Japan vows speedy work on Metro subway

MANILA, Philippines — An official of the Japan embassy has vowed that work on the Metro Manila Subway Project, the first Philippine subway, will be at full speed to ensure its timely completion under the Marcos administration.

Nihei Daisuke, minister for economic affairs of the Japan embassy, also assured the government that Japan would remain a reliable partner in developing quality infrastructure in the country.

Daisuke attended the groundbreaking ceremony for Contract Package 102 of the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP), which is being supported by the Japanese government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista and other government officials were present at the ceremony.

The MMSP is projected to reduce travel time between Quezon City and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport from one hour and 10 minutes to 35 minutes.

The subway is also expected to reduce the heavy traffic in Metro Manila, thereby lessening carbon emissions in the country.

Through a variety of ODA support, Japan’s assistance will provide funds to the Philippine government to construct quality infrastructure, employing Japan’s extensive knowledge and railroad expertise.

Signed on Nov. 3 by the Department of Transportation and Nishimatsu-DMCI Joint Venture (Nishimatsu Construction Co., Ltd. and D.M. Consunji Inc.), Contract Package 102 of the MMSP will construct two underground stations in Quezon City – Quezon Avenue and East Avenue stations – as well as a connecting tunnel.

“Japan will continue to be the Philippines’ reliable partner in the development of quality infrastructure, in line with the Build, Better, More Program,” Daisuke said in his speech during the ceremony.