The Minister for Economic Affairs of the Embassy of Japan, Nihei Daisuke, on Monday joined Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista at the groundbreaking ceremony for Contract Package 103 of the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP), supported by the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
During the ceremony, Minister Nihei said, “In the near future, Filipinos will be able to enjoy a comfortable and convenient subway system equipped with cutting-edge Japanese technology.”
He also emphasized that the Japanese government, together with JICA and Japanese contractors, will continue to provide unwavering support until the Philippines’ first subway dream comes true.
The MMSP, dubbed as ‘Project of the Century’, will reduce travel time between Quezon City and Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) from one hour and 10 minutes to just 35 minutes.
Japan’s assistance, through a variety of official development assistance or ODA support, will provide the Philippine government funds to build this quality infrastructure utilizing Japan’s railway experience and broad knowledge.
Contract Package 103 of the Metro Manila Subway Project, signed on November 3 last year between the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Sumitomo Mitsui Construction Co., will construct two underground stations — Anonas and Camp Aguinaldo — as well as the tunnels connecting them.
The MMSP broke ground in February 27, 2019 and preliminary works began later in December.
