SINGAPORE, 18 June 2026– The Department of Transportation (DOTr), in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), held its joint plenary session of the market sounding session on 17 June 2026 at the Philippine Embassy’s Sinagtala Hall. The session forms part of the market sounding activities in Singapore from 17 to 19 June 2026 to present key railway projects to prospective partners and investors. 

The market sounding covers three key projects: (1) the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 Capacity Expansion and Operations & Maintenance PPP Project,  (2) the Metro Manila Subway Operations and Maintenance (MMS O&M) PPP Project, and (3) the Light Rail Transit Line (LRT) 2 Rehabilitation, Operations, & Maintenance Project with one-on-one meetings scheduled for prospective bidders over the course of the programme.

The joint session at the Philippine Embassy featured project presentations led by DOTr officials, with technical and financial insights provided in collaboration with ADB and IFC. The session was attended by prospective investors and partners both in-person and online. 

In his opening remarks, DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan underscored that the market sounding is part of a broader rail program aimed at narrowing the Philippines’ long-standing transport infrastructure gap and improving the daily lives of commuters through accessible, reliable, and high-quality public transportation. 

He noted that the country’s persistent traffic congestion imposes significant economic and social costs and stressed that the railway projects presented to prospective partners represent credible, implementable, and sustainable solutions designed to give back valuable time to Filipinos and support the wider economy.  

The Philippines invites continued engagement from global industry players as it advances these transformative railway projects toward a more modern, efficient, and integrated public transport system. (END)