LRT 1 assured of 120 new cars

JAPAN International Cooperation Agency has donated 120 new rolling stocks for the Light Rail Transit  Line 1 to help decongest Metro Manila and enhance the business climate in the Philippines.

Jica on Monday announced that the Department of Transportation awarded the contract to supply the new rolling stocks to Mitsubishi Corp.

Mitsubishi will supply 120 cars or the equivalent of 30 train sets to LRT Line 1 beginning 2020 until 2022.

The project is part of Jica ‘s ODA loan for the “Capacity Enhancement of Mass Transit Systems in Metro Manila Project” that  aims to support   quality transport infrastructure in the Philippines to help sustain the country’s economic growth. 

“Through the project, Jica aims to support the Philippines in accommodating the growing demand for quality mass transport and job opportunities,” Jica Philippines chief representative Susumu Ito said.

“The present administration’s thrust to usher in a ‘golden age of infrastructure’ could also mean a ‘golden age for investments’ in the Philippines.’ With this, Jica hopes to   continue  contributing  to Philippine  economic  growth  in   a sustainable   way through infrastructure development,” Ito said.

The new LRT Line 1 rolling stocks will use Japanese technology and products while helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Once completed, the new rolling stocks can accommodate 1,388 passengers per train and more than double the number of running trains to the year 2222.

Jica has supported quality transport infrastructure in the Philippines since the ‘70s with 45 percent of its ODA loan portfolio channeled to supporting infrastructure even in the remotest areas.

The Philippines’  investments  in  transportation  infrastructure   are   now  in   the   works,   with   the approval recently of the Philippines’ first subway project to be assisted by Jica by the National Economic and Development Authority Board.

The Jica project noted that shifting from road-based transport to rail-based mass transit could help ease the worsening traffic situation in Metro Manila due to urbanization and population growth.     Metro Manila’s urban rail systems have been built since the mid-1980s and transport demand has also increased since.

Jica is   the   world’s   largest   bilateral   aid   agency   with   its   volume   of   cooperation amounting to about  US$21.2  billion  for  JFY 2015 and a worldwide network  of about 100 overseas offices including the Philippines.

Gov’t to buy new coaches, build new rails for MRT3 —Palace

The government is again expected to spend billions of pesos for the glitch-ridden Metro Rail Transit Line 3 as the Department of Transportation looks to build new rails, buy new coaches and a new signaling system, Malacañang said on Monday.

Presidential spokesman Secretary Harry Roque so announced even as the coaches bought in the latter years of the Aquino administration have yet to be used due to supposed incompatibility with the existing rails.

Glitches such as trip stoppages started under the Aquino administration but continue to hound the MRT3 under President Rodrigo Duterte.

"(Tugade) assured me. One, that they are going to procure a reliable maintenance contractor; two, they’re building new rails. They’re buying new train cars and new signaling system ‘no. They are in other words revamping almost completely the MRT,” Roque said.

“And meanwhile, there is a safety audit being conducted ‘no to ensure the safety of the riding public,” he added.

Asked about the government’s deadline on the MRT crisis, Roque said: “We’re crying for a solution and we’re crying for a quick solution and I’m sure that Secretary Tugade and Undersecretary Chavez are really taking all the necessary steps.”

Although President Rodrigo Duterte continues to trust Tugade, Roque indicated that the Chief Executive would not hesitate to remove officials he thinks should go.

“I will not speculate po ‘no. But I think the track record of the President speaks for itself. It does not matter if you’re closest to him. If he thinks you should go, you will go,” Roque said.

Aquino officials

Roque said that the previous officials who allowed the government to enter into a contract with Busan Universal Rail Inc. should be held liable for their actions.

The Department of Transportation earlier filed charges against the officials before the Ombdusman.

“We must stress that the great suffering of the riding public as result of the failure to deliver on the responsibilities of public office, such as the case of the current state of the MRT-3 system, carries consequences and that those accountable will be held liable,” Roque said.

“In the height of injustice that Filipino taxpayers have to pay P54 million per month, on top of a P1.8 billion fixed fee for other services, to an unworthy contractor incapable of delivering the reliable system,” he added.

He added that the legal processes of rescinding from a contract would not be easy for DOTr.

“You have to understand, this is also a legal quicksand with signed contracts,” Roque said.

“You see, the rule in obligations and contracts is although you can unilaterally rescind, you do so at the risk of being overruled by the courts,” he added. NB, GMA News

Mitsubishi Corporation Awarded Contract to Supply Rolling Stock for Manila LRT Line-1 in the Philippines

TOKYO, Nov, 20 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) is being awarded the contract to supply new rolling stock for Manila Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line-1 by the Department of Transportation of the Republic of the Philippines. The contract amount of approximately 30 billion yen is being funded under a Japanese ODA Loan Agreement signed between the governments of Japan and the Philippines. MC will supply rolling stock manufactured by Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, S.A. (CAF), Spain's largest rolling stock manufacturer, while equipment installed on the rolling stock will adopt Japanese technology and products. A total of 120 cars (or 30 train sets) will be supplied over a period from the end of 2020 to the beginning of 2022.

LRT Line-1 is a 20-kilometer elevated metro line connecting north and south Metro Manila, with a 12-kilometer extension further South to Cavite Province now under construction. Around these areas, there has been increasing passenger traffic due to the development of the city. The rolling stock to be supplied by MC will enhance the capacity of the LRT to accommodate increasing passenger numbers, and will contribute to reducing both traffic congestion and air pollution, which are particularly severe in Metro Manila.

CAF, which will manufacture the rolling stock for this project, is one of the largest rolling stock manufacturers in Europe. The company has established a credible supply record in other markets, including North, Central and South America and Asia and Oceania. MC and CAF have a longstanding relationship and have collaborated on a number of projects, including the supply of rolling stock for the Istanbul Metro in Turkey and the concession for the Canberra Light Rail Transit Project in Australia.

The need to address acute traffic congestion in metro Manila and spur economic activity in other regions has led to greater demand for improved infrastructure, with plans now afoot to extend existing transit lines and construct new ones. MC sees its involvement in railway infrastructure projects in the Philippines as an opportunity to contribute to economic growth and to improving quality of life in the country, while at the same time simultaneously generating economic value environmental value and societal value through our businesses.

GMAKF launches ‘Rebuild Marawi’

GMAKF helps rebuild Marawi

GMA Network’s socio-civic arm, GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF), has launched multi-platform efforts to raise funds for its plans to help rebuild Marawi City. The project is aptly dubbed “Rebuild Marawi.”

GMAKF also created a music video for the theme song of its project titled “Ibangon Ang Marawi” which was composed and sung by young residents of Marawi City. Written by Aslanie Malawi and recorded by 13-year-old Johanisah “Lovely” Racman, the song poignantly invites everyone to unite and help Marawi City rise again from the rubble.

GMA Network also recently organized its yearly painting contest called Art Gap 2017, featuring the works of GMA employees and talents – also to help Rebuild Marawi. The winning paintings for this year’s Art Gap, with the theme “Peace And Giving,” are featured in GMA Kapuso Foundation’s 2017 all season greeting card set.

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New ambassador

Kris Aquino, known as the “Queen Of All Media,” was launched recently as the newest brand ambassador for PLDT Home and Smart. The welcome event for Kris was held at the posh Shangri-La at the Fort.

PLDT FVP and Head of Home Business Marco Borlongan, said Kris will become a valuable addition to PLDT Home’s roster of celebrity ambassadors. “As we aggressively continue our efforts to reach and empower more Filipino families with our SmartHome suite of products and services, Kris Aquino’s endorsement will enable PLDT Home to reach unprecedented heights with her wide audience reach and online presence.”

On the other hand, Smart will enable “Digital Kris” as she navigates her lifestyle, businesses, social media and the fast-changing digital landscape powered by Smart’s LTE.

Oscar A. Reyes, PLDT-Smart FVP and head of Consumer Business for Market Development, said “We’re honored to have Kris as part of the PLDT and Smart families. I am confident that, together, we can really empower and inspire more Filipino families to build the strong Fest connections at home through world-class internet and technology.”

Other PLDT Home celebrity ambassadors include Pia Wurtzbach, Maxine Medina, Camille Prats, Bettina Carlos, John Prats and daughter Feather, Smart’s celebrity ambassadors Maine Mendoza and Alden Richards, James Reid and Nadine Lustre, Vic Sotto, Maja Salvador and Matteo Guidicelli.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Nov. 21, go to Rep. Toby Tiangco, Gabby Singson, Isabel Roces, Mandy Ochoa, Precy Ejercito, Tony Africa, Daisy Asuncion, Candy Untalan, Honor Ignacio, Nene Tiongco, Tintin Graham, Ma. Yllena Laurel, Monet Lu, Ejay Falcon, Miguel Carlos L. Mauban, Jan Enriquez and Karen Davila… Nov. 22: Chit Hechanova, Daryll Klintler, Shaira Mhey C. Nanad, Cecille Caballes Nicdao, Emmanuel Delano “Tu” Seva Rebaño, Babette Aquino-Benoit, Daryl Kintler, Louie Ysmael, Emmanuel Rebano, Atty. Ulysses Butuyan, Judith Belen, Danee Samonte, Ramon Tulfo, Theo Bernardos, Erika Padilla and Angeline Quinto…

CAF and Mitsubishi win Manila LRV contract

THE Philippines Department of Transportation has awarded Mitsubishi Corporation and CAF a €225m contract for 30 LRVs for Manila Light Rail Transit Authority’s Line LRT1.

The contract will be funded through an ODA loan from Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica), backed by the governments of Japan and the Philippines.

The 106m-long bi-directional LRVs will have 16 doors on each side and seats for 276 passengers. The 70km/h vehicles will be delivered between 2020 and 2022.

LRT 1 is currently being extended 11.7 km south from Baclaran via Manila International Airport to Niog, Bacoor City in Cavite province. The extension is due to open in 2021.

In February 2016, concessionaire Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) awarded Alstom and Bouygues Travaux Publics a €450m contract to modernize the existing 20.7 km north-south line from Roosevelt to Baclaran and equip the extension, which will increase the daily capacity of LRT 1 from 500,000 to 800,000 passengers.

Megaworld to develop Cavite business district

MEGAWORLD Corp. is planning to develop a Makati-inspired business district in City of General Trias, Cavite.

In a statement, the property firm of tycoon Andrew L. Tan said it is establishing the Maple Grove Commercial District within its 140-hectare township in City of General Trias.

Maple Grove Commercial District, which covers 35 hectares, offers 365 commercial lots ranging from 360 to 1,008 square meters (sq.m.). Megaworld said it is targeting P9 billion in sales from the commercial lots.

“Within the Maple Grove Commercial District, we are creating sub-districts that lead to a six-lane main avenue. The entire development will be surrounded with green and leisure parks and the streets, composed of secondary and service roads, will be interconnected in a way that everything becomes accessible wherever you come from,” Rachelle Peñaflorida, Megaworld vice president for sales and marketing, was quoted as saying in a statement.

Megaworld said the Maple Grove Commercial District will have seven parks, including a “Central Park.” It added that some buildings in the commercial district will feature rooftop gardens, vertical and indoor gardens, as well as lawns.

“We will be integrating skygardens on the rooftops of most buildings to be constructed. Other sustainability and green initiatives that may be integrated by lot owners into their developments will also be welcomed as we strive to make Maple Grove a ‘green city in the south,’” Ms. Peñaflorida said.

Megaworld expects to complete Maple Grove Commercial District by 2022. Lot owners will have to construct their buildings within five years from turnover.

Last year, the property firm said it is pouring P10 billion for the development of Maple Grove township, located 45 minutes away from Makati and other business districts in the National Capital Region via Coastal Road and Manila-Cavite Expressway. The new township will have a mix of residential, retail, office and institutional components.

Maple Grove is Megaworld’s fourth project in the booming Cavite-Batangas corridor, where the company has over 2,000 hectares of land.

The property giant reported its nine-month attributable profit stood at P9.98 billion, 11% higher than the P8.98 billion it delivered in the same period in 2016. Consolidated revenues for the first nine months rose 5% to P37.1 billion, driven by higher rental income.

Megaworld to develop Cavite business district

MEGAWORLD Corp. is planning to develop a Makati-inspired business district in City of General Trias, Cavite.

In a statement, the property firm of tycoon Andrew L. Tan said it is establishing the Maple Grove Commercial District within its 140-hectare township in City of General Trias.

Maple Grove Commercial District, which covers 35 hectares, offers 365 commercial lots ranging from 360 to 1,008 square meters (sq.m.). Megaworld said it is targeting P9 billion in sales from the commercial lots.

“Within the Maple Grove Commercial District, we are creating sub-districts that lead to a six-lane main avenue. The entire development will be surrounded with green and leisure parks and the streets, composed of secondary and service roads, will be interconnected in a way that everything becomes accessible wherever you come from,” Rachelle Peñaflorida, Megaworld vice president for sales and marketing, was quoted as saying in a statement.

Megaworld said the Maple Grove Commercial District will have seven parks, including a “Central Park.” It added that some buildings in the commercial district will feature rooftop gardens, vertical and indoor gardens, as well as lawns.

“We will be integrating skygardens on the rooftops of most buildings to be constructed. Other sustainability and green initiatives that may be integrated by lot owners into their developments will also be welcomed as we strive to make Maple Grove a ‘green city in the south,’” Ms. Peñaflorida said.

Megaworld expects to complete Maple Grove Commercial District by 2022. Lot owners will have to construct their buildings within five years from turnover.

Last year, the property firm said it is pouring P10 billion for the development of Maple Grove township, located 45 minutes away from Makati and other business districts in the National Capital Region via Coastal Road and Manila-Cavite Expressway. The new township will have a mix of residential, retail, office and institutional components.

Maple Grove is Megaworld’s fourth project in the booming Cavite-Batangas corridor, where the company has over 2,000 hectares of land.

The property giant reported its nine-month attributable profit stood at P9.98 billion, 11% higher than the P8.98 billion it delivered in the same period in 2016. Consolidated revenues for the first nine months rose 5% to P37.1 billion, driven by higher rental income.

Megaworld to develop Cavite business district

MEGAWORLD Corp. is planning to develop a Makati-inspired business district in City of General Trias, Cavite.

In a statement, the property firm of tycoon Andrew L. Tan said it is establishing the Maple Grove Commercial District within its 140-hectare township in City of General Trias.

Maple Grove Commercial District, which covers 35 hectares, offers 365 commercial lots ranging from 360 to 1,008 square meters (sq.m.). Megaworld said it is targeting P9 billion in sales from the commercial lots.

“Within the Maple Grove Commercial District, we are creating sub-districts that lead to a six-lane main avenue. The entire development will be surrounded with green and leisure parks and the streets, composed of secondary and service roads, will be interconnected in a way that everything becomes accessible wherever you come from,” Rachelle Peñaflorida, Megaworld vice president for sales and marketing, was quoted as saying in a statement.

Megaworld said the Maple Grove Commercial District will have seven parks, including a “Central Park.” It added that some buildings in the commercial district will feature rooftop gardens, vertical and indoor gardens, as well as lawns.

“We will be integrating skygardens on the rooftops of most buildings to be constructed. Other sustainability and green initiatives that may be integrated by lot owners into their developments will also be welcomed as we strive to make Maple Grove a ‘green city in the south,’” Ms. Peñaflorida said.

Megaworld expects to complete Maple Grove Commercial District by 2022. Lot owners will have to construct their buildings within five years from turnover.

Last year, the property firm said it is pouring P10 billion for the development of Maple Grove township, located 45 minutes away from Makati and other business districts in the National Capital Region via Coastal Road and Manila-Cavite Expressway. The new township will have a mix of residential, retail, office and institutional components.

Maple Grove is Megaworld’s fourth project in the booming Cavite-Batangas corridor, where the company has over 2,000 hectares of land.

The property giant reported its nine-month attributable profit stood at P9.98 billion, 11% higher than the P8.98 billion it delivered in the same period in 2016. Consolidated revenues for the first nine months rose 5% to P37.1 billion, driven by higher rental income.

Mitsubishi Corp bags LRT 1 train contract

Mitsubishi Corp. has won the contract to supply 120 cars – equivalent to 30 train sets – for the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) announced yesterday.

In a statement, Japan’s official development assistance (ODA) arm said the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is expected to award to Mitsubishi this week the contract for the supply of the new rolling stocks that would be carried out beginning 2020 until 2022.

The project is part of JICA’s ¥43.252 billion ODA loan for the “Capacity Enforcement of Mass Transit Systems in Metro Manila Project” that aims to support the upgrade of transportation infrastructure in the country.

In an announcement on its website, Mitsubishi Corp. said the contract for the supply of the new rolling stocks is approximately ¥30 billion. It will supply cars manufactured by Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles, S.A. (CAF), Spain’s largest rolling stock manufacturer, while equipment installed on the rolling stock will adopt Japanese technology and products.

Mitsubishi said CAF is one of the largest rolling stock manufacturer in Europe.

“MC and CAF have a longstanding relationship and have collaborated on a number of projects, including the supply of rolling stock for the Istanbul Metro in Turkey and the concession for the Canberra Light Rail Transit Project in Australia,” the firm said.

JICA said the new rolling stocks would also reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Once completed, the new cars of LRT Line 1 can accommodate 1,388 passengers per train and more than double the number of running trains to 222.

“Through the project, JICA aims to support the Philippines in accommodating growing demand for quality mass transport and job opportunities,” said Susumu Ito, JICA chief representative to the Philippines.

“The present administration’s thrust to usher in a ‘golden age of infrastructure’ could also mean a ‘golden age for investments’ in the Philippines.’ With this, JICA hopes to continue contributing to Philippine economic growth in a sustainable way through infrastructure development,” he added.

JICA said shifting from road-based transport to rail based mass transit could help ease the worsening traffic situation in Metro Manila due to urbanization and population growth.

Metro Manila’s urban rail systems—LRT Line 1, MRT Line 3, and LRT Line 2—which were built in the mid-1980s  are now incapable of servicing the current transport demand in the metro and surrounding areas.