Japan vows to aid PH in major railway projects

The Japanese government on Thursday vowed that it will continue to assist the Philippines when it comes to major railway projects, including the Metro Manila Subway Project and the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR). 

According to Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya, the subway reflects “innovation, transformation, and excellence—in action.”

“It will serve as a lasting symbol of how strong cooperation, smart infrastructure, and visionary leadership can collectively drive progress to improve lives for generations to come,” Kazuya said in a press release. 

“I am especially excited about the Metro Manila Subway Project, another transformative initiative supported by Japan’s Official Development Assistance. One of its stations will be located right here at Camp Aguinaldo. When completed, it will drastically reduce travel time and enhance accessibility,” he added. 

To recall, Kazuya joined President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. in inspecting the construction progress of the CP103 section of the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) at Camp Aguinaldo in July. 

The subway project is being implemented under the Japanese Government’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) program through a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) yen loan. 

This has been extended under the Special Terms for Economic Partnership (STEP) scheme, according to the Embassy of Japan in Manila. 

The 6.5-kilometer CP103 section connects East Avenue and Ortigas stations, which are being constructed by Mitsui Sumitomo Construction Co., Ltd. 

The Embassy of Japan in Manila said that the tunnel boring commenced in January of this year, noting that it has been progressing smoothly. — BM, GMA Integrated News