Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) is tapping its new partner Hartasuma Sdn Bhd of Malaysia not just as supplier for its railway project but also to jointly explore the viability of other modes of transportation, such as cable car and monorail systems.

In a media briefing after the formal signing of their partnership on Monday, Sept. 4, MPIC Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said that "this strategic partnership will pave the way for diverse initiatives, including the development of rolling stock refurbishment projects in the Philippines and the exploration of cable car systems for tourism and urban transport.”

“These ventures will not only transform the transportation landscape of the country but will also create a thriving industry that will support economic progress by fostering skill development, creating numerous employment opportunities for Filipinos, and enhancing local manufacturing and supply chain capabilities,” he added. 

Pangilinan said, “we look forward to learning from the expertise of Hartasuma’s over 28 years in the rail engineering and transport industries, and to applying these lessons to our operations in the Philippines. There is a lot for us to share.”

“Together, we intend to explore innovations that can help us build the transport infrastructure of the future,” he noted. 

For MPIC’s ongoing rail service, the Light Rail Transit through Light Rail Manila Corporation, Pangilinan said they will tap Hartasuma for the refurbishment of existing cars to extend their service life.

“And, if we're fortunate, given the opportunity to invest MRT-3, then that will require new cars as well… So, but we're looking at them not only as a supplier to us in respect of transportation, but new modes of transport,” he said. 

Pangilinan pointed out that Hartasuma has built cable cars and monorails in Malaysia, and “we'd like to explore that opportunity to upgrade our overall transport network this country.” 

LRMC operates and maintains 20 stations and is expanding with the construction of five new stations for the Cavite Extension Project and seeks to fortify its position in the Philippine light railway system.

With an active interest in future public-private partnership (PPP) opportunities in the light rail sector, MPIC aims to leverage Hartasuma's expertise to enhance the local content and capabilities in train manufacturing, ultimately nurturing a self-sustaining industry ecosystem.

Hartasuma, the forefront in integrated rolling stock and rail services provider in Malaysia, will collaborate with MPIC to drive the development of rail infrastructure in the Philippines. 

“We look to value add our collaboration and assist MPIC in achieving its goals.  The construction market in the Philippines is expected to grow by some 7 percent in 2023 following a growth of 12.1 percent in 2022,” said Hartasuma Group Executive Director Tan Sri Ravindran Menon. 

He added noted that, “there is a lot of demand and interest in rail infrastructure projects as the government looks to improve regional connectivity through the development of transport infrastructure. We look forward to participating in some of this growth.”