MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. stated on Monday that his administration intends to pursue “grander” and “more ambitious” infrastructure projects in order to generate jobs, boost connectivity, and make life easier for Filipino commuters.
Marcos made the statement at the Metrowalk Commercial Complex in Pasig City during the groundbreaking rites for the construction of the Ortigas and Shaw Boulevard stations of the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP).
“Let the breaking ground of this subway system signal our intention to the world to pursue even grander dreams and more ambitious endeavors that will bring comfort and progress to our people all over the country,” Marcos said in his speech.
He reassured the public that his administration is not only committed to sustaining but also expanding the government’s infrastructure initiative.
“Be assured that this administration will take the lead in identifying, pursuing, and implementing projects as part of the Build Better More Infrastructure Agenda that we have laid out,” he added.
Marcos likewise voiced optimism that Filipinos’ hopes for a “better, brighter, and more prosperous” country would inspire them to work for the country’s growth.
‘Small inconveniences’
Marcos, meanwhile, anticipated “brighter days” once the building of the two MMSP stations is complete.
“Although it is a given that the construction of these structures will take time and cause disruption, let us be optimistic and just count these small inconveniences as a small price to pay for the fruitful results that this program, this project will yield,” he said.
He wished for the project to be finished on time so that the public may immediately enjoy its benefits.
Marcos said that with the MMSP, his administration looks forward to helping people “skip long lines of traffic” and spare themselves from the “perils of commuting.”
He stated that the government also anticipates an increase in business opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors, as well as an increase in economic activity, as a result of the Metro’s improved connectivity between key areas and business districts, and the availability of stalls and other stores in the stations and nearby markets.
“As our people gain more time by cutting long hours of travel, they can now engage in more worthwhile and productive endeavors, making time for greater self-improvement or equally important spending quality time with their families,” he said.
Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa; Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chief Representative Takema Sakamoto; Senators Grace Poe, JV Ejercito, Mark Villar; and Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto joined Marcos at the ceremony.
The MMSP is a JICA-funded foreign-assisted initiative under the Official Development Assistance program.
The subway, once operational, can accommodate over 370,000 passengers a day and cut travel time from Valenzuela to Bicutan to only 45 minutes.
After the construction works, road closures will be in effect until 2028, covering the front section of Capitol Commons up to the corner of Shaw Boulevard.
