Japan, as represented by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has agreed to provide technical services to the country’s implementation of the still evolving transit-oriented development (TOD) program.
The TODS are development sites in four of 15 subway stations of the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) serving as models of a sustainable mixed-use communities with access to the train system still under construction in this case.
The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) signed a technical cooperation agreement with JICA to help the state-run corporation develop the areas in and around the stations being built by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
The TOD project aims to maximize the potential of the P500 billion MMSP and the P800 billion North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) projects traversing BCDA properties in Metro Manila that are funded by the Japanese Government.
The BCDA leads in the development of TODs in and around four MMSP stations, namely, the Bonifacio Global City or BGC (Market! Market) station, the Senate-Department of Education station, Kalayaan Avenue station, and Lawton Avenue station.
These serve as backbone of the transportation network, effectively connecting to feeder systems as jeepneys and buses. These will also generate economic, financial, social and environmental benefits to all stakeholders through efficient urban development around the stations.
“Our sincerest appreciation to JICA for its strong, unwavering support to the Philippines and for this TOD capacity enhancement project, which will help BCDA learn from Japan’s experience in efficient, fast, and reliable transportation system as well as gain more insights on urban development,” BCDA president and chief executive officer (CEO) Aileen R. Zosa said.
“BCDA and JICA are doing all of these for our stakeholders, for our commuters, and for the population of Metro Manila who have endured the traffic congestion for such a long time,” Zosa added.
JICA has recognized the TOD project as an indispensable component to sound and sustainable urban development in Metro Manila.
“This TOD will pave the way to further create business opportunities in and around railway stations. Consequently, the TOD can enhance the attractiveness of the Philippines to potential investors,” JICA said.
The Project for Capacity Development for TODs will span 36 months from the commencement of activities. BCDA and JICA will establish a Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) for coordinating and monitoring the project. Representatives from the DOTr, Department of Finance, National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, Department of Public Works and Highways, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and the local government units will serve as members of the JCC.
TODs will reduce energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions by cutting down the need to travel and lessening reliance on private vehicles. It also promotes efficient land use and economic development in the area by creating compact, high-density mixed-use development that features office, housing and retail areas, green and public spaces, as well as quality public transit.
