JICA lends P8.2-B for MRT-3 rehabilitation

The Department of Finance (DOF) has secured funding for the rehabilitation of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) through a ₱8.2 billion loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the agency said.

The third tranche of the financing agreement will be used to restore the train system to its original condition, improve performance, and prepare for future expansion by repairing and upgrading critical components.

“For the Filipinos, this means three important things: First, it means fewer delays. Second, it means shorter waiting times. Third, it means a more comfortable and predictable ride to work, to school, and back home to family,” Finance Secretary Frederick Go said during the signing ceremony last week.

The rehabilitation covers all parts of the system, including tracks, signals, power supply, overhead lines, communications, and station and maintenance equipment. It also includes a transition to four-car trains, adding space for 394 more passengers per train to reduce waiting times during peak hours.

JICA Chief Representative Baba Takashi said the financing agreement “is a testament to the stakes of our vital partnership and shared commitment to delivering safe, efficient, and high-quality infrastructure transportation for the people of the Philippines.”