By Aerol John Pateña/Philippine News Agency
MANILA — Japanese companies have committed to support the various transportation projects being implemented in the country, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said.
DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade and other transportation officials had a series of meetings with Japanese firms this week in Tokyo, Japan.
They also met with senior leaders of the Japan International Cooperation Agency to discuss the implementation of Japanese-funded transportation infrastructure projects in the Philippines.
“Armed with the expertise of our Japanese partners, we are working double time to deliver our projects so that Filipinos can experience a comfortable life through enhanced mobility and connectivity,” Tugade said.
Sumitomo Corporation, which took over the rehabilitation and maintenance of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) last May 1, assured that parts of the light rail vehicles for the railway system will arrive in July while tracks and signaling components are set to be delivered in August.
“So far, Sumitomo has already ordered major parts and components for the MRT-3, and negotiated with its suppliers for faster delivery,” the DOTr said in a statement.
The consortium of Sumitomo Corporation, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and TES Philippines has taken over the maintenance and rehabilitation of the MRT-3 from the MRT Maintenance Transition Team created by the DOTr last November 2017 after it terminated its contract with the previous maintenance provider Busan Universal Rail Inc. due to failure in addressing various issues such as poor performance, failure to ensure availability of required number of trains, among others.
Tugade also met with representatives of Toyota Motor Corporation for its possible participation in the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.
Toyota was invited to join in the rollout of the premium taxis in the country after the DOTr released its amended guidelines this month.
Premium taxi drivers will receive regular salaries and benefits under the new guidelines issued by DOTr.
DOTr Department Order 2019-007 will require premium taxis to have free Internet access for passengers, on-board navigation system or mobile-based application and dashboard cameras. The taxis should also be at least Euro-4 compliant and not older than seven years old as reflected in the Certificate of Registration.
A Letter of Intent was given by the Marubeni Corporation wherein the company, together with Japan Marine United Corporation, committed to aid in the development of the Philippines’ maritime safety capability, through provision of maritime expertise, particularly on the design and construction of ships.
Tugade also urged the consortium of DM Consunji Inc. and Taisei Corporation to fast-track the completion of the construction of the PNR Clark Phase 1 Project from 2022 to the last quarter of 2021.
The DOTr signed a contract with the consortium last May 20 for the start of the construction of six stations namely Solis, Caloocan, Valenzuela, Meycauayan, Marilao and Bocaue which comprises the first package of the PNR Clark Phase 1.
Its second package, which runs from Bocaue to Malolos, was awarded to the consortium of Sumitomo-Mitsui Construction Co. Ltd. last January.
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