INFRASTRUCTURE, I’ve been saying here all this time, is a key component that could tremendously help ease traffic in the metropolis. Add to that the distinctive dimension that infra projects can provide countless comfort on passengers, both on land and air. Well, include sea travel, as well.
On land, the building of more roads, if not downright road-widening schemes and, yes, add that crucial mega magic infra: more trains, if not a super subway, too.
On air matters is the need to expand, modernize airports to make them serve the public better, doing away with cramped landing areas and lounges, not only in Metro Manila, but all around the archipelago’s air-serving structures, as well.
On sea concerns, what could be a more attractive and, therefore, comfortable place than a marina bathed in pro-people waiting areas that will seamlessly ensure safe and relaxing stay while waiting for one’s ferry, boat or ship set to sail.
Common train station
JUST last week, an infrastructure milestone has been infused into the nation’s consciousness. It is an act that rewrote history from Jurassic to futuristic.
I refer to the signing of a magnificent agreement aimed at ensuring the construction of a common train station at North Avenue and Edsa, Quezon City that will connect the light rail transit Line 1, Manila Metro Rail Transit System line 3 and the MRT line 7. The MRT line 7 is now undergoing construction.
Once this major infra project is completed—hopefully, by 2019—some 40,000 commuters will reap the benefit of hassle-free travel in practically all of Metro Manila occasioned by the triple connection of all three main train systems in the metropolis. Travel will be a breeze as train passengers can transfer from one railway station to another with the ease of combing one’s hair.
OK, some definitions.
LRT 1 traverses the entire stretch of Rizal and Taft Avenues, starting in Monumento in Caloocan all the way to Pasay City, not far from Baclaran. Some years back, this was extended to link up with the end of MRT 3 on North Avenue in Quezon City, extending to Makati and ending at Taft.
And what about MRT 7?
This is the new kid in town insofar as the nation’s train system is concerned. To be solely financed and built by San Miguel Corp. (SMC), the MRT 7 traverses from North Avenue in Edsa all the way to San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan. The target of completion is 2020. Knowing SMC’s track record on deadlines—the Tarlac–Pangasinan–La Union Expressway is just one screaming example—the MRT 7 will be off and running four years from now.
Heroes galore
IT is, therefore, worth mentioning here the people who played crucial roles in the signing of the deal to construct the common station at North Avenue and Edsa. They are Hans Sy of SM, Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala of Ayala Corp., Metro Pacific Investments Corp. chief Manny V. Pangilinan and SMC boss Ramon S. Ang.
Shelved for eight years due to property rights (initially won by SM) that triggered a suit, flying all the way to the Supreme Court for resolution, the common train station project will cost the government at least P2.8 billion as back-up logistics to the entire multibillion-peso project.
House Speaker Pantaleon D. Alvarez has threatened to investigate the P2.8-B expenditure, calling it “too costly” for the government.
But to me, I think an investigation is uncalled for. After all, the project will redound to the benefit of the riding public, a profoundly admirable reason that is second to none when it comes to anything done for the common good.
But the biggest, loudest applause should easily go to Arthur P. Tugade, the transportation secretary who made the signing summit possible. The Clark turnaround hero that he is known for, Tugade’s coup de grâce easily ranks as the first major victory in 2017 for the Duterte administration.
Such diverse minds herded into the boardroom by Tugade, with an agenda that to many wouldn’t dare touch with a 10-foot pole, is something unimaginable. But knowing the guy, nothing’s impossible.
Take a bow, Art.
PEE STOP Cheers to Jose Ariel Arias, who is now president of Toyota Makati, while, at the same time, also holding top positions at Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) and Lexus Manila Inc. Jing Atienza is back at TMP’s marketing division after tours of duty at Toyota Santa Rosa and, yes, Toyota Makati…Global Calauag members will hold their Gala Night Reunion at Novotel Hotel Grand Ballroom on February 11 under the auspices of National Association of Calauagenians (NACS). Distinguished sons and daughter of Calauag, Quezon, now based in Canada, and in Europe, like London, Rome, Ireland and Norway, in Asia and in the US are flying in for the occasion held for the benefit of NACS’ Feeding Program in Calauag now on its sixth straight year. Working round the clock to ensure a hitch-free Grand Party on February 11 are Milette Earnshaw, Susan Ong, Mary Ann Entienza, Joy Ramos, Baby Canton, Lloyds Lupangosy, Loida Juta, Rachel Vargas, Liza Batao Vito, May Eudela, Osang Marudo, Connie Quevedo and Sol F. Juvida.
Image credits: youtube.com, spin.ph, philnews.com