Japan-funded Metro Manila Subway Project (Phase 1) starts construction

On February 27, Ambassador Koji Haneda together with Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Economic managers, including Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade, and other guests attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Metro Manila Subway Project (Phase 1) held in Valenzuela City.

With this project, the development of the Philippine’s very first subway, which will run about 30km from north to south, will address the worsening congestion in Metro Manila caused by poor road network and the rising population’s demand for transportation.  Japan’s assistance, through a variety of ODA support, will provide the Philippine government funds to build this quality infrastructure utilizing Japanese state-of-the-art technologies and expertise from years of railway experience in its design, construction and operation stages.

Ambassador Haneda stated that, “Our collaboration with the Philippine Government to build and operate the country’s first-ever subway truly brings us pride. I am confident that this project will also lay new tracks to take our bilateral relations to new lengths.”  In return, Executive Secretary Medialdea expressed his deepest appreciation for Japan’s support and his strong expectation for a safer, faster and more reliable public transport system.