Millions of Filipino commuters could gain faster, safer, and greener travel as the Philippines strengthens ASEAN cooperation for rail projects designed to improve daily travel.
Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez championed the country’s rail expansion during ASEAN RailCon 2026, a Philippines-led conference held from June 18 to 19 through the Department of Transportation – Philippines and the Philippine Railways Institute, with Asian Development Bank support.
Lopez urged ASEAN partners to keep supporting the North-South Commuter Railway, the Metro Manila Subway Project, MRT-7, and other railway developments. These projects aim to build a more connected rail system for Metro Manila and communities that use public transport.
“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.
Lopez also highlighted the Philippine Railways Institute as a key driver of the railway buildup. The institute will train personnel who can support safer operations, stronger maintenance, and future-ready rail services as the network expands.
ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General Satvinder Singh identified sustainability, resilience, digital innovation, safety standards, long-term investments, and workforce development as priorities for regional rail systems.
“Rail transport offers a strategic path towards sustainable growth while enhancing connectivity and providing a more inclusive future,” Singh said.
ADB Philippines Country Director Andrew Jeffries cited the bank’s long-standing partnership with the Philippines in revitalizing and expanding rail infrastructure over the past decade.
Jeffries said the projects under development should provide faster, safer, more reliable, and environmentally sustainable transport options for millions of commuters once fully operational.
For the Philippines, stronger ASEAN cooperation can help turn rail plans into working systems that support mobility, jobs, investment, and better travel.
