Philippines, Japan enter agreement for MRT-3 rehab

The project is seen to benefit the commuters.

On Wednesday, February 4, representatives from the Philippine and Japanese governments formally signed the agreement for the second supplemental loan that will be utilized for the rehabilitation program of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3).

The loan from the Government of Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is said to be amounting to PHP8.17 billion, with the rehabilitation targeted to be completed by October 2029.

It will cover the restoration of all 13 stations along Line 3 to its original condition back in its opening in 1999, as well as ensuring high-grade infrastructure performance and enabling future capacity expansion.

It will be done through “comprehensive rehabilitation and upgrading of critical components,” as per the government.

Present during which were Philippine Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, and Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya, as well as representatives from the Department of Finance and JICA.

Lopez said that the project will be a huge boost to the line, especially that its ridership continues to climb. “Our goal is to provide a better commuting experience that respects the time and safety of every passenger, especially senior citizens and persons with disabilities,” he said.

The transport chief added, “When commuting becomes faster and safer, commuters gain back precious hours that can be well spent with their families and loved ones.”

He also cited the agreement as being a reflection of the “strong and reliable partnership between the two countries.”

For her part, Lazaro noted, “The continued rehabilitation of this vital transport system is therefore not merely an infrastructure project, but a direct investment in the productivity, safety and quality of life of our people.”

She also stated that this “builds on the strong foundation of our existing cooperation with Japan,” and “reflects our shared commitment to ensuring that public transport systems are safe, reliable, and resilient.”

For his part, Kazuya vowed that the Japanese government will continue to support the advancement of the Philippines’ railway system, telling, “Japan remains firmly committed to standing alongside the Philippines as a trusted partner in the development and security.”

He furthered, “I sincerely hope that through our joint efforts, MRT-3 will continue to provide safer, more reliable and more convenient service for commuters.”

MRT-3 is one of the three major rail lines in Metro Manila and, at its peak, serves more than half a million passengers.

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