President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. marks this day as the beginning of underground works for the nation’s "Project of the Century" as he leads the launching of the Metro Manila Subway Project’s (MMSP) tunnel boring machine (TBM) at its depot in Barangay Ugong, Valenzuela City on January 9, 2023. (Photos by Jumalynne V. Doctolero/PIA-NCR)

MANILA, (PIA) -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday, Jan. 9, assured that his administration will continue to invest and improve on the transportation sector in the country for the benefit of every Filipino.

“We will continue to invest and improve on our transportation system as well as 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,” Pres. Marcos said to keynote the launching of the Metro Manila Subway Project’s (MMSP) tunnel boring machine (TBM) in Valenzuela City.

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

The President led the launching of the TBM at its depot along Mindanao Avenue in Barangay Ugong, an event that ushers the start of the tunneling works in the northern metro for the 17-station MMSP.

Funded by the Government of Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the MMSP will harness the power of the 700-ton TBMs, measuring seven meters in diameter and 95 meters in length, to dig underground and lay tunnels for the 33.1-kilometer project.

Pres. Marcos considers the realization of the MMSP by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) as a milestone in improving both the public transport system in the country and the quality of life within the National Capital Region (NCR) when he witnessed the signing of the project’s two (2) contract packages last November 2022.

Once fully operational, the “Crown Jewel” of the public transport system in the Philippines will be able to serve 519,000 passengers daily and shorten travel time between Quezon City and Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) from one (1) hour and 30 minutes to only 35 minutes.

The MMSP construction is also projected to generate 18,000 jobs and boost economic activities of communities in Metro Manila.

“This is an apt beginning for the new year,” Pres. Marcos said. (PIA-NCR)