The Philippines and Japan on Friday formalized new loan agreements to support two major infrastructure projects—the Metro Manila Subway and the Cagayan de Oro–Malaybalay Highway—further strengthening bilateral development cooperation.
During a ceremony in Pasay City, Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro and Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya exchanged notes covering ₱85.45 billion in funding.
The fourth tranche for Phase 1 of the Metro Manila Subway amounts to ¥220 billion (around ₱84.81 billion), while the Central Mindanao Highway program will receive ¥1.672 billion (about ₱644 million).
Ambassador Endo underscored Japan’s sustained commitment:
“Supporting the Philippines’ development is not only vital for the country itself, but also for the stability and prosperity of the wider region… While our security cooperation is growing rapidly, development cooperation remains the cornerstone of Japan-Philippines relationship.”
Lazaro expressed gratitude for Japan’s continued support, highlighting the projects as key components of the administration’s “Build Better More” agenda under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“Growth must be both efficient and inclusive. We must ease congestion and improve integration where economic activity is concentrated and strengthen connectivity in areas where potential is still being unlocked,” she said.
The Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP 1) involves a 27.5-kilometer underground railway line stretching from Valenzuela to Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, with 17 stations, a depot, and 30 train sets. It will also feature a 33.1-kilometer electromechanical system and integration with the North-South Commuter Railway (FTI–Bicutan segment).
Meanwhile, the Central Mindanao Highway Project covers a 64.7-kilometer, four-lane road linking Cagayan de Oro and Malaybalay.
The project is expected to cut travel time from 6.5 hours to 3.5 hours and includes the construction of 47 bridges, nine of which are long-span structures exceeding 100 meters. Implementation is set from 2026 to 2034.
These initiatives aim to decongest Metro Manila and enhance regional connectivity in Mindanao, underscoring Japan’s long-term partnership in advancing Philippine infrastructure development.