Japan Funds Bicol Express High-Speed Rail Study

Japan Eyes Funding for Bicol Express High-Speed Rail Feasibility Study. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Japan pledges support for the “Build Better More” program and eyes a Bicol Express feasibility study. Camarines Sur Representative LRay Villafuerte shares this development.

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Villafuerte, leading lawmakers and local officials, champions the rail project’s revival with enthusiasm. He met Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuja and JICA’s Sakamoto Takema recently.

During talks, Japanese officials expressed eagerness to explore a high-speed rail to Bicol provinces. Villafuerte believes this aligns perfectly with potential government transport goals.

Previously, China aimed to finance the rail line under the last administration, but plans faltered. Villafuerte noted that earlier designs lacked high-speed features entirely.

“Tokyo eagerly supports studying a modern rail network to Bicol,” Villafuerte wrote on Facebook. He encouraged unity, dismissing doubts about the project’s feasibility.

After failed Manila-Beijing talks, Villafuerte urged Marcos’ team to revive the rail initiative quickly. He proposed securing Japan’s official development assistance for funding.

Japan’s bullet train expertise could make this railway a high-speed marvel, Villafuerte suggested. Travel time from Metro Manila to Bicol could drop to four hours.

Tokyo’s interest follows recent loans of $1.15 billion for Philippine infrastructure projects. These agreements, signed March 24, back Marcos’ development vision strongly.

President Marcos also instructed the Transportation Department to prioritize the railway and airport upgrades. He issued these directives at a March meeting in Pili.

Bicol Express Gains Momentum with Japan’s Support

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto and JICA’s Baba Takashi finalized funding in Manila recently. Senior official Dr. Mori Masafumi led Japan’s delegation for talks.

Villafuerte and Governor Vincenzo Renato Luigi Villafuerte pressed Transport Secretary Vivencio Dizon for progress. They seek rapid action on rail and airport enhancements.

The modern rail system aims to connect Metro Manila to Albay or Sorsogon efficiently. Meanwhile, Naga Airport’s runway expansion targets larger jets soon.

Villafuerte, with Bicol lawmakers, pushes for a $27.2 million budget in 2026 for the airport. This upgrade would enable international flights to boost tourism.

President Marcos directed DOTr’s Timothy John Batan to accelerate both projects in March. These orders came during a Regional Development Council meeting.

Villafuerte eyes Japan’s Shinkansen trains, boasting speeds of 320 kilometers per hour, for inspiration. He believes this technology could transform regional travel entirely.

Japan remains the Philippines’ top aid partner, delivering billions over two decades consistently. Past loans across three administrations total $14.14 billion, records show.

Bicol Express Set to Boost Tourism and Trade

Villafuerte expects tourism and trade to soar once Naga Airport handles bigger planes. An extended runway could open direct international routes soon.

DOTr’s Batan discussed alternative funding like Japan’s aid during the Pili meeting recently. Marcos then ordered reviews to finalize the best financing option.

Japan’s delegation reaffirmed support for Marcos’ infrastructure goals at the March 24 meeting. Special Advisor Mori emphasized Tokyo’s commitment to public-private partnerships.

Villafuerte trusts Japan’s involvement could deliver the Bicol Express efficiently and effectively. He sees it as a game-changer for the region’s future.

Source: journalnews.com.ph

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