DOTr breaks ground for Anonas, Camp Aguinaldo subway stations

MANILA: Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said on Monday that the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) is anticipated to improve living standards throughout the country, including the commuters.

At the groundbreaking ceremony for the MMSP's Contract Package 103, Bautista stated that the railway project provides numerous benefits, such as the comfort and convenience of commuters, creation of job opportunities, and the economic growth of the country.

Bautista described the MMSP as “a transport infrastructure that catalyzes economic rebound.”

“The socio-economic benefits of the MMSP even exceeds our expectations,” he added.

The MMSP is a part of the “Build, Better, More” infrastructure development program of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Bautista guaranteed an improved public transit that meets international standards.

He also expressed his appreciation to the Japanese government and the Department of National Defense for supporting the construction of the first underground railway in the Philippines, saying, “This groundbreaking inside a military camp depicts the overlapping multi-sectoral support for the MMSP. The Secretary of Defense is accompanied by the AFP Chief of Staff and the local chief executive of Quezon City to express their support.”

The Contract Package 103 of the MMSP includes two underground stations and tunnels, including the Anonas and Camp Aguinaldo stations.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Andres Centino stated that the military firmly supports the project since it will significantly contribute to the government's initiatives to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions.

He said that the AFP officers, together with all Filipinos, are looking forward to the opportunities that will follow the successful completion of the project.

Department of National Defense Undersecretary Carlito Galvez Jr. also praised the Department of Transportation for the MMSP's progress.

He added that the MMSP is an important milestone for the Philippines because it advances the Filipinos' long-held ambition to have a public transportation system that is easily accessible, fairly priced, comfortable, and safe.

The Japan-funded Metro Manila Subway, which is hailed as the “crown jewel” of the country’s public transport system, will traverse eight cities and run from Valenzuela City to FTI-Bicutan in Parañaque City with an extension line to NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City.

The first underground railway system has a 33-kilometer route and 17 stations. It aims to reduce the travel time between Quezon City and NAIA  to just 45 minutes.

Once operational, the railway system can accommodate up to 519,000 passengers per day.

Photo from Department of Transportation Facebook page

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