Marcos vows to invest more on transpo projects

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Monday committed to invest in projects that will continue to improve the Philippines' transportation system, saying this will benefit the country's economy.

The chief executive graced the Metro Manila Subway Project's launching of tunnel boring machine in Valenzuela City.

According to Marcos, the launching of the tunnel boring machine is a "testament to this administration’s commitment to continue the projects of the previous administration and — more importantly — build better more."

"We will continue to invest and improve on our transportation systems as well as to pursue more projects in the years to come, so that Filipinos can gain greater access to places of work, commerce,  recreation, and other vital areas," Marcos said in his speech.

"Having an effective and efficient transportation system will have multiplier effects on employment, the economy, [and] our society; it will bring comfort, convenience, [and] an easier life for all," he added.

Marcos thanked the government of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for being "active partners in the fulfilment of our country’s infrastructure program not only for this particular project but in the many, many, many years passed."

"The assistance of the Japanese government, of JICA in particular, without which we could not have fulfilled many of our infrastructure programs," he said.

"These tunnel boring machines highlight Japan’s expertise in technology and trailblazing contributions in the modern world. And thus, I am confident that they will help us shape our railway infrastructure and keep them at par with the highest international standards," said Marcos.

He expressed hope that Japan and the Department of Transportation would not waver in their commitment to finish the contract package by the end of 2027 to ensure that Filipinos will get to enjoy the project at the soonest possible time.

Hailed as the “Project of the Century,” the Metro Manila Subway will be the first underground mass transit system in the Philippines.

The subway is a 33-kilometer rail line that will stretch from Valenzuela City to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City, reducing travel time between Quezon City and NAIA from one hour and 10 minutes to just 35 minutes.

Once operational, the Metro Manila Subway can accommodate up to 370,000 passengers per day in its first year of operation.

Marcos earlier said this kind of project would generate more economic activities for the public aside from saving them from the “perils of commuting.”

He asked the public for patience as "big-ticket projects such as this take years to be completed."

"So, I ask not only for your continued patience but  also for your continued trust and support for the  government," the President said.

The entire MMSP, which has an approved project cost of over P488 billion, is supported by loans from the JICA.—AOL, GMA Integrated News