The Economy and Development Council, chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., has approved a variation order for the LRT-1 South Extension Project, clearing a key requirement for the continued development of the Unified Grand Central Station, or Common Station.
The approval was made during the Council’s 10th meeting on July 7, 2026, and moves forward works on what is expected to become the country’s largest rail interchange.
The Common Station will link LRT-1, MRT-3, and MRT-7, and later connect with the Metro Manila Subway. Once operational, it is expected to serve as a major hub in the government’s push for a more integrated mass transport network.
“This is a key step toward an integrated transport system that will improve the daily travel experience for thousands of Filipinos, helping them reach jobs, schools, services and opportunities faster and more conveniently,” Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said.
The approved variation order covers station completion works, viaduct works, railway systems, signaling, and the integration of the Automatic Fare Collection System.
Works for the interim operations of the Common Station are expected to be completed by March 2028.
The Council also approved the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s Boosting Employability in Strategic Technical and Vocational Education and Training Sectors project for official development assistance loan financing.
The ₱15.76-billion BEST project seeks to widen access to quality technical and vocational education and training programs, increase certification rates, and strengthen workforce readiness in high-demand sectors such as information and communications technology, manufacturing, construction, and agri-fishery.
“As we aim to sustain our upper-middle-income status, one critical aspect is to ensure that we equip Filipinos with the skills aligned with the needs of high-quality jobs. We will maximize this project to build our competitive workforce moving forward,” Balisacan said.
The Council likewise approved the Department of Energy’s ₱10.07-billion Philippine Geothermal Resource Derisking Facility project, which aims to reduce investment risks in geothermal exploration and development.
It also cleared the Philippine Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Master Plan 2026–2033 of the Department of Information and Communications Technology.
The AI infrastructure roadmap seeks to position the Philippines as a regional hub for artificial intelligence infrastructure and innovation.
The Council also approved revisions to the Philippine Seismic Risk Reduction and Resilience Project, which aims to improve the safety and resilience of selected public school buildings in Metro Manila.
“Together, these initiatives strengthen the foundations of long-term growth by improving connectivity, developing human capital, enhancing clean energy, disaster resilience and advancing digital transformation,” Balisacan said.