Japan believes that the "new dawn for the Philippines' transportation story" is now "on the horizon" as a new subway project that will connect the north and the south of Metro Manila comes into effect.
Matsuda Kenichi, Japanese Embassy in the Philippines minister and deputy chief of mission, made the realization as he said the Japan-funded Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) will not only help in easing congestion of the metro traffic but also lessen carbon dioxide emission.
"Enhanced productivity for all is also seen to result from improved reliability and punctuality embedded in the subway technologies," Kenichi added during the launching of MMSP Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) in Valenzuela City.
Meanwhile, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko called MMSP the "project of the century," with Japan's cutting-edge technologies allowing the Philippines' subway dream get "closer to reality."
Saying the project is a legacy first initiated during former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.'s administration, Kenichi said it is "now in the hands" of his son, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., to fulfill.
"Today's launching ceremony is such a good indicator that our infrastructure cooperation is gaining much momentum under President Marcos administration's Build, Better, More policy," he said.
Kenichi said Japan will continue to work with the Philippines "until such time that Filipinos can finally enjoy the convenience of a subway."
With 17 stations to open, the Metro Manila subway will connect Valenzuela City to Pasay City. It is expected to serve over 519,000 passengers daily.
Based on the project overview, Construction Project (CP) 101 is located at the north end, with the package consisting of a depot and three stations: Quirino Highway, Tandang Sora and North Avenue. There will be six tunnels in between.
East Valenzuela station will be constructed in the depot area located in Mindanao Avenue with a total range of 6.9 kilometers, according to the Presidential Communications Office.
Pre-construction work is now ongoing both in Quirino Highway and Tandang Sora stations.
At the North Avenue station, the main work started in August 2021, and station construction is now ongoing.
The TBM 1 and 2 will start driving from the depot and run through residential areas until they arrive at Quirino Highway station in December 2023.
Meanwhile, TBM 3 will be launched in July 2023 and is expected to arrive at Tandang Sora station a year after.
TBM 5 and 6 will then run from Tandang Sora Station in August 2024 and will arrive at Quirino Highway station in August 2025.