The Philippines is calling on ASEAN partners, investors, and development institutions to support its mass rail transit expansion, positioning the initiative as central to sustaining national development and improving mobility for Filipinos.
During the ASEAN RailCon 2026 held at the Asian Development Bank (Asian Development Bank) headquarters, Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez underscored the importance of regional cooperation in accelerating the delivery of the country’s major railway projects.
He said collaboration with ASEAN partners would significantly speed up the construction and completion of multi-billion-dollar infrastructure projects, including the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP), and MRT-7.
“With these game-changing projects, we can transform the entire landscape of Philippine Transportation. To achieve this, we would need help and collaboration from our partners and friends from ASEAN countries,” Lopez said.
He added that the Philippines remains committed to working closely with regional partners and development institutions to build a “highly efficient, expansive and well-integrated rail system” that supports sustainable growth and improves public welfare.
Lopez also highlighted the role of the Philippine Railways Institute in ensuring that rail systems are operated by competent, safety-oriented, and future-ready professionals.
ASEAN Economic Community Deputy Secretary-General Satvinder Singh, for his part, emphasized key priorities for regional rail development, including sustainability and resilience, innovation and digital transformation, safety standards, long-term investment, and human resource development.
“Rail transport offers a kind of strategic path towards sustainable growth while at the same time enhancing connectivity and also providing us a much more better inclusive future,” Singh said.
Asian Development Bank Philippines Country Director Andrew Jeffries highlighted the institution’s partnership with the Philippines through the Department of Transportation in advancing rail modernization efforts over the past decade.
He said the expanded rail network is expected to deliver faster, safer, more affordable, and greener transport options once fully operational, benefiting millions of commuters across the country.