The government will "pursue grander" and "more ambitious" infrastructure projects under his administration, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. vowed on Monday.

Marcos made the promise during the groundbreaking rites for the construction of the Ortigas and Shaw Boulevard stations of the P17.7-billion Metro Manila Subway Project at the Metrowalk Commercial Complex in Pasig City.

"Let the breaking ground of this subway system signal our intention to the world to pursue even grander dreams and more ambitious endeavors that will bring comfort and progress to our people all over the country," Marcos said in his speech.

"Be assured that this administration will take the lead in identifying, pursuing, and implementing projects as part of the Build, Better, More Infrastructure Agenda that we have laid out," he added.

At the event, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said MMSP, the country's first underground railway system, will run from Valenzuela to Bicutan, or more than 33 kilometers, with 17 stations.

Bautista added it will reduce travel time from Valenzuela to Bicutan to just 45 minutes.

It will also reduce travel time between Quezon City and the Manila airport from one hour and 30 minutes to 35 minutes.

The Department of Transportation estimated that the multi-billion subway, once operational, can accommodate over 519,000 passengers a day.

Marcos is hopeful that the project would be completed on time so that the public may enjoy its benefits as early as 2025.

"Although it is a given that the construction of these structures will take time and cause disruption, let us be optimistic and just count these small inconveniences as a small price to pay for the fruitful results that this program, this project will yield," he said.

Following the construction works, road closures will take effect until 2028 and will cover the front section of Capitol Commons up to the corner of Shaw Boulevard.

For Marcos, improved linkages of key areas and business districts in Metro Manila will open more business opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors.

"As our people gain more time by cutting long hours of travel, they can now engage in more worthwhile and productive endeavors, making time for greater self-improvement or equally important spending quality time with their families," he said.

The Metro Manila Subway Contract Package 104 will be constructed through a joint venture between Tokyu Construction Co. Ltd., Tobishima Corp. and Megawide Construction Corp.

It is being constructed under the Official Development Assistance program funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

Joining Marcos at the event were Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa; JICA Chief Representative Takema Sakamoto; Senators Grace Poe, JV Ejercito and Mark Villar; and Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto.