The United States has reaffirmed its support for the Luzon Economic Corridor, granting it an exemption under its economic assistance program to ensure the project’s continuity, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez.

In a press conference in Washington, D.C., on the sidelines of President Marcos’ working visit there, Romualdez described the corridor—linking Subic, Clark, and Batangas ports—as a “very, very good project” with the potential to drive substantial economic activity and growth.

“The Luzon Corridor has long been planned, and it was given an exemption by Secretary Marco Rubio to continue as part of the US program on economic assistance to the Philippines,” he told reporters on Monday, July 21 (Manila time).

“Connecting the Subic area all the way up to the Batangas ports…that area has a very high potential for economic activity that will definitely enhance our economic prosperity,” he added.

Romualdez said several companies are already lining up to invest in the corridor, which is expected to benefit not just national growth but also the economies of provinces along the route.

“It will boost the economy in those areas that will cover the Luzon Economic Corridor,” he said.

“So that’s a very significant investment coming not only from the United States but other countries as well,” he added.

While a feasibility study is ongoing, Romualdez said early investor interest indicates strong confidence in the project. He noted that Japan, South Korea, and Australia are among the countries that have signaled their interest in participating in the project.

“Once the feasibility study is completed, we will be able to determine how it will contribute to our economic program,” he said.

“We are very confident that it will bring in billions of dollars to our country once it’s completed or even as it progresses,” he added.

In April last year, the Philippines, the United States, and Japan launched the Luzon Economic Corridor, supporting connectivity between Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas.

Through this corridor, Japan, the Philippines, and the United States commit to accelerating coordinated investments in high-impact infrastructure projects.

These projects include rail, ports modernization, clean energy, semiconductor supply chains and deployments, agribusiness, and civilian port upgrades at Subic Bay.

In May this year, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go said the US had approved funding for the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas Rail that would boost trade by linking ports handling over 80 percent of the country’s cargo.