President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. believes that the government owes it to the Filipino people to build major roads and critical infrastructure that will spur progress and social change, promote interconnectivity, ease traffic and reduce travel time.

He made this remark after he witnessed on Thursday, Nov. 3, the signing of two contracts that will finance the civil works of four stations of the Metro Manila Subway-Contract Packages 102 (CP102) and 103 (CP103).

In his speech after the signing of the contracts, Marcos assured the public, particularly commuters, that the government will strive to provide a more efficient public transportation system in the country.

“We owe it to the Filipino people to build major roads and critical infrastructure that will not only spur progress and social change, but also promote interconnectivity, ease traffic, and reduce travel time,” Marcos said.

“Let me assure you that the government remains dedicated to maximizing its resources to pursue even more ambitious endeavors that will bring comfort and progress to Filipinos all over the country,” he added.

He also urged the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to ensure the smooth and faithful implementation of all subway projects that are underway.

“The signing of these contract packages is a clear demonstration of this administration’s commitment to pursuing big infrastructure projects that will foster growth and revitalize the economy,” Marcos said.

Meanwhile, Marcos thanked Japan for partnering with the Philippines in pursuing what he described as an “important infrastructure development project.”

“The world recognizes Japan for having a very efficient rail transport system, which the Philippines aspires to one day emulate,” Marcos told guests at the Malacañang Palace.

He also expressed gratitude to the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for providing financial support for the implementation of CP102 and CP103.

“I thank you not only for this specific project, I thank the JICA who have been supporting the development of the Philippines for the last 50 years. Especially in terms of our infrastructure projects and even our agricultural projects,” he said.

He also acknowledged the Nishimatsu-DMCI Joint Venture and Sumitomo Mitsui Construction for working closely with the Philippines in ensuring the completion of these contract packages.

CP102, with a total contract amount of approximately PHP21 billion, was awarded to the joint venture of Nishimatsu Construction Co., Ltd. and D.M. Consunji Inc (DMCI), while CP103 with a total contract amount of approximately PHP28 billion was awarded to Sumitomo Mitsui Construction Co., Ltd.

CP102 involves the construction of the Quezon Avenue Station (located inside the former Manila Seedling Bank, EDSA corner Quezon Avenue) and the East Avenue Station (along V. Luna Avenue), including the connecting tunnels.

CP103 involves constructing Anonas Station (at Barangay Project 4, Quezon City) and Camp Aguinaldo Station (inside Camp Aguinaldo), including the connecting tunnels. The Anonas subway station will interconnect with Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) Anonas Station.