President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has assured the public that the government will continue to improve the country's transportation system and invest in it as he believes that having an efficient one has "multiplier effects" on the lives of the people.
During the launching of the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) in Valenzuela City on Monday, Marcos vowed to pursue more transportation projects in the coming years so Filipinos "can gain greater access to places of work, commerce, recreation and other vital areas."
Amid the various transportation woes being posted mostly by Filipino workers on their social media, the President made the pronouncement as he believed that "having an effective and efficient transportation system will have multiplier effects on employment, the economy, our society, it will bring comfort, convenience, an easier life for all."
"Let the launching of this tunnel boring machine become a testament to this administration’s commitment to continue to projects of the previous administration and more importantly build better more," he said.
"Let our hopeful anticipation to the results of everything that we do continue to fuel our drive to a more prosperous and bountiful future for our country and for our people," the President also said.
Expected to serve over 519,000 passengers daily, the Metro Manila subway will have 17 stations that will connect Valenzuela to Pasay City.
Marcos expressed his gratitude to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and its private partners for working to ensure the realization of the first subway system project in the country. He also thanked the government of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for being the Philippines' active partners in the fulfillment of its infrastructure programs.
Marcos said the tunnel boring machine highlights Japan's expertise in technology and contributions in the modern world. He expressed confidence that "they will help us shape our railway infrastructure and keep them at par with the highest international standards."
"I hope that both you and the DOTr will not waver on your commitments to finish the contract package by the end of 2027 to ensure that Filipinos will get to enjoy the project at the soonest possible time," he said.