The Philippine government is on track in pursuing key infrastructure projects that would help solve traffic woes in Metro Manila, President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said Thursday.

The Chief Executive made the remark as he led the ceremonial signing of the Metro Manila Subway Project contract packages 102 and 103 in Malacañang Palace.

"The signing of these contract packages is a clear demonstration of this administration's commitment to pursuing big infrastructure projects that will foster growth and revitalize the economy," Marcos said in his speech.

The large-scale project, he said, would reduce the "terrible stories we hear" from those who come home late due to heavy traffic, empathizing with the daily plight of commuters.

"We hope to reduce the terrible sight of watching — of going home at midnight along EDSA and still seeing people waiting to take the bus. That is the advantage of what the subway will bring," he said.

"We will reduce the terrible stories that we hear of people who no longer see their children because they come home at 1:30 in the morning and the children are asleep. They have to wake up at four o'clock in the morning to get back on the bus to fight with the traffic coming back to work. And that the subway and all our public transport systems will be able to help and to remedy," he added.

Marcos disclosed his administration will continue to pursue other key railway projects, such as the Metro Rail Transit 7 or MRT-7, the Light Rail Transit 1 Cavite Extension, and the Philippine National Railway-Clark phases 1 and 2.

He expressed the belief that this would make the country's rail transit system a more viable option for Filipino commuters.

"We owe it to the Filipino people to build major roads and critical infrastructure that will not only spur progress and social change but also promote interconnectivity, ease traffic, and reduce their travel time," he said.

JICA funding

Marcos thanked the Japanese government for partnering with the Philippines in its infrastructure project expected to benefit more than half a million passengers per day. The Japan International Cooperation Agency provided financial support for its construction.

"I thank the Government of Japan for partnering with the Philippines in pursuing this important infrastructure development project. The world recognizes Japan for having a very efficient rail transport system, which the Philippines aspires to one day emulate," he said.

"We thank you for your continued support and I hope to further advance our cooperation in other areas for the mutual benefit of our peoples," he added.

The President expressed the Philippine government's commitment to maximizing its resources to pursue even more ambitious endeavors that will bring comfort and progress to Filipinos.

"I thank the JICA who has been supporting the development of the Philippines for the last 50 years. And I do not believe, especially in terms of our infrastructure projects and even in our agricultural projects, that we would have come this far without the help of JICA along the way. And it has been instrumental, it has been material, and we have many possible future projects that may be in the pipeline," he pointed out.

The President also acknowledged the Nishimatsu-DMCI Joint Venture and Sumitomo Mitsui Construction for working closely with the Department of Transportation in ensuring the completion of the contract packages.

The MMSP contract packages 102 and 103 will cover the construction of stations and tunnels along Quezon Avenue, East Avenue, Anonas, and Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Once completed, the flagship project will significantly reduce travel time between Quezon City and Pasay City from 1 hour and 30 minutes to just 35 minutes.

It is also projected to benefit more than half a million passengers a day from Valenzuela City to Parañaque City.

Aside from the ease of transport system, the project is seen to generate thousands of jobs and opportunities for Filipinos.