Philippine’s The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA)-Investment Coordination Cabinet Committee (ICC-Cabcom) has approved the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP)-Phase I and two other projects. The new line will run from Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City and will terminate at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Paranaque City. Its initial investment requirement is estimated at PHP 355.6 billion (USD 6.9 billion).
The project also involves the construction of a 28-hectare training center and depot, as well as and other related facilities. Implementation period is from 2018 to mid-2025.
“The first phase of the MMSP will not only ease traffic in Metro Manila but also improve the quality of life of Filipinos. For one, carbon emissions will be reduced. And, with greater mobility, people can spend more time on things that matter to them,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said.
Funding for the metro project will come from official development assistance (ODA) loan coursed through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The ICC-CC also approved the proposal of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to adopt the build-transfer (BT) scheme for the expansion of the Clark International Airport. This project involves the construction of an 82,600-square meter terminal building which can accommodate eight million passengers per annum. Project cost was kept at P15.35 billion as was approved by the ICC in May, with PHP 2.8 billion (USD 54.7 million) sourced from the DOTr’s budget for pre-construction activities, while the remaining PHP 12.55 billion (USD 245 million) will be provided by the BCDA.
In spring, JICA has released plans for the Mega Manila Subway (MMS) after completing their collection survey during preliminary studies done in 2015. The project has been classified as a Category A, which means it is “likely to have significant adverse impacts on the environment and society,” according to JICA’s website. The goal behind the project is to accommodate increasing transport demand of Mega Manila, as well as to alleviate serious traffic congestion in Metro Manila by having an urban railway with a underground section.
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