The agency in charge of securing funding for the Metro Manila Subway project has assured that the country’s first subway system is designed to withstand not only flooding but also other natural disasters.
Given that the Philippines is among the most disaster-prone countries in the world, the Department of Finance (DOF) has pointed out that the Metro Manila Subway project incorporated advanced and sustainable features.
In particular, the DOF said that the P488.5-billion subway is equipped with its own flood management system and cutting-edge seismic technology to effectively mitigate the impact of flooding and other natural calamities.
Given its location along the Pacific Ring of Fire, the Philippines is exposed to seismic and volcanic threats, along with several typhoons annually.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) had said that the government was collaborating with Japanese firms to ensure the Metro Manila Subway's resilience against flooding.
In 2020, it was reported that the DOTr had tapped the expertise of Japan's JIM Technology Corp., known for its experience in building subway infrastructure.
Furthermore, the DOTr said that comprehensive planning for the subway project involved thorough soil and ground testing.
The underground mass transport system is expected to cut travel time from Valenzuela to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) from 1.5 hours to just 35 minutes, the DOF stated.
The DOF said that the Metro Manila subway, considered the third largest project under the Marcos administration’s Build Better More program, will have the capacity to accommodate 519,000 passengers each day once fully operational.
Projected to be operational by 2029, Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto said that the subway will not only improve convenience and speed but also generate approximately P2.5 billion in daily economic benefits.