Latest news with #MetroManilaSubwayProject
GMA Network
3 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
Envoy stresses economic, security ties on 69th Japan-PH friendship day
Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya has underscored the various aspects of partnership between Manila and Tokyo to mark the 69th Japan-Philippines Friendship Day. In his writeup titled "A Friendship Woven in Trust: Commemorating 69 Years of Japan-Philippines Ties," posted on the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines' website, Endo described the economic partnership between the two nations as an "important thread." "Japan has been consistently supporting sustainable development in the Philippines. The past year has seen a significant bolstering of our economic cooperation, with Japan contributing to quality infrastructure projects in the country," the Japanese envoy said. "These include the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP), the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), and the Davao City Bypass Construction Project—all funded by Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA) through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Apart from these projects, this year, we also celebrate the 60th anniversary of JICA's Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV), which has been providing grassroots support for the development of various countries, including the Philippines," Endo said. He added that Japan also remains as one of the top investors in the Philippines, especially in Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) locations with cumulative investments exceeding P550 billion and direct employment of over 300,000 Filipinos. "Following the relaxation of foreign ownership rules in retail, we've recently welcomed several prominent Japanese brands. Nitori opened its first store in 2024, shortly after I assumed my post last year. In addition, Mitsukoshi BGC opened in mid-2023. These are landmarks in the growing Japanese retail presence in our market," he said. "Japan also continues to extend its steadfast support for the peace process in the Bangsamoro region, through the three pillars of the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development (J-BIRD). These efforts encompass capacity-building for the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), assistance in the transformation of former combatant communities into progressive and resilient societies, and the provision of socio-economic development assistance. As we look forward to the first Bangsamoro Parliament elections, we recognize this milestone as a significant stride towards achieving lasting peace and prosperity in the region," he added. Security ally The Japanese envoy, moreover, said "security cooperation thread" is growing evidence of deepening trust between the Philippines and Japan, "driven by our shared commitment to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)." "This concept, promoting peace, stability, and prosperity across the region through ensuring rules-based international order, has certainly been realized by our bilateral cooperation. The Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) signed in July 2024, for instance, has emerged as a landmark achievement for our two countries," Endo said. The RAA will grant access to military personnel from both states to hold joint trainings in each other's country. Similar to the 1999 Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States, the RAA is Japan's third defense accord after the United Kingdom and Australia. "Its unanimous approval by the Philippine Senate in December of the same year and its approval by the Japanese Diet last June underscore our shared commitment to regional peace and stability. In the recently held Japan-Philippines Summit Meeting, our two leaders further agreed to commence negotiations on an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA). The meeting also confirmed the importance of an early conclusion of an Agreement on the Security of Information," Endo said. Earlier this month, Japanese media reported that Japan was set to export six warships to the Philippines. The envoy said Japan's support for the Philippines' security capabilities remains well represented through the Official Security Assistance (OSA) scheme. "At present, the Philippines holds the distinction of being the first recipient of the OSA, as well as the only country to have been granted OSA funding for two consecutive years. Japan is further conducting a feasibility study for the OSA for the third year," Endo said. "We have also witnessed the frequent conduct of Maritime Cooperative Activities (MCA) and increased port visits by Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) vessels in the country. This year, in fact, we had the honor of hosting the 71st Anniversary of the Japan Self-Defense Forces aboard the JMSDF vessel, JS ISE, during its visit at the Port of Manila," he added. The envoy also cited the High-Level Launch Meeting of the Friends of the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT) in September 2024, alongside the Philippines, exemplifies our collaborative approach. "As fellow members of the Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative, we are working together to enhance cooperation in nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation," Endo said. Cultural ties The envoy highlighted the Filipinos' growing interest in Japanese culture, citing the record-high of over 820,000 Filipino visitors to Japan last year. "With the recent opening of the Japan Visa Application Center (JVAC), we are optimistic about sustaining this encouraging trend in the years ahead," Endo said. "With tourism a promising source of shared experiences, our ties continue to find renewal through the personal encounters Filipinos have with Japanese culture. In our lively receptions at the Ambassador's Residence, I've had the privilege of hearing about the lasting friendships and experiences forged by Filipino participants in the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme and recipients of the Japanese Government Scholarship (MEXT)," he said. "Meanwhile, the aspirations of our Filipino JDS (Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship) Fellows and SSEAYP (Ship for Southeast Asian and Japanese Youth Program) delegates have also been a glowing testament to deepening people-to-people exchanges with the Philippines," he added. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
17-07-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
DepEd, DOTr, UK to build 'Education City' in Taguig
The Department of Education (DepEd), together with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the United Kingdom government, has launched a major infrastructure initiative aimed at making schools more accessible through smart transit planning and climate-resilient development. The project, called the Senate-DepEd (SEED) Transit-Oriented Development Project, aims to ease student commutes while reshaping public education spaces through the creation of Education City—a future-ready, 14-hectare complex to rise in Taguig City. 'This partnership ensures that our learners and educators will also directly benefit from a well-planned, green, and safe environment that ultimately contributes to the public education objectives,' said Education Secretary Sonny Angara. Planned at the junction of two major railway lines—the North-South Commuter Railway and the Metro Manila Subway Project—Education City will host green school buildings, open spaces, a central transport hub, teacher accommodation, and facilities for training and events. The development will also include commercial and residential areas designed to be walkable, connected, and sustainable. By integrating schools within well-connected communities, the SEED Project addresses long-standing barriers to access, especially for students in Metro Manila who face long and unsafe daily commutes. DepEd also expects the project to generate long-term revenues that could help fund new classrooms and support digital education programs nationwide. 'The UK is proud to bring in British expertise and innovation to pioneer a TOD where people can live, learn, work, and thrive — connected by efficient transport systems, designed with people at the heart, and guided by principles of sustainability and resilience,' said British Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils. A working group will oversee the implementation of the project's second phase, which involves technical studies and the development of a formal proposal to be submitted to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for approval. Moreover, the initiative is backed by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office through its Green Cities and Infrastructure Programme. It draws inspiration from London's Elizabeth Line and will be developed in collaboration with British experts, including Crossrail International. —LDF, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
16-07-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Marcos hopeful for Metro Manila Subway's operations by 2028
President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Wednesday expressed hope that the Metro Manila Subway Project could be partially operational by 2028. Marcos made the remark during the inspection of the Camp Aguinaldo Station of the Metro Manila Subway Project. ''Sana matapos natin ito hanggang sa Valenzuela, baka matapos natin ito '28. Baka puwede nang in-inaugurate sa 2028. Basta tingnan natin,'' Marcos said. (I hope we can finish until Valenzuela by 2028. Maybe we can inaugurate this by 2028. Let's see.) ''Lahat naman ay nag-a-agree na kailangan bilisan nang mabuti at nang husto dahil ang ating mga commuter... ay para naman maging mas maginhawa ang kanilang pag-commute,'' he added. (Everyone agrees that we need to hasten this to bring comfort to our commuters.) The first Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) CP103 was launched from Camp Aguinaldo Station toward Ortigas Station following a tunnel alignment under Barangay White Plains, Corinthian Properties, and Meralco Compound. 17 stations As of 30 June, the TBM has advanced 281.74 meters from the launching shaft and has reached the Camp Aguinaldo–White Plains boundary. The TBM is expected to reach Corinthian Properties by the last quarter of 2025. Upon its completion, the MMSP will have a total of 17 stations and a 30.34-hectare depot where the Philippine Railway Institute is located. The project involves the construction of a 33-kilometer railway line that will connect Valenzuela City to Pasay City, with a spur line to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. The MMSP's 17 stations are: Valenzuela where the depot will be located, Quirino Highway, Tandang Sora, North Avenue, Quezon Avenue, East Avenue, Anonas, Katipunan (Camp Aguinaldo), Ortigas Avenue, Shaw Boulevard, Kalayaan Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Lawton East, Senate-DepEd, NAIA Terminal 3, FTI, and Bicutan. The MMSP is also envisioned to be interconnected with other rail systems: the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT1), the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3), and the Metro Rail Transit-Line 7 (MRT7) through the Common Station; the Light Rail Transit-Line 2 (LRT2) at the Anonas Station; and a physical run through into the North-South Commuter Railway Extension (NSCR-Ex) at the FTI and Bicutan Stations. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
17-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
DOTr studying busway for España-Quezon Ave. route
The Department of Transportation is studying a possible busway for the España Boulevard to Quezon Avenue route similar to the EDSA model. In a Saksi report on Tuesday, DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon acknowledged there is a lack of buses, particularly for students, in the approximately 8-kilometer stretch from Manila to Quezon City and vice versa. He said the DOTr is conducting a feasibility study that is expected to be completed in 2026. Dizon expressed confidence that up to three operational stations of the Metro Manila Subway Project will be operational by the end of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. 's term. Three of the five major right-of-way issues have been resolved while the remaining two are under discussion. DOTr has also accepted three proposals for the planned Integrated Terminal Exchange for Northern Metro Manila which is expected to be finished in 2028. —RF, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
17-06-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Dizon: 3 out of 5 major ROW issues hounding Subway project addressed
The Department of Transportation is making progress in securing right-of-way to keep the construction of the Metro Manila Subway Project, which has been delaying the project's ultimate completion. In his presentation during the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines Infrastructure Forum in Makati City, Transportation Secretary Vivencio 'Vince' Dizon expressed confidence that 'before PBBM (President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr.) steps down, I think we will be able to see at least two maybe three stations… we can seen the trains running.' In particular, the Transportation chief expressed optimism the MMSP will be partially operational at least from Valenzuela —where the depot will be located— to Quirino Highway stations. 'Hopefully [up to] North Avenue,' Dizon said. The Cabinet official's confidence stemmed from the progress in ROW acquisition the agency is making since he took over the helm of the DOTr in February. 'Right now, we've addressed three out of five for major right-of-way issues, [namely]— Barilla, Anonas, Ortigas,' Dizon said. 'Metrowalk na lang… BGC (Bonifacio Global City), it's almost there tingin ko malapit na 'yun. Hopefully in the next few months we will be able to address,' he said, adding that once ROW issues are resolved 'we can see the progress there.' READ: Metro Manila Subway: When Right of Way Gets in the Way 'One good development here is the amended Right-of-Way Act passed by both houses. The bicam report was signed last Wednesday, the last day of the 19th Congress. The President will sign this very soon,' Dizon said, 'That will be a game-changer, especially in the subterranean right-of-way,' he said. The Transportation chief said, once the measure becomes a law, the government can access privately owned land at 18 meters below ground for subterranean or underground infrastructure projects from the current 50 meters. Upon completion, the MMSP will have a total of 17 stations and a 30.34-hectare depot where the Philippine Railway Institute is located. The project involves the construction of a 33-kilometer railway line that will connect Valenzuela City to Pasay City, with a spur line to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. The MMSP's 17 stations are: Valenzuela where the depot will be located, Quirino Highway, Tandang Sora, North Avenue, Quezon Avenue, East Avenue, Anonas, Katipunan (Camp Aguinaldo), Ortigas Avenue, Shaw Boulevard, Kalayaan Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Lawton East, Senate-DepEd, NAIA Terminal 3, FTI, and Bicutan. The MMSP is envisioned to be interconnected with other rail systems: the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT1), the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3), and the Metro Rail Transit-Line 7 (MRT7) through the Common Station; the Light Rail Transit-Line 2 (LRT2) at the Anonas Station; and a physical run through into the North-South Commuter Railway Extension (NSCR-Ex) at the FTI and Bicutan Stations. The project currently has an estimated total cost of P488.5 billion, of which P370.7 billion will be financed through an official development assistance (ODA) loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Meanwhile, P117.7 billion will be covered by the Philippine government. The Philippine government and JICA have so far signed three tranches of loan agreements—the first tranche amounting to ¥104.53 billion, or P47.58 billion, was signed in March 2018; the second tranche, amounting to ¥253.31 billion, or P112.87 billion, was inked in February 2022; and the third ¥150-billion or P55.37 billion loan deal for the project was signed in March 2024. The previous DOTr leadership earlier projected that the MMSP will be partially operational by 2028 and will be fully operational a year after, but Dizon said full completion of the project was stretched further to 2032.—AOL, GMA Integrated News
