DOTr: More NCR, Cavite subway projects in partnership with JICA eyed

FILE PHOTO: This February 5, 2021, photo shows the cutter head of the Tunnel Boring Machine No. 1 “Kaunlaran” that arrived at the Manila Harbor Center in Port Area, Manila. This would be used for the Metro Manila Subway Project Phase 1. It will break, cut, and grind rocks and soil by rotating its 36-piece disc cutter. INQUIRER PHOTO / RICHARD A. REYES

TOKYO, Japan — Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista on Friday said that feasibility studies are underway for the planned construction of at least three more subway projects in the greater Manila area in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Bautista, on the sidelines of the Philippine Business Opportunities Forum here said that they are eyeing more subways in Manila or Cavite to make travel easier, and decongest major thoroughfares.

“Metro Manila lang ‘yon, hanggang Cavite.  Pero k’wan ‘to, in the planning stage pa lang muna (It only covers Metro Manila and Cavite, It’s still in the planning stage),” he said.

“Ay siguro matagal pa ‘yon, pero nasa planning na, we’ll have to prepare a feasibility study,” he added.

“Manila, Cavite, ‘yong mga extension para, kasi ‘yong ngayon Valenzuela lang k’wan lang ‘yan, to the airport, meron ‘yong Makati subway, so maraming susunod pa,” he added.

During the Philippine Business Opportunities Forum, Bautista also mentioned this plan, which he said will get cars off Epifanio delos Santos Avenue — the main roadway that runs through Metro Manila and connects the northern and southern gateways of Luzon.

He pointed out that the subway projects are  vital and necessary since a 2018 study by JICA showed that the Philippines loses over P3.5 billion a day just due to heavy traffic.

The said forum, which was attended by President Ferdinand Marcos, showcased the programs being implemented by the Philippine government and avenues of possible investment.

Marcos invited Japanese business leaders anew to invest in the Philippines.

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