President Marcos Jr. yesterday directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to ensure the “smooth and faithful implementation” of the Metro Manila subway project (MMSP) and other railway infrastructure programs in the country as it will not only help ease traffic congestion but will also contribute to fostering growth and to revitalizing the economy.
The President made the statement after witnessing the signing of the contract agreement for the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) Contract Package 102 and Contract Package 103 between the Philippines’ DOTr and the Nishimatsu-DMCI Joint Venture and Sumitomo Mitsui Construction.
The contracts cover the construction of stations and tunnels on Quezon avenue, East avenue, Anonas and Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
The President said projects such as the MMSP will help spur economic development, particularly as the country emerges from the current challenges in the post-pandemic
Marcos also said jobs are generated during the construction and once the MMSP is fully operational.
Marcos said aside from the MMSP, other big infrastructure projects in the railway industry include the MRT-7, the LRT-1 Cavite Extension, the Philippine National Railway Clark Phases 1 and 2.
Marcos said MMSP will significantly reduce travel time between Quezon City and Pasay City from one hour and 30 minutes to 35 minutes, and will benefit more than half a million passengers a day from Valenzuela City to Parañaque City.
It will also make the rail transit system a more viable option for commuters.
During the event, Marcos also acknowledged the contribution of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency to the country’s development in the past 50 years including its provision of financial support for various infrastructure and agricultural programs.
