The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Government of Philippines signed a loan agreement for the first phase of Metro Manila subway project.

JPY 253.3 billion (USD 2.2 billion) is the value of the Japanese financing which will support the construction of 27 km metro line served by 15 underground stations.

The loan will be used for the construction of the stations, the underground tunnels between stations, a train depot and other public works. 

The first phase covers the construction of a 25.3 km metro line connecting North and South of Manila running from Mindanao Avenue in Valenzuela City through the FTI in Taguig City and end at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Paranaque City. The main construction works started in December 2019 and are expected to be completed in 2025.

Metro Manila subway network is the first underground transport system in the Philippines. When completed in 2027, the metro system will accommodate up to 370,000 passengers per day in the first operational year and will answer increasing mobility needs while alleviating serious traffic congestion in Metro Manila.