THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) said it is closely coordinating with the Japanese government for the grant of Official Development Assistance (ODA) to help fast-track the completion of transport projects ahead of schedule.
“I hope this afternoon’s discussions will allow us to revise our timelines so our deadlines can be advanced. This can be achieved with the collaboration of every stakeholder,” DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said today during the agency’s third coordination meeting with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Bautista pointed out that continued talks with the Japanese government will help resolve contentious issues, including right-of-way.
The DOTr-JICA also held talks last week to discuss the progress of the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) and North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR).
“By moving forward, our efforts to improve airports, public utility vehicles and coast guard vessels should raise them to world-class standards,” he added.
Bautista said that with Japan providing cutting-edge technology to the country’s railway system, this would help hasten the Philippines’ railway renaissance.
“I have always said that leading-edge Japanese technology that distinguishes our rail projects reinforces the promise of transformed rail systems,” he said.
Yesterday, Bautista accompanied Department of Finance Secretary Ralph Recto and JICA officials in inspecting the progress of the Metro Manila Subway’s Valenzuela Depot.
As of January 2024, the country’s first-ever underground railway system’s overall progress rate is at 40 percent.