Japan allots P22.7 billion for air defense, MRT-3 rehab

MANILA, Philippines — The government of Japan has provided P22.7 billion worth of aid to the Philippines to enhance the country’s air defense capabilities and rehabilitate the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

DFA Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Japanese Ambassador Koji Haneda signed the Exchange of Notes on Japan’s donation of P5 billion worth of spare parts for UH-1H helicopters and maintenance equipment to the Philippine Air Force and the MRT-3 rehabilitation.

These UH-1H helicopters are used for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, transport, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance by the PAF.

The signing of the exchange of notes means that the details of the project and financing arrangement have been ironed out. It comes before the actual signing of agreements.

The signing of the loan agreement will be held today at the Department of Finance. 

Meanwhile, a P17.79-billion grant will be used to restore the MRT-3’s design capacity and reliability, the general overhaul of the entire fleet of 72 Light Rail Vehicles and day-to-day maintenance.

The loan will cover the rehabilitation of trains, power supply system, overhead catenary system, radio system, closed-circuit television system, public address system, signalling system, rail tracks, road rail vehicles, depot equipment, elevators and escalators and other station-building equipment. 

The MRT-3 project is expected to last 43 months, with the initial rehabilitation stage expected to be completed in the first 26 months and the general overhaul to be completed by the 43rd month.

 Japan is the Philippines’ top source of its official development assistance or ODA.

“Throughout the years, Japan has vigorously and unfailingly supported the priorities of the Philippine government for the well-being of the Filipino people – and in particular through economic and development assistance as well as in enhancing our defense and security capabilities,” Locsin said in his remarks after the signing.