President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Thursday that the signing of the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) Contract Packages 102 and 103 will spur economic development, particularly as the country emerges from the current challenges in the post-pandemic.

“The signing of these contract packages is a clear demonstration of this administration’s commitment to pursuing big infrastructure projects that will foster growth and revitalize the economy,” President Marcos said during a ceremony in Malacañang.

Addressing government partners, the President expressed confidence that the country can move towards building better and more infrastructure projects for the Filipino people through strong collaboration.

The government, he said, remains dedicated to maximizing its resources to pursue even more ambitious endeavors that will bring comfort and progress to Filipinos.

Marcos thanked the Japanese government for partnering with the Philippines in pursuing the project through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which provided the much-needed financial support.

The chief executive also acknowledged the Nishimatsu-DMCI Joint Venture and Sumitomo Mitsui Construction for working closely with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in ensuring the completion of the contract packages.

The MMSP Contract Packages 102 and 103 will cover the construction of stations and tunnels along Quezon Avenue, East Avenue, Anonas and Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Once completed, the flagship project will significantly reduce travel time between Quezon City and Pasay City from 1 hour and 30 minutes to just 35 minutes and is also projected to benefit more than half a million passengers a day from Valenzuela City to Parañaque City.

A fully operational MMSP is also seen to create millions of jobs and business opportunities.

And even before it begins its operations, the civil works for Contract Packages 102 and 103 are set to generate thousands of jobs and opportunities for many Filipinos. | PND