Signing ceremony for North South Commuter Railways (NSCR) South Extension

On June 16, 2022, Ambassador KOSHIKAWA Kazuhiko witnessed the signing ceremony between Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez and Asian Development Bank (ADB) President ASAKAWA Masatsugu for the North-South Commuter Railways (NSCR) South Extension.  The ceremony was held in attendance of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte at the Malacanang Palace.

Ambassador Koshikawa stated that “We welcome today’s signing for the NSCR Extension between DOF and ADB. This project is a symbolic collaborative project among Japanese government, Philippine government and ADB to deliver efficient mass transportation for the benefit of many Filipinos.  This first airport-bound, high-speed railway in the Philippines is seen to enhance the functionality of Clark International Airport as well as to boost connectivity and convenience of commuting for those living in surrounding areas of Metro Manila.”

The Ambassador also assured that Japan will continue to support the NSCR Extension project to the utmost of our abilities until its completion, such as in the procurement of rolling stock and development of railroad system, through JICA's ODA support.

The NSCR extension project is one of the key infrastructure projects supported by Japan under the Philippine Government's Build, Build, Build program.  It will reduce travel time from Clark International Airport to Metro Manila from current 2-3 hours to only about 1 hour, and halve travel time between Metro Manila and Calamba, Laguna from about 2 hours to less than 1 hour.