Manila: The Economy and Development (ED) Council, chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., has given the green light to several pivotal projects, including a variation order for the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) South Extension Project. This decision marks a significant step towards completing the country's largest rail interchange, which will enhance urban mobility by connecting LRT-1, Metro Rail Transit (MRT)-3, and MRT-7, and eventually integrate with the Metro Manila Subway.
According to Philippines News Agency, the approval occurred during the council's 10th meeting and is expected to positively impact commuters by improving their daily travel experiences. Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan emphasized the project's role in facilitating quicker and more convenient access to jobs, education, and services for thousands of Filipinos.
The variation order includes station completion works, viaduct construction, railway systems, signaling, and integration of the automatic fare collection system. The initial operations for the common station are slated for completion by March 2028.
In addition to the rail project, the ED Council has approved the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority's project aimed at boosting employability in strategic sectors. The PHP15.76-billion initiative focuses on enhancing access to quality technical and vocational education, increasing certification rates, and improving workforce readiness in high-demand areas like manufacturing, construction, agri-fishery, and information and communications technology.
Secretary Balisacan highlighted the importance of aligning Filipino skills with the needs of high-quality jobs to sustain upper-middle-income status, stating that the project would help build a competitive workforce for the future.
The council also endorsed the Department of Energy's PHP10.07-billion Philippine Geothermal Resource Derisking Facility. This project aims to mitigate investment and exploration risks in geothermal energy development, contributing to the country's clean energy initiatives.
Moreover, the Department of Information and Communications Technology's Philippine Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Master Plan 2026-2033 received approval. The roadmap is designed to position the Philippines as a regional hub for artificial intelligence infrastructure and technology innovation.
The Philippine Seismic Risk Reduction and Resilience Project was another significant approval, focusing on retrofitting and strengthening selected public school buildings in Metro Manila to withstand disasters.
Balisacan noted that these approvals align with advancing the country's economic objectives by improving connectivity, developing human capital, enhancing clean energy development, boosting disaster resilience, and advancing digital transformation.
