Singapore, 19 August 2025 – The Philippine government, through the Department of Transportation (DOTr), in partnership with Infrastructure Asia and the Asian Development Bank, held a Philippine Infrastructure Market Sounding event in Singapore on 18 August 2025 to engage international investors, operators, and financiers on two of the country’s most transformative transport projects – the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) and the Metro Manila Subway (MMS).

In his opening remarks, Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Medardo G. Macaraig highlighted the enduring partnership between Singapore and the Philippines in infrastructure development. Citing past successes such as the consortium, which includes the Changi International Airports, operating Clark International Airport, Ambassador Macaraig emphasized that partnerships combining Singapore’s world-class expertise and the Philippines’ commitment to transformative projects can set new benchmarks for quality and efficiency. 

He underscored that the two flagship railway projects are “game changers” that will redefine connectivity, ease congestion, and deliver safe, efficient, and climate-resilient transport to millions of Filipinos. He further stressed that the forum is not merely an information session but an open invitation for Singapore and regional players to take part in shaping the future of Philippine transport. He spotlighted the enactment of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Code of the Philippines in 2023, which streamlines processes and strengthens investor confidence through a clear and unified legal framework.

The event’s highlight is the presentation of DOTr Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon who stressed the projects’ transformative role in the daily lives of Filipinos, noting how the NSCR and MMS will drastically cut travel times, improve productivity, and give families back precious hours each day.

“These projects are not just about trains and subways. They are about changing lives,” Secretary Dizon said. “They will reshape the way Filipinos live, work, and spend time with their families. For the first time in decades, we are on the cusp of building a transport system our people truly deserve.”

Secretary Dizon also assured participants of government reforms to strengthen investor confidence. He emphasized the adoption of availability payments to ensure predictable and fair compensation for private partners, the removal of foreign ownership restrictions in transport through the amended Public Service Act, and the Philippine government’s strong commitment to honoring its contractual obligations.

The forum marks the first leg of a global roadshow that will also visit Europe and Japan before concluding in Manila. Tender documents for the NSCR and MMS operations and maintenance contracts are expected to be published on 30 September 2025, with project awards targeted for the second quarter of 2026. END.