At least 26 Japanese companies have expressed interest in investing in the MRT-3 Capacity Expansion, Operations and Maintenance Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced.
The DOTr and the Asian Development Bank held a market consultation for the initiative in Tokyo earlier this month. Transport Secretary Giovanni Lopez noted the project is more than an investment opportunity—it is a chance to improve daily travel for millions of Filipinos and build the reliable railway system the public deserves.
Assistant secretary for railways Eduardo Danilo Macabulos emphasized that the Philippines faces Asia’s worst traffic congestion, which brings heavy economic losses and takes time away from work, study, rest, and family life. “Our main goal is simple: give Filipinos back one or two hours each day—and that can change lives greatly,” he said.
The MRT-3 deal is just the first in a series of upcoming PPP opportunities. The DOTr will soon open similar partnerships for the North-South Commuter Railway, Metro Manila Subway, LRT-2 operations, and the national automated fare collection system. All these projects form part of the 30-year Railway Master Plan, which aims to create a connected, efficient, and sustainable rail network across the country.
