MANILA, Philippines, Nov 28, (Agencies): Ramon S. Ang, also known as "RSA," a highly regarded and ambitious billionaire in the Philippines, is gearing up for another monumental infrastructure project—this time, a 15-km "super bridge" in the southern provinces of Luzon.

As the chief executive of San Miguel Corp. (SMC), a major conglomerate in the Asian country, Ang has disclosed ongoing discussions with the local government unit of Oriental Mindoro and Governor Humerlito Dolor to kickstart the construction of the Batangas-Mindoro 'Super-Bridge.' The estimated project cost is Php 18 billion ($324 million), and it is projected to be completed in five years.

This ambitious initiative aims to create a vital link between Mindoro Island (with an area more than twice that of Dubai) and mainland Luzon, where Manila is situated. The project falls under the purview of the 1994 Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law, allowing local governments in the Philippines to engage in business deals with private entities.

SMC Infrastructure, the construction arm of San Miguel Corp., which is concurrently overseeing the development of Manila's $15-billion second international airport in Bulacan, is leading the endeavor. The Mindoro-Batangas super bridge, initially proposed in 2015, is now being championed by Dolor to foster growth and development in the region post-pandemic.

Ang has initiated the hiring of engineering teams to conduct a feasibility study on the project, emphasizing a sustainable approach for the bridge's construction. His vision and engineering expertise were demonstrated in the creation of the $1.3 billion "Manila Skyway," one of the world's longest elevated urban highways, significantly alleviating traffic congestion in Metro Manila.

The upcoming Batangas-Mindoro bridge is expected to commence at Barangay Ilijan in Batangas, traverse Verde Island, and conclude at Barangay Sinandigan in Puerto Galera. Ang envisions the bridge facilitating faster and more efficient transportation of people and goods, spurring local economic growth through job creation and increased investments.

The project gained political support during the 2022 election campaign when then-candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pledged to pursue the Mindoro-Batangas bridge project. Recognized as one of the Department of Public Works and Highways' Top 10 priority projects, the bridge is poised to contribute to the development of Oriental and Occidental Mindoro and neighboring provinces in the MIMAROPA region.

San Miguel Corp. stands as one of the largest and most diversified conglomerates in the Philippines, with interests spanning beverages, food, packaging, fuel and oil, power, and infrastructure. Ramon S. Ang, at the helm of SMC since 2002, continues to lead significant developments in the country's infrastructure landscape