05 August 2015 - Secretary Albert F. del Rosario received a pledge for a JPY 240 billion loan (or US$2 billion) ODA package for the North-South Commuter Rail (NSCR) Project, Phase 1 during a meeting with Japan State Minister for Foreign Affairs Minoru Kiuchi on August 05 on the sidelines of the ASEAN Ministerial and Related Meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The pledge follows the commitment of the Japanese government in firming up its cooperation with the Philippines for the said project as part of the PH-JP “Cooperation Roadmap for Quality Infrastructure Development in the Transport Sector in Metropolitan Manila Area,” which was agreed upon during President Benigno S. Aquino III’s State Visit to Japan last 02-05 June 2015.
The North-South Commuter Rail (NSCR) Project, Phase 1 is poised to be the single-biggest ODA yen loan package (US$2 billion) to date that Japan has given any development partner. The NSCR, which the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) will implement, involves the construction of a 36.7-kilometer narrow-gauge elevated commuter railway from Malolos to Tutuban.
Secretary del Rosario and State Foreign Minister Kiuchi additionally discussed planned initiatives for closer security cooperation, including the acceleration of discussion for an agreement on the transfer of defense equipment and technology. Secretary del Rosario also expressed appreciation for Japan’s continuing support for the Mindanao Peace Process including through the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiative for Reconstruction Development (J-BIRD II) project.
They also exchanged views on the regional and international situation, including maritime security, and reiterated the need for the rule of law and the peaceful settlement of disputes. END