Japanese train operator East Japan Railway Company (JR East) has offered to maintain and operate the railways of the state-owned Philippine National Railways, according to the Department of Trade and Industry in its recent meeting with the firm’s top executives recently in Tokyo.

The offer from the Japanese firm comes in line with the direction of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s policy to give priority to the expansion and modernization of the train system.

Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque told JR East executives in their meeting last 4 March that the government’s commitment to attracting investments, particularly in the railway industry, highlights the crucial role of connectivity across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao in driving national development.

Central to the discussion were JR East’s insights into traffic management, the significance of comprehensive railway maintenance, and potential partnerships to optimize rail infrastructure.

Represented by Director General Shunzo Miyake and Deputy Director Toshiyuki Matsuda, JR East shared insights from their successful railway project in Bangkok.

Comfortable and reliable train systems can encourage commuters to shift from private vehicles, thereby reducing congestion, as the JR East executives stressed the light rail transit and Metro Rail Transit 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 the Japan International Cooperation Agency, to optimize Japanese Official Development Assistance on the Philippine railway.

The collaboration will involve joint research and feasibility studies to support government initiatives.