Thank you very much, Secretary Jimmy Bautista. [Please.]

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian; Senator Mark Villar, who has played a special role for us to come to this day as he was the former secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways and had a big hand in getting this project going and keeping it going so that we could continue it until its final fruition; Senator JV Ejercito, good morning; and the – Valenzuela 1st District Representative Rex Gatchalian; Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Japan Mr. Matsuda Kenichi; the Japan International Cooperation Agency Chief Representative Sakamoto Takema; Valenzuela City Mayor Wes Gatchalian; fellow workers in government; other distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen, good morning.

In Filipino, the words “maayos” and “masagana” can be combined in just one word — and that is  “manigo.”

So, before anything else, I would like to greet all of you: Isang Manigong Bagong Taon po sa ating lahat! [applause]

With the launching of the Tunnel Boring Machine of  the Metro Manila Subway Project today,  this is a very apt beginning for a year with renewed vigor and  commitment to our mission to improve the lives of  Filipinos.

On this day, we also gain inspiration from the  selfless individuals who constantly strive to turn our  vision for the transportation sector into a grand  reality.

So together with the Department of  Transportation and its private sector partners, we can only look forward to better days after this recent development. 

As this project will be the first subway system  in the Philippines, we take pride in its construction  as a landmark event. I thank everyone who  have toiled and continue to toil to ensure the  realization of such an ambitious endeavor. 

I also take this opportunity to express our gratitude  to the Government of Japan and to JICA for being active partners in the fulfilment of our country’s  infrastructure program not only for this particular project but in the many, many, many years passed. The assistance of the Japanese government, of JICA in particular, without which we could not have fulfilled many of our infrastructure programs.

These Tunnel Boring Machines highlight Japan’s  expertise in technology and trailblazing  contributions in the modern world. And thus, I am  confident that they will help us shape our railway  infrastructure and keep them at par with the  highest international standards. 

Similarly, I acknowledge the joint venture  of Filipino and Japanese companies for working  with the Philippine Government on the Metro  Manila Subway Project’s Contract Package 101. 

I hope that both you and the DOTr will not waver  on your commitments to finish the contract  package by the end of 2027 to ensure that Filipinos  will get to enjoy the project at the soonest possible  time. 

Given our timelines, I would like to emphasize  to our countrymen that big-ticket projects such as  this take years to be completed. 

So, I ask not only for your continued patience but  also for your continued trust and support for the  government. 

On this note, let the launching of this Tunnel Boring  Machine become a testament to this  administration’s commitment to continue the  projects of the previous administration and — more  importantly — build better more.

We will continue to invest and improve on our  transportation systems as well as to 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. 

Having an effective and efficient transportation  system will have multiplier effects on employment,  the economy, [and] our society;  it will bring comfort, convenience, [and] an  easier life for all.  

So, let our hopeful anticipation for the results of  everything that we do continue to fuel our drive to  a more prosperous and bountiful future for our country and for our people.

Muli, isang manigong bagong taon po sa ating  lahat at magandang umaga po. Marami pong salamat sa inyo. [applause]

— END — 

Watch here: Launching of the Metro Manila Subway Project's Tunnel Boring Machine

Location: Metro Manila Subway Depot in Barangay Ugong, Valenzuela City