Japanese firm East Japan Railway Company (JR East) is bullish on the maintenance and operation of the Philippine railway system, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in its recent meeting with the firm’s top executives in Tokyo.

The offer from the Japanese firm aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive that the Philippines is at a turning point in its infrastructure development, emphasizing the expansion and modernization of the country’s railway system as a priority.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque told JR East executives during their meeting on 4 March that the Philippine government remains committed to attracting investments in various sectors, particularly the railway industry. She highlighted the crucial role of connectivity across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao in driving national development.

Central to the discussion were JR East’s insights on traffic management, the importance of comprehensive railway maintenance, and potential partnerships to optimize Philippine railway infrastructure.

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

They emphasized how efficient and reliable train systems encourage commuters to shift from private vehicles, thereby reducing congestion. They noted that Metro Manila’s LRT and MRT lines could significantly benefit from improved railway operations and maintenance.

Furthermore, the railway company stressed the importance of leveraging partnerships with entities such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to optimize Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) for Philippine railway development.

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

Discussions between DTI and JR East 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 aims 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,” Secretary 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 chief added.

“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 said.

Established in 1987, JR East, Japan's largest passenger railway operator, has committed to supporting the Marcos administration’s goal of completing key railway projects before 2028. This partnership marks a major step toward realizing a modernized, efficient, and sustainable railway network in the Philippines, fostering economic growth and improved connectivity for all Filipinos.