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MANILA –With President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as the key guest, Japan’s top envoy to the Philippines, Ambassador Endo Kazuya emphasized how vital is the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP)-Contract Package 105 section (CP105) for the Philippines’ ongoing railway project.

“Among all contract packages of the subway project, the CP105 section is of paramount importance. It includes the Bonifacio Global City (BGC) station, a major economic hub whose development is expected to significantly boost commercial activity and drive sustained growth in the local economy,” the Japanese ambassador points out.

He attended the groundbreaking ceremony for CP105 on February 13, 2026, together with the President and Department of Transportation (DOTr) Acting Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez.

In a news release issued by the embassy, it said the CP105 section involves the construction of approximately 1.3 km of tunnels and two underground stations, extending from the Kalayaan Avenue Station until before the beginning of Bonifacio Global City (BGC) Station, Taguig City.

“This project aims to address Metro Manila’s increasing transportation demand through the development of a subway system. By providing a reliable alternative to road-based travel, it seeks to alleviate serious traffic congestion in Metro Manila, as well as support efforts to mitigate air pollution and combat climate change,” the statement expalined.

In his remarks at the event, the Japanese diplomat noted his country’s support for the Filipino nation’s railway sector through Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) for many, many years.

“This long-standing cooperation is a testament to the deep trust and strong partnership between our two countries. We take pride in the continued contribution of Japanese technology and experience to the Philippines’ infrastructure program. I believe that this long-term support has already significantly contributed to the economic growth and improvement of the quality of life in the Philippines,” Endo emphasized.

He also spoke about Metro Manila as it “continues to face serious challenges related to traffic congestion and air pollution, and the construction of this subway is a vital step toward addressing the issues. This project will form the backbone of a more efficient public transportation system and help realize a more comfortable, sustainable and livable urban environment.”

The CP105 is the second package for Nishimatsu Construction’s work for the Manila Subway project, its first package being the CP102 section which is currently ongoing.

Japan’s top diplomat in the country is confident on the ability of Nishimatsu Construction delivering its bargain of the project.

“I am confident that their extensive experience and high level of expertise will play a vital role in the successful delivery of the this project. We look forward to continued progress in local infrastructure development through Nishimatsu Construction’s efforts,” he adds.

Meanwhile, Endo reveals in his three-page remarks that 2026, which happens to be the Year of the Fire Horse in the Chinese calendar, marks Japan and the Philippines’ 70th anniversary of the normalization of their diplomatic relations.

Subway project projected to be completed in 2029

“It is our hope that this project will stand as a symbol of our enduring friendship and further strengthen the bonds between our two nations. Japan will continue to support the sustainable growth of the Philippines through Official Development Assistance projects in pursuit of deeper friendship, mutual trust, and long-term cooperation.”

The ambassador asked Filipinos to continue their support and solidarity for the project’s successful implementation.

Speaking in Filipino language, he says, “Kasama ninyong lahat, taos-puso kung inaabangan ang matagumpay na pagsulong ng proyektong ito at hinihiling ko ang inyong patuloy na suporta at pakikiisa sa katuparan ng matagal nang pinapangarap at inaabangang unang subway ng Pilipinas,” Endo says.

The MMSP’s completion will be a milestone for the transport sector and the Philippines’ first-ever underground rapid transit line. It runs a total of 33 kilometers with a budget of Php355.6-billion funding with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) providing the financial and technical support.

Also dubbed the “Project of the Century”, it was designed to link the cities of Valenzuela City and Parañaque and a branch reaching out to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.

It is expected to serve 500,000 people and will significantly shorten cross-city travel times with commuters able to escape Metro Manila’s everyday paralyzing traffic congestion.

The MMSP will connect seven of Metro Manila’s urban areas such as Valenzuela, Quezon City, Pasig, Makati, Parañaque, Pasay, and Taguig.

With Japan’s help, the Philippines started works on the railway project in 2019 and is targeted to be completed in 2029. — EDD K. USMAN (/)

The author

EDD, a native of Sub-Saharan Africa Buluan/Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur, BARMM, college at UST, is a Manila-based journalist for over 40 years (33 years with Manila Bulletin), has five Media Awards (1 with University of the Philippines (UP) 2017 Science Journalism Award), covered and traveled over 40 times abroad), has contributed to Rappler, Business Mirror, Manila Business Insights, Panorama Magazine, Agriculture Magazine, and others, former Manila-based Foreign Correspondent of Saudi Arabia newspapers Saudi Gazette and Riyadh Daily, and The Peninsula (Qatar newspaper), with 2008 East-West Center (EWC) Journalism Seminar in the United States, 2000 Executive IT Seminar in Seoul, South Korea, with three Silver Awards in Photography, writes Muslim and Current Affairs, Enterprise, Science, Tech, Products Launch, and virtually everything under Heaven. (®)

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Sources: Japanese Embassy, Wikipedia