SUBWAY PARTNERSHIP. Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista (left) and Meralco executive vice president and chief operating officer Ronnie Aperocho seal the deal for the new switching station for the Metro Manila Subway Project. The DOTr and Meralco signed the memorandum of agreement for the partnership at Meralco's headquarters in Pasig City on Feb. 15, 2024. (Courtesy of Meralco)
MANILA – The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) on Monday said it will invest PHP280 million for a new switching station that will support stable and reliable source of electricity for the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP).
The electricity business unit of tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan made the announcement after it signed the Switching Station Agreement with Deeds of Usufruct with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Feb. 15.
Meralco, in a statement, said the 115-kilovolt (kV) switching station for the MMSP will be located in Barangay Ugong, Valenzuela City, and this will connect the underground railway to Meralco’s distribution network.
The switching station is targeted to be delivered in two years.
“The Metro Manila Subway will definitely change the way of living in the county’s economic center,” Meralco executive vice president and chief operating officer Ronnie Aperocho said.
Aperocho said the investment to provide electricity in the country’s first subway system shows Meralco’s support to the infrastructure program of the government, reflecting the utility company’s “unwavering commitment to powering the country’s critical infrastructure by providing reliable, efficient, and sustainable power”.
“This trail-blazing rail project will not be able to proceed without help from Meralco. This collaboration goes deeper than a public-private partnership. It translates to the benefit of subway commuters whom we promised comfortable, affordable, safe, sustainable, and accessible rides,” DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said.
The 33-kilometer MMSP line will run from Valenzuela City until the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 in Pasay City, and is targeted to cut travel time between the starting and end points from 70 minutes to 45 minutes. (PNA)
