Photo credit: DOF

The Philippines and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) are hitting the accelerator on the country’s massive infrastructure push. In a move to ensure that major projects are delivered quickly and effectively to benefit Filipinos, they recently conducted a joint inspection of the ongoing Malolos-Clark Railway Project (MCRP).

This site visit, which took place on September 29, 2025, at the MCRP Depot in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga, wasn't a one-off. Since 2024, the Department of Finance (DOF), led by Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto, has been ramping up oversight by personally inspecting big-ticket Official Development Assistance (ODA) projects. Other projects that have been checked on include the Metro Manila Subway and the LRT-1 Cavite Extension.

Shared Vision for a Better Connected Philippines

Speaking at the site, Secretary Recto highlighted the broader meaning of these inspections. “More than site inspections, every time we go out and see the projects by ourselves is a renewed affirmation of a vision we all share: a Philippines that connects our people better and creates more opportunities for them,” he said. He emphasized that this vision is possible because of strong partners like the ADB.

The MCRP is a crucial 52.65-kilometer segment of the much larger North–South Commuter Railway (NSCR) System Project. This enormous 147.26-km system, which will span 35 stations and link the National Capital Region (NCR), Region III, and Region IV-A, is designed to be a game-changer.

At a massive PHP 873.6 billion in total cost, the NSCR System stands as the largest infrastructure project the ADB has ever financed in the Philippines and the entire Asia-Pacific region, with co-financing from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). "That scale alone speaks volumes of the trust and confidence the ADB has in our country and in the Filipino people’s future," Secretary Recto noted.

Significant Progress and Economic Impact

The MCRP specifically connects Malolos, Bulacan, and Clark, Pampanga, including an express line to the Clark International Airport. It’s designed to serve the future population of New Clark City.

As of June 2025, the MCRP is 42.4% complete. Once it becomes operational in 2028, the almost three-hour bus ride between Malolos and Clark will be slashed to just one hour by train. Beyond travel time, the project is already fueling the economy, having created over 10,000 direct jobs during its construction phase.

Another ADB-supported segment, the 56.86-km South Commuter Railway Project (SCRP) from Manila to Calamba, is also expected to significantly cut travel time.

When the entire NSCR System is fully operational, it’s projected to carry 800,000 passengers per day and generate a staggering 350,000 jobs-direct, indirect, and induced-for Filipinos.
“This project is nothing less than a genuine economic transformation,” the Finance Chief declared, calling it the "backbone of the Luzon Economic Corridor" that will accelerate trade and investment and help lift more Filipinos out of poverty.

Deepening Partnership Across Sectors

Following the site visit, Secretary Recto met with ADB officials, including Vice President for East and Southeast Asia and Pacific Scott Morris and newly-appointed Country Director Andrew Jeffries. Country Director Jeffries described the Philippines as a "particularly special and important relationship," underscoring the ADB's confidence in the country as a committed and reliable partner.

The ADB's commitment extends beyond infrastructure; they also expressed strong support for cooperation in crucial areas like education, health, agriculture, energy, and digitalization.

As the Philippines' second-largest ODA partner, the ADB accounts for $10.40 billion (approximately PHP 605.88 billion) in financing as of March 2025. A total of 25 projects under the country’s Infrastructure Flagship Projects are and will be funded by the ADB to support the government's "Build, Better, More" Program.

This ongoing commitment ensures that projects like the Malolos-Clark Railway will continue to progress, backed by a strong partnership focused on accountability and long-term delivery for the Filipino people.