The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is accelerating construction efforts on the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP), aiming to meet President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s target of partial operation by the end of his term in 2028.
Speaking during the Post-State of the Nation Address (SONA) forum held in San Juan City, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon reaffirmed that while the subway’s full completion is set for 2032, the agency plans to deliver at least a few functioning stations much earlier.
“So the subway, the whole line, is 2032, that is our target. But we want to finish at least two to three stations by 2028 and that is starting from Valenzuela, Quirino and hopefully even North,” Dizon said.
President Marcos had earlier expressed confidence that the initial three stations would be ready to serve commuters by 2028.
“We want to do the partial ops but we are discussing that with the Japanese,” Dizon added, referring to the project’s key international partners.
The Metro Manila Subway is envisioned to span 33 kilometers from Valenzuela City to Pasay City, with a spur line reaching the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. It will feature 17 stations and a 30.34-hectare depot that also houses the Philippine Railway Institute.
The planned stations include: Valenzuela, Quirino Highway, Tandang Sora, North Avenue, Quezon Avenue, East Avenue, Anonas, Katipunan (Camp Aguinaldo), Ortigas Avenue, Shaw Boulevard, Kalayaan Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Lawton East, Senate-DepEd, NAIA Terminal 3, FTI, and Bicutan.
Earlier in the day, Dizon joined Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto for an inspection of the Ortigas Station—currently the only major unresolved right-of-way issue affecting the project.
“Ngayon nagsama-sama kami dito para maghanap ng solusyon,” Dizon said. “Hopefully, after a few weeks, we will finally start construction.”
Mayor Sotto expressed optimism about the project’s progress, saying the local government is aligned with DOTr’s efforts.
“Nakikita namin umaandar na lahat, at ‘yung mga natitirang problema naaayos na,” Sotto remarked.
The MMSP is part of the Marcos administration’s flagship infrastructure program and is considered a crucial component in easing Metro Manila’s worsening traffic congestion. Once completed, the subway is expected to serve over 370,000 passengers daily.
