“The Philippines is at a turning point in its infrastructure development. President Marcos has made it clear: the expansion and modernization of our railway system is a priority,” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque underscored during her meeting with the executives of East Japan Railway Company (JR East) recently.
Roque emphasized the Philippine government’s commitment to attracting investments in diverse sectors, particularly in the railway industry.
The trade chief highlighted the crucial role of connectivity across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao in driving national development.
Central to the discussion were JR East’s insights in traffic management, the significance of comprehensive railway maintenance, and potential partnerships to optimize Philippine railway infrastructure.
“Comfortable and reliable train systems can encourage commuters to shift from private vehicles.”
Represented by Company Director General Shunzo Miyake and Deputy Director Toshiyuki Matsuda, JR East shared insights from their successful railway project in Bangkok. They established how comfortable and reliable train systems can encourage commuters to shift from private vehicles, thereby reducing congestion. They also stressed the LRT and MRT lines of Manila will significantly benefit from enhanced railway operations maintenance.
Furthermore, the railway company highlighted the value of leveraging active partnerships with entities such as Japan International Cooperation Agency, to optimize Japanese Official Development Assistance on Philippine railway. This collaboration will involve joint research and feasibility studies to support Philippine government initiatives.
The discussions between DTI and JR East have reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to advancing its railway infrastructure as a key driver of economic growth and national connectivity. By partnering with JR East, the Philippines seeks to accelerate the development of a reliable, efficient, and sustainable transport system that will fuel economic progress.
“We welcome JR East’s interest in the operation and maintenance of the Philippines’ railway systems. With its proven expertise and track record in delivering world-class transport solutions, JR East is in a prime position to drive efficiency, reliability, and long-term sustainability in our rail sector,” Roque affirmed.
“This opportunity is a call to action to set new benchmarks for railway excellence in the Philippines. We commit to fully explore this potential with JR East and become a key player in shaping the future of our transportation network,” the trade head added.
“Strengthening our ties with leading global players like JR East ensures that our investments in the railway sector translate into real economic gains for businesses and communities.”
“Our commitment to facilitating high-impact collaborations that support the Philippines’ push for industrialization and infrastructure modernization aligns with the DTI’s broader goals. Strengthening our ties with leading global players like JR East ensures that our investments in the railway sector translate into real economic gains for businesses and communities,” Special Trade Representative Dita Angara-Mathay explained.
Established in 1987, JR East, Japan’s largest passenger railway operator, expressed commitment to supporting the Marcos administration’s goal of completing key railway projects before 2028.
This partnership signifies a major step towards realizing a modernized, efficient, and sustainable railway network in the Philippines, fostering economic growth and improved connectivity for all Filipinos.
