PH secures P93B loan for Metro subway, Dalton Pass project

Source: The Manila times
Author: Bernadette E. Tamayo

MANILA, Philippines: The Philippines has secured a P93-billion (250 billion yen) loan package from Japan for the road enhancement project in Luzon and implementation of phase 1 of the Metro Manila Subway Project that aims to ease traffic in the metropolis.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Office in Manila said the funding would contribute to the reduction of traffic congestion in Metro Manila and enhance connectivity in North and Central Luzon by utilizing Japanese technology.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo on Tuesday signed diplomatic notes for Japan's Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan for the Dalton Pass East Alignment Road Project to enhance the connectivity from Regions 1 and 2 to the National Capital Region, and for the third tranche of the Metro Manila Subway Project (Phase 1).

"Japan, a strategic partner of the Philippines, has been a strong supporter of our infrastructure development and the government's Build Better More projects," Manalo posted on X (formerly Twitter).

JICA Philippines Chief Representative Sakamoto Takema said the Dalton Pass East Alignment Road Project, which includes the longest tunnel in the Philippines, is also a game-changing initiative.

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"It can improve regional connectivity and boost economic activities. We cannot slow or stop its progress. We definitely expect that this third tranche loan can accelerate the realization of this epoch-making subway line," he said.

The JICA official said the success of the project will make the difficulties and safety concerns in traversing the Dalton Pass "a thing of the past."

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"Moreover, we will introduce and transfer Japan's technologies and experiences, such as tunnel construction method and know-how, involving strong collaboration between Japanese and Filipino experts," he said.,