By Gabriela Baron
The Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) is seen to propel the country’s economic rebound, according to a Department of Transportation (DOTr) official.
DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said MMSP will not only boost the country’s transportation infrastructure, but will also improve the public living standards.
“Today is another critical step towards that aspiration towards the convenience and comfort of Filipino commuters towards a transport infrastructure that catalyzes economic rebound,” Bautisda said during the groundbreaking ceremony for the MMSP’s Contract Package 103 on Monday, Feb. 13.
Bautista also stressed the benefits of the railway project such as comfort and convenience for commuters, creation of employment opportunities, and the country’s economic development.
“”The socio-economic benefits of the MMSP even exceeds our expectations,” he added as he vowed an “elevated” and global standard public transportation for the public.
Bautista also expressed his gratitude to the Japanese government and Department of National Defense for supporting the country’s first-ever underground railway.
“We would like to express once again our gratitude to the government of Japan, through His Excellency Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa, for their unwavering support to this country’s first underground railway system,” he continued.
The Contract Package 103 involves two underground stations and tunnels, including the Anonas and Camp Aguinaldo Stations.
The Japan-funded subway will cut across eight cities, stretching from Valenzuela to FTI-Bicutan in Parañaque with a spur line to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay.
With a total of 33-kilometer route length and 17 stations, the country’s first underground railway system aims to cut travel time between Quezon City and NAIA in Pasay to just 45 minutes.
Once operational, the railway system can service up to 519,000 passengers daily.
