P84.8-B Subway Boost: PH and Japan Lock In Fresh Funding for Big Transport Projects
The Philippines and Japan have signed fresh financing agreements for two major infrastructure projects, giving another big push to the Marcos administration’s transport build-out. The deals cover additional funding for the Metro Manila Subway Project and engineering services for
The Philippines and Japan have signed fresh financing agreements for two major infrastructure projects, giving another big push to the Marcos administration’s transport build-out. The deals cover additional funding for the Metro Manila Subway Project and engineering services for a high-standard highway project in Central Mindanao.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro and Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya exchanged the diplomatic notes at the DFA, with officials from DOTr, DPWH, DOF, DEPDev, and JICA also present. The signing underscored how closely the two countries are coordinating on flagship public works.
The biggest chunk is a ¥220 billion loan, or about P84.81 billion, for the fourth tranche of the Metro Manila Subway Project Phase 1. That subway line is designed to run 27.5 kilometers underground, linking Valenzuela City to NAIA Terminal 3 in Bicutan and easing pressure on Metro Manila’s overloaded roads.
A separate agreement covers engineering services for the Central Mindanao High Standard Highway Project, which is meant to improve regional connectivity in Mindanao. In practical terms, this is about faster movement of people and goods, plus better long-term logistics outside the capital.
Taken together, the new agreements show Japan remains a key funding partner for some of the Philippines’ most ambitious infrastructure plans. Malaking bagay ito if the projects stay on track, because both urban mobility in Metro Manila and transport links in Mindanao stand to benefit.
Source: The Manila Times
