Japan firms commit support to Philippines transport projects

MANILA, Philippines — Japanese companies have committed to support various transport projects and programs in the country, according to the Department of Transportation, following a series of meetings in Tokyo.

The DOTr said Marubeni Corp. gave a letter of intent to support Philippine maritime projects, wherein the company together with Japan Marine United Corp. committed to aid in the development of the Philippines’ maritime safety capability, through provision of maritime expertise, particularly on the design and construction of ships.

The agency said Toyota Motor Corp., for its part, is looking into the possibility of participating in the government’s Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.

Toyota was invited to join the roll-out of premium taxi fleets in the country, the amended guidelines of which were released this month.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade also met with officials from Taisei Corp. and D.M. Consunji Inc. and urged them to fasttrack the completion of the PNR Clark Phase 1 project.

Tugade pushed Taisei and DMCI to accelerate the target date of completion of PNR Clark Phase 1 from 2022 to the last quarter of 2021.

Once the rail segment is operational, travel time from Manila to Bulacan will be reduced from one hour and 30 minutes to just 35 minutes. It is expected to accommodate 300,000 passengers daily.

Tugade also met with officials from Sumitomo Corp. to discuss status updates on the MRT-3 rehabilitation and maintenance project.

According to the agency, Sumitomo has ordered major parts and components for the MRT-3, and negotiated with its suppliers for faster delivery.

The DOTr said light rail vehicle parts would arrive in July, while tracks and signaling components are set to be delivered in August.

“Armed with the expertise of our Japanese partners, we are working double time to deliver our projects so that Filipinos can experience a comfortable life through enhanced mobility and connectivity,” Tugade said.