The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Thursday it has begun demolition and fencing works at the Metrowalk property in Pasig City, clearing the way for the construction of the Ortigas Station of the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP).
The move follows a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to fast-track the project to ease daily commuting woes in the capital region.
DOTr acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the Metrowalk property is an integral part of the MMSP Ortigas Station.
“After nearly three years of delay, we have begun the demolition and fencing of the property so that we can also begin the construction of the Ortigas Station of the subway,” said Lopez.
The property, which will comprise the entire MMSP Ortigas Station, is managed by Blemp Commercial of the Philippines Inc. (BCPI) owned by the Singson family.
The Singson family expressed cooperation with the government’s project. The former governor of Ilocos Sur, Luis Singson, and Ako Ilocano Ako Partylist Rep. Richelle Singson Michael were present during the activity led by DOTr assistant secretary for right-of-way and site acquisition (ROWSA) IC Calaguas.
A total area of 12,752 square meters from Metrowalk’s eight hectares will be used for the station.
The DOTr has acquired 82 percent of the ROW of the MMSP and aims to complete 95 percent of the ROW acquisition by December.
“The DOTr is really expediting the remaining rights of way in MMSP so that the construction of the project can continue and commuters can benefit,” Lopez said.
He, along with Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, previously led the demolition of the nearby Blackrock property last month.
The 33-kilometer, 17-station underground railway will run from Valenzuela City to Parañaque City, including a spur line at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City.
Once completed and in full operation in 2032, the subway is expected to reduce the travel time from Valenzuela to Pasay from one hour and 38 minutes to just 45 minutes, with an anticipated daily ridership of 519,000 passengers.
