Tunnel Breakthrough Signals a Milestone for MMSP

The Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) marks another construction milestone as the Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) reached Quezon Avenue Station from North Avenue Station. This milestone demonstrates the steady progress of the country's transformative transport project.

On September 23, H.E. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited the breakthrough site at Quezon Avenue Station, together with DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez, Embassy of Japan Chargé d’ Affaires ONO Sho, JICA Chief Representative BABA Takashi, and representatives of the Nishimatsu Construction-DMCI Joint Venture. During the visit, the President inspected the tunnel 35-meters underground, the TBM arrival shaft, and received a briefing on the MMSP progress. The construction of the stations and the related tunnels under CP102 is being undertaken by the Nishimatsu Construction-DCMI Joint Venture.

The tunnel breakthrough under Contract Package 102 (CP102) and the September 19 groundbreaking ceremony for the NAIA Terminal 3 Station under Contract Package 109 (CP109), represent steady progress towards the completion of the Philippines' first subway and the strong coordination and cooperation among DOTr, JICA and relevant stakeholders.

Once completed, the Metro Manila Subway Project will serve passengers, reducing travel time from Valenzuela to Parañaque to 46 minutes. It will link to LRT Lines 1 and 2, as well as MRT Line 3. The MMSP with its 17 stations will connect 6 cities of Metro Manila and will play a critical role in promoting a modal shift from private vehicles to public mass transit. The addition of this mode of transportation translates to shorter and safer commutes, easier access to jobs, schools, and essential services.

As Japan and the Philippines mark 70 years of friendship, the tunnel breakthrough further demonstrates JICA's sustained commitment to deliver high-quality, safe, and reliable transport systems.