The Government of Japan has approved loans worth PHP156 billion for two big-ticket transport projects in the Philippines. This includes the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Clark Extension project for which the second tranche of the loan worth PHP111.87 billion was signed as well as the NSCR Phase 1 project from Malolos to Tutuban for which funding of PHP44.34 billion was approved.
The two governments have also agreed to expand the scope of public-private partnerships (PPP) for infrastructure projects including, bridges and roads.
The Malolos-Tutuban and the Clark Extension are part of the 147-km-long NSCR connecting Metro Manila to Pampanga and Laguna. Both the 38-km-long Malalos-Manila section and the 53-km-long Clark extension are expected to open to passenger traffic in 2024.
