Japan commits to MRT-3 'high-grade' rehab with ₱8.1-B loan to PH

Japan said Wednesday it is providing a fresh P8.1-billion loan to the Philippines for the rehabilitation of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) transit system, which has been beset by technical and maintenance problems over the years.

The Philippines said Japan's commitment to restore the train system to its "original as-designed condition" is a testament to its longstanding partnership with Manila in advancing infrastructure development.

"It reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that public transportation systems are safe, reliable and resilient and that they meet the evolving needs of a modern and dynamic Philippines," Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro said during the project signing and exchange of notes with Japan.

With a target completion by October 2029, the loan would see through the replacement of main line rails and overhauling of coaches and the restoration, renewal and upgrade of subsystem, signaling system, power supply, communications and maintenance, and station equipment.  

Courtesy: Embassy of Japan in the Philippines

Launched in December 1999, the MRT-3 has experienced multiple breakdowns and delays, stranding thousands of commuters and occasionally worsening Metro Manila's traffic problems.

On average, MRT-3 transports around 400,000 commuters daily or at least 140 million a year.

It traverses much of EDSA, the main thoroughfare of the Philippine capital, and is integral to ongoing plans to interconnect more railway systems including the P488.5-billion Metro Manila Subway Project.

Bulk of the subway funding is through official development assistance (ODA) from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Under the new MRT-3 loan agreement, Japan will undertake "high-grade infrastructure performance" and enable capacity expansion.

"Reliable transport is not only essential to economic growth, but also for improving the daily lives of ordinary citizens," said Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya.  

"Through various forms of support, Japan is proud to contribute to the advancement of the Philippine railway system. Japan's railway experts are, in fact, involved in almost all of the Philippines' railway projects," Endo said.

For her part, Lazaro said Japan's assistance is "timely and invaluable" as the MRT-3's major overhaul would translate into "safer journeys, shorter travel times and improved commuter experience for the millions of Filipinos who rely on the transport every day." — VDV, GMA Integrated News