Jun Palafox confirms participation in SMC’s Pasig River Expressway

The proposed Pasig River Expressway (PAREX) by San Miguel Corporation (SMC) takes a step closer to commencing, with the revelation that Felino 'Jun' Palafox is now participating in the project. 

Renowned architect and urban planner Felino 'Jun' Palafox is officially attached to SMC's PAREX

At a virtual public hearing by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB), the architect and urban planner announced that his firm, Palafox Associates, was tapped by SMC and onboarded three months ago. 

“We share the vision of SMC and Mr. Ramon S. Ang for sustainable infrastructure. For many decades we have been emphasizing green architecture and green urbanism in our projects in the Philippines and abroad,” he said. “For the PAREX project, our approach will be the same, we are designing not just infrastructure, but an urban landscape. We are promoting sustainability through architecture, with a holistic vision.”

This was confirmed by SMC in a statement released Friday. 

SMC boss Ramon Ang said it could be years before the company sees financial returns on the PAREX 

“In all our major infrastructure projects, we always take into consideration the effects on the environment, putting greater emphasis on how we can build the infrastructure while at the same time preserve or enhance the environment,” according to SMC President Ramon Ang. “We engage all stakeholders and in particular, partner with local communities to ensure environmental measures and mitigations are successful for the long-term.”

Palafox had previously denied involvement in the project in September 2021, saying that a deal had yet to be reached with SMC. His name was connected to the project in a bid to gain public support, amidst mounting opposition from over 900 individuals and 70 organizations. 

Despite getting regulatory approval last year, PAREX has been slammed by critics who contend that the project will increase non-exhaust emissions such as microplastics from car tires and pollute the waterway. Another claim is that PAREX will impact heritage sites located along the river’s banks, a charge that Ang has denied. 

Palafox described the PAREX as a link between Metro Manila's eastern and western portions

The SMC boss had also gone on the offensive, calling those opposing the project as "manipulative and single-minded." He described the criticism surrounding PAREX as an "orchestrated and continuing demolition job."   

Palafox voiced his agreement with mobility advocates that more bike lanes should be encouraged. However, the renowned urban planner said that expressways do not necessarily bring additional congestion, saying that the PAREX could serve as the “missing link” between the eastern and western parts of Metro Manila. 

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