The Department of Transportation is advancing in acquiring the necessary right-of-way to ensure the continued development of the Metro Manila Subway Project, which has been hindering the project's final completion.
During his address at the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines Infrastructure Forum held in Makati City, Transportation Secretary Vivencio "Vince" Dizon voiced optimism that before President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s term ends, he believes "we should have at least two, possibly even three stations where we can observe trains in operation."
Specifically, the head of Transportation showed hope that the MMSP would become partly functional at minimum between Valenzuela – where the depot will be situated – and Quirino Highway stations.
"Hopefully up to North Avenue," Dizon stated.
The cabinet member's assurance was based on the advancements in right-of-way acquisitions that the agency has achieved since he assumed leadership of the DOTr in February.
"At present, we have resolved three out of five key right-of-way challenges, specifically—Barilla, Anonas, and Ortigas," Dizon stated.
Let's just take the metrowalk... BGC (Bonifacio Global City), I think it's nearly there. Hopefully within the coming months, we'll manage to resolve this," he stated, further noting that once the right-of-way problems are settled "we should witness significant advancements.
READ: Metro Manila Subway: When Right of Way Becomes an Obstacle
"One positive advancement is the revised Right-of-Way Act approved by both chambers. The bicameral report was endorsed last Wednesday, which marked the final day of the 19th Congress. The President is expected to sign this shortly," stated Dizon.
"That will be transformative, particularly for the underground infrastructure," he stated.
The head of transportation stated that if this measure turns into law, the government will be able to utilize privately held lands located up to 18 meters beneath the surface for subterranean or underground infrastructure initiatives, as opposed to the present limit of 50 meters.
Once completed, the MMSP will include 17 stations along with a 30.34-hectare depot situated at the location of the Philippine Railway Institute.
The project includes building a 33-kilometer railroad that will link Valenzuela City to Pasay City, along with an offshoot line to Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s Terminal 3.
The MMSP’s 17 stations include: Valenzuela, which will house the depot; Quirino Highway; Tandang Sora; North Avenue; Quezon Avenue; East Avenue; Anonas; Katipunan (near Camp Aguinaldo); Ortigas Avenue; Shaw Boulevard; Kalayaan Avenue; Bonifacio Global City; Lawton East; Senate-DepEd; NAIA Terminal 3; FTI; and Bicutan.
The MMSP is designed to connect with various rail networks including the LRT1, MRT3, and MRT7 via the Common Station; the LRT2 at the Anonas stop; as well as physically linking up with the NSCR-Ex at the FTI and Bicutan stations.
The projected overall expense for this initiative stands at PHP 488.5 billion. Out of this amount, JICA’s ODA loan will cover approximately PHP 370.7 billion. The remaining balance, totaling around PHP 117.7 billion, shall be borne by the Philippine national government.
So far, the Philippine government and JICA have signed three tranches of loan agreements—the initial tranche worth ¥104.53 billion, which equates to P47.58 billion, was finalized in March 2018; the subsequent tranche valued at ¥253.31 billion, equivalent to P112.87 billion, was agreed upon in February 2022; and the latest ¥150-billion agreement, approximately P55.37 billion, was concluded in March 2024.
The former DOTr leadership previously anticipated that the MMSP would become partly functional by 2028 and completely operational a year later. However, Dizon stated that the complete finish of the project has been extended until 2032. —AOL, GMA Integrated News
This article Dizon: 3 Out of 5 Major Off-Road Issues Plaguing Subway Project Resolved was originally published in GMA News Online .