By Othel V. Campos
The Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority signed a technical cooperation agreement to help the latter develop the areas in and around the railway stations being built by the Department of Transportation.
The railway sites are located within Fort Bonifacio and will serve as models of the Philippines’ Transit-Oriented Developments and prototypes of sustainable mixed-use communities with access to high-quality train systems.
“Our sincerest appreciation to JICA for its strong, unwavering support to the Philippines and for this TOD capacity enhancement project, which will help BCDA learn from Japan’s experience in efficient, fast, and reliable transportation system as well as gain more insights on urban development,” said BCDA president and chief executive Aileen Zosa.
Zosa and JICA Philippines chief representative Sakamoto Takema signed on March 21, 2023 the record of discussions for the capacity enhancement for the TOD Project, which is aimed at maximizing the potential of 2 major railway projects traversing BCDA properties in Metro Manila.
“The TOD will pave the way to further create business opportunities in and around railway stations. Consequently, the TOD can enhance the attractiveness of the Philippines to potential investors,” Sakamoto said.
The P500-billion Metro Manila Subway Project and the P800-billion North-South Commuter Railway are co-funded by the Japanese government.
BCDA will lead the development of TODs in and around 4 MMSP stations traversing Bonifacio Global City within the area of Market! Market, the proposed Senate-Department of Education station, Kalayaan Avenue and Lawton Avenue stations.
