MANILA – Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista on Monday stated that the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) is seen to generate thousands of jobs during its construction and bolster economic activity in nearby areas once completed.
Bautista said during the groundbreaking of the MMSP’s Contract Package 104 (CP104) in Pasig City that the MMSP is the country’s “crown jewel” in the mass transport system and will be completed “at full speed.”
“Construction is estimated to create more than 18,000 jobs,” Bautista said.
The MMSP, he said, will provide a “comfortable, convenient, safe, and affordable” transportation option to the public once finished.
The MMSP’s CP104 is one of seven civil work contracts for the project and covers the construction of the Ortigas and Shaw Boulevard stations and tunnels spanning 3.397 kilometers.
The overall contract price, including VAT, is PHP20.4 billion.
Upon completion, the MMSP will have a total length of 33 kilometers and 17 stations — cutting across eight localities from Valenzuela City to the FTI-Bicutan in Parañaque City with a line to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City.
The MMSP, which is being funded by the Japanese government, will be the country’s first underground mass transportation system, with a daily passenger capacity of 519,000 and the goal of reducing travel time between Quezon City to NAIA from 70 minutes to 35 minutes.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. earlier spearheaded the groundbreaking of the MMSP’s CP104 and highlighted its potential to stir up economic activity in key areas covered by the project and provide opportunities for businesses.
According to him, the project will also boost transportation efficiency by reducing travel time, giving the people more time for personal endeavors.
