Port transfer, subway backed vs traffic woes
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has expressed support to the five transport solutions proposed by the Japan International Agency (Jica) to help solve debilitating traffic in the metro.
Lawyer Crisanto Saruca, head of the MMDA’s Traffic Discipline Office, said while Jica’s proposals are “good,” the Duterte administration must consider existing support structures should it push through in relocating airport and seaport operations outside the capital.
“We have so many support structures to be considered like the hotels, transportation, immigration and customs for airports, among others,” he said.
In its 2014 study, Jica estimated that the country loses P2.4 billion daily, or P876 billion annually, to traffic. It warned that if the traffic problem is not resolved, the country may end up losing up to P6 billion a day to traffic in 2030.
New gateways
Jica proposed that the government restudy the gateway airport options for Metro Manila, the feasibility of a Mega Manila subway system, the reform of a road-based public transport system, the feasibility of a secondary mass transport system lines and the feasibility of the north harbor redevelopment.
In replacing the Ninoy Aquino International Airport as the country’s main gateway, Jica said developing the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport may be too costly as it would need an “expensive railway system” worth $8.5 billion, the construction of a passenger terminal building and other facilities worth almost $1 billion.
It proposed redeveloping Sangley, a former US airbase in Cavite, since this “may turn out to be cheaper.”
North Harbor congestion
In his first Cabinet meeting, President Duterte has expressed openness to build a new airport at Sangley Point, “if there’s money from investors.”
Jica also proposed to free up the 600-hectare North Harbor and convert it into a mixed-use waterfront property development.
“Since domestic shipping is primarily from the south of Manila, there would be savings in ship operating cost if they dock at Batangas rather than at North Harbor,” Jica said of its proposal.
Regaining glory
It added that moving North Harbor’s operations, “would also trigger a shift of cargo movements away from Manila and provide a volume of exportable TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent unit cargos) that may entice foreign vessels to call at Batangas Port.”
“For the City of Manila, it represents an opportunity to revitalize a city and regain its old glory,” it said.
Jica said the government should also look into developing an underground mass transit system to ease commuters’ woes and connect key areas such as Makati, Bonifacio Global City, Bay Area, Ortigas, North Triangle, and the Food Terminal Inc. complex in Alabang.
“Engineering wise, the subway system is possible here in the Philippines,” Saruca said. With a report from Arianne Cardiño
