By Lynda Myer
With commissioning of the first TBM, the tunneling process has been started on the Philippines’ first subway system on 9 January 2023.
Including a 17-station railway, the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) is a 33 km project and is due to halve the travel time between Quezon City and Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Being called dubbed Project of the Century, funding of this project is up to Japan and scheduled for completion in 2027.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, operations on this project which were due to be commenced in early 2019, were delayed. Also, the TBM is the first of six Japanese machines that will be used for the Metro Manila Subway project.
Emphasizing on his commitment to infrastructure investment, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr at the TBM launch said: “Let the launching of this tunnel boring machine become a testament to this administration’s commitment to continue the projects of the previous administration and – more importantly – build better more.”
He also added: “We will continue to invest and improve on our transportation systems as well as to pursue more projects in the years to come so that Filipinos can gain greater access to places of work, commerce recreation, and other vital areas.”
