on the other hand, can always go to resorts in Zambales and be back at their hotels the same day without much hassle,” Duque said.

Duque said a majority of the motorists have found the SCTEx offering a fast and convenient access to both Subic and Clark from all the major points in Luzon, including Metro Manila and Baguio.

The new expressway cuts travel hours from Manila to Zambales and Bataan to almost half the time, while motorists going to Nueva Ecija and the northern parts of Luzon, particularly Pangasinan,  Baguio, La Union and Ilocos now save almost an hour-and-a-half by passing through the Clark-Tarlac section of the SCTEx.

He noted tourists from Northern Luzon can now visit Central Luzon more frequently because of the shorter travel time and excellent road conditions. Local businessmen are hopeful the SCTEx will provide the much-awaited boost to tourism and economic activities in Central Luzon.

Duque said tourism is one of the strong potentials of the country to usher in the much-needed development.

“Central Luzon has tourist spots with similar or better appeal than other places in Asia. The SCTEx provides an efficient and fast transportation system to entice tourists to visit the region, providing employment and investment opportunities for the Filipinos,” he said.

Even potential investors, Duque pointed out, would come to the country initially as tourists to scout for possible business opportunities.

“If they see the country has all the facilities to support a business, then the next time they come might be the opening of their new businesses here,” he said.

SCTEx connects three economic powerhouses in the region: the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, the Clark Freeport Zone and the Central Techno Park in Tarlac.

Economists view infrastructure at the three economic zones, plus the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark and the seaport in Subic are bound to make Central Luzon a “Little China.”

There are also plans to connect the SCTEx with the 85-kilometer, four-lane Tarlac-La Union expressway, which is under construction, and is expected to boost trade and tourism and speed up transportation between Tarlac, Eastern Pangasinan and La Union.

Palace issues EO to check cost overruns in projects

A NEW executive order signed by President Arroyo now mandates all line agencies whose projects incurred cost overruns to report back to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) to seek approval from the Investment Coordination Committee (ICC).

Electronics industry still optimistic about recovery from slight drop in exports in H1

THE electronics industry, which contributes about 60 percent of the country’s merchandise exports, is still maintaining a glimmer of hope that it will recover from a 2.15-percent drop in exports in the first half of the year and go flat for 2008.

DA issues guidelines to preserve Philippine tuna resources

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) has issued guidelines regulating the mesh size of tuna purse-seine nets and the trade of small tuna to minimize the catching of small tuna.

Phoenix Petroleum to continue expansion to Luzon this year

DAVAO-based independent oil player Phoenix Petroleum Philippines Inc. continues its expansion by opening six more stations in July, bringing to 68 the number of stations of the independent oil company in just three years.

Asean petroleum security deal should get Senate concurrence, says group

THE Asean Petroleum Security Agreement (Apsa) signed by the Philippines along with four other Asean member-countries, requires concurrence of the Philippine Senate.

SCTEx seen to boost tourism, economy in Central Luzon

TOURISM in Central Luzon is seen to get a big boost after close to half-a-million vehicles had been recorded to have used the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), the full stretch of which was opened for full operation recently.