The Philippines is about to make history as it embarks on its first-ever mega subway project. With this groundbreaking initiative, the country will proudly secure its place as the sixth nation in South East Asia to boast a modern subway system, as Inquirer.net reported. This has been possible through the partnership with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) as they provide the country with a financial backing of Php 488.57 billion, ushering this long-awaited dream becoming a reality.

In January 2023, the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) began its tunnel works for the first contract package (CP). A major milestone was achieved with the launch of the tunnel boring machine (TBM) at its depot in Valenzuela City. This signifies the project’s progress and paves the way for a massive development that will reshape transportation development in the country.

Metro Manila Subway’s impact on daily travel

The concept of a Metro Manila subway was first envisioned in the early 70s – it’s been a half-century dream waiting to materialize. Once completed, the Metro Manila subway will span an impressive 33.1 kilometers, connecting Valenzuela City to Bicutan in Parañaque City. This vast network will offer commuters an efficient and reliable transportation option, reducing travel time and enhancing connectivity throughout the capital region. The expected travel time from Valenzuela City to Bicutan is around 45 minutes. And imagine the convenience of traveling from Quezon City to Ninoy Aquino International Airport in just 35 minutes, according to GMA News. With the construction of the subway system, Filipinos can look forward to a reduction in travel time from the current one hour and 10 minutes as stated from Inquirer.net.

According to a report by GMA News, the current plans for the Metro Manila Subway as of October 2022 include the development of 17 confirmed stations. Although the number of stations has undergone some adjustments over the years, these are the exciting destinations that commuters can look forward to:

STATION	DESTINATION
01	East Valenzuela Station
02	Quirino Highway Station
03	Tandang Sora Station
04	North Avenue (Grand Common Station)
05	Quezon Avenue Station
06	East Avenue Station
07	Anonas Station
08	Camp Aguinaldo Station
09	Ortigas Station
10	Shaw Station
11	Kalayaan Avenue Station
12	Bonifacio Global City Station
13	Lawton Station
14	Senate-Dep Ed. Station
15	NAIA Terminal 3 Station
16	Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI) Station
17	Bicutan Station

Even more notable is that the Metro Manila Subway will integrate with existing and future rail lines, ensuring convenient transfers and a unified transportation network. The upcoming Grand Common Station at North Avenue will serve as a hub connecting the subway to the LRT-1, MRT-3, and MRT-7 lines. The Anonas Station will link to the LRT-2, while the Senate-Dep Ed. and FTI stations in Taguig and Parañaque will connect to the North-South Commuter Railway lines.

Originally, partial operations of the Metro Manila Subway were scheduled to begin in 2021. As with most extensive infrastructure endeavors, our government has faced unforeseen challenges that led to time setbacks. As shared by Quezon City 1^st District Rep. Arjo Atayde last May 2023, the projected timeline for the completion and commencement of full operations for two subway stations, namely Quezon Avenue and East Avenue, is set for the year 2028. Furthermore, Inquirer.net reported that DOTr Assistant Secretary Joriette Aquino said in a press conference that the new timeline for full operations is in 2029. According to a report by Inquirer.net, Kazuyo Osako, the chair of the joint venture entity, expressed confidence in the project’s progress, assuring that each tunnel would be completed within a year. (Laurel, 2022)

Metro Manila Subway as a catalyst for progress

As the Philippines gears up to welcome its first mega subway, the nation eagerly awaits the transformation it will bring – streamlined commutes, reduced travel times, and a more connected capital region.

Notably, the development of the Metro Manila subway also holds great promise for the residents of Valenzuela and Pasay. With the subway station traversing Valenzuela as the first stop and Senate-Dep. Ed in Pasay as the 14th station, residents will enjoy enhanced connectivity within the city and to key destinations along the subway line, including Ortigas City, Bonifacio Global City, and NAIA Terminal 3. This connectivity opens up a world of employment, business, and leisure opportunities, making Valenzuela and Pasay poised to become even more attractive and strategic for professionals seeking easy access to job centers and economic hubs in Metro Manila.

Valenzuela is home to several educational institutions. The Metro Manila subway’s connectivity allows students and parents to easily access these schools, ensuring a convenient and reliable mode of transportation for students pursuing their education in Valenzuela. In addition to educational facilities, Valenzuela residents can easily access shopping centers, entertainment venues, restaurants, and other leisure opportunities located along the subway line, adding convenience and enriching their quality of life.

In the case of Pasay, the already well-developed city will further benefit from connectivity as it will enjoy easier access to central business districts, including Ortigas and BGC allowing them to tap into a wider range of job opportunities and economic activities. This accessibility boost also makes Valenzuela and Pasay attractive prospects for property investment, with developments such as Moldex Residences Valenzuela and Grand View Tower in Pasay offering excellent opportunities for those seeking to get the most out of the subway’s arrival.

Every day, the dream of an efficient and modern transportation system becomes closer to reality. As we eagerly await the subway’s completion, the transformative impact it will bring is set to reshape the landscape of transportation in the Philippines for generations to come.

SOURCES

Sarao, Z. ( 2023, July 10 ). Inquirer.Net. Retrieved August 17, 2023, from Metro Manila Subway to be fully operational in six years – DOTr: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1799649/metro-manila-subway-to-be-fully-operational-in-six-years-dotr#ixzz8AbV7zFWu

Cordero, T. (2023, January 19). GMA News Online. Retrieved June 20, 2023, from Philippines, JICA working on next tranches of financing for Metro Manila Subway project: https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/economy/857989/philippines-jica-working-on-next-tranches-of-financing-for-metro-manila-subway-project/story/

Jane Bautista, J. A. (2023, January 10). Inquirer.Net. Retrieved June 20, 2023, from Metro Manila Subway construction begins: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1714541/metro-manila-subway-construction-begins

Laurel, D. (2022, October 3). Top Gear. Retrieved June 20, 2023, from Everything you need to know about the Metro Manila Subway: https://www.topgear.com.ph/features/feature-articles/metro-manila-subway-2023-a962-20221003

Subingsubing, K. (2019, February 28). Inquirer.Net. Retrieved June 20, 2023, from Metro Manila Subway project finally gets underway: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1090594/metro-manila-subway-project-finally-gets-underway

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Moldex Realty is one of the pioneering real estate developers in the country and has been in the industry for three decades. It has established a strong presence in the real estate arena through the development of more than 30 residential subdivisions and condominiums strategically located in the north, heart and south of Manila. Since the beginning, Moldex Realty’s vision was very clear — every Filipino family deserves a life of value, comfort, convenience and quality.