The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Embassy of Japan have signed the Exchange of Notes for the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) Rehabilitation Project today, 07 November 2018.
DFA Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. and Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines Koji Haneda signed the Exchange of Notes, which was witnessed by Department of Transportation (DOTr) Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan along with officials from the DFA, DOF, the Embassy of Japan, and JICA.
“I am delighted that the Philippine government chose Japan as its partner to tackle the problems of the MRT-3, and along with it, ease the traffic congestion along EDSA, one of the most important traffic lines in Metro Manila. We all know that a safe and eco-friendly transportation system is crucial for the greater Manila area and the Philippines as a whole to realize sustainable economic growth and a more comfortable life for the Filipino,” Ambassador Haneda said.
The MRT-3 Rehabilitation Project involves the complete restoration of the MRT-3 back to its design capacity and reliability, covering among others the general overhaul of the MRT-3’s entire fleet of 72 Light Rail Vehicles (LRV) and day-to-day maintenance.
Under the Exchange of Notes, the 38 billion Japanese Yen or PhP18 billion loan facility will be used to cover investments for tracks replacement, general overhaul of trains, power supply system, overhead catenary system, CCTV system, radio and public address system, signaling system, road-rail vehicles, depot equipment, elevators and escalators, and other station building equipment.
The duration of the project will be 43 months, with the rehabilitation works to be completed in the first 26 months, and the general overhaul of the 72 LRVs to be completed in the 43rd month.
“With the Exchange of Notes for the MRT-3 rehabilitation, we secure a better and safer commuting experience for our riding public. We shall see improvements, service efficiency, security, and convenience,” Secretary Locsin said.
After the Exchange of Notes, the signing of the Loan Agreement for the MRT-3 Rehabilitation Project will ensue tomorrow, 08 November 2018.
“We are very happy with the partnership that we have with the Government of Japan, as they will be assisting us in bringing back the MRT-3 to its original condition as a high-grade infrastructure,” Usec. Batan said.