President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the inauguration Thursday of the P9.5-billion Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 2 East Extension Project, assuring the public that the country will reap the full benefits of the administration’s Build, Build, Build Program as it continues to overcome the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking at the event held at the LRT Line 2 Antipolo Station in Antipolo City, Rizal, President Duterte expressed his gratitude to the workers and engineers who took part in the planning and construction of the railway extension and the two new stations.
He also commended the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and all its private sector partners for the completion of the project despite the difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The opening of two additional LRT 2 stations – one in Marikina and another in Antipolo – will increase the line’s daily capacity by 80,000 passengers and reduce the usual three-hour travel time from Recto in Manila to Masinag in Antipolo to just 40 minutes.
“Indeed, this project will improve mobility and ensure transportation connectivity, especially in the busy eastern part of Metro Manila,” President Duterte said.
“Now, our commuters can travel faster, be more productive at work, and enjoy quality time with their loved ones, especially in the middle of this health crisis.”
The President assured the Filipino public that these developments will be responsive to the challenges of the 21st century and beyond so the country can adapt and respond to the unexpected challenges of times.
As the nation strives to overcome the pandemic and gradually reopen the economy, the chief executive encouraged everyone to help the government in creating an environment that will allow the safe reopening of economic activities.
“We can do this by getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and continuing to follow minimum health standards at work and in public places, especially in public transportation facilities like the LRT,” he stressed.
“To my kababayans, I invite you to remain steadfast in this journey as we reach for our final destination of achieving a more comfortable and dignified life for every Filipino,” he added.
The LRT-2 East Extension Project involves the construction of a four-kilometer extension of the existing LRT-2 system from Santolan, Pasig City, to Masinag in Antipolo City, Rizal.
Two additional stations will be opened. The Marikina Station, located in front of Robinsons Metro East and Sta. Lucia East Grand Mall in Cainta, and the Antipolo Station, built before the Masinag Junction in Antipolo City.
The LRT-2 East Extension Project is a part of the Duterte administration’s Build, Build, Build infrastructure program, aimed at building major infrastructures projects to fulfill the President’s vision of providing the Filipino people with a more convenient and comfortable life. PND
