MORE big-ticket infrastructure projects will be pursued to ensure the country remains on track to post-pandemic economic recovery, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said on Thursday.

Speaking at the contract signing for the South Commuter Railway Project (SCRP) of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) in Calamba, Laguna, the Chief Executive vowed that he “will make sure” his administration will go “full speed ahead towards modernization” especially in the transportation sector, such as Contract Packages S-04, S-05, S-06, and S-07 of the said rail initiative.

“I have just been informed that this is the largest Asian Development Bank (ADB) infrastructure-funded project in Asia. It shows the confidence that the ADB has always shown, our Korean partners have shown, our Japanese partners have shown in the potential of the Philippine economy, the Philippine worker, and especially now as we slowly transform the economy into the new global postpandemic economy,” Marcos said.

“Those partnerships are something that we hold very, very valuable, and for that, I once again have to thank them for their continuing interest in the Philippines and their continuing assistance and support and belief in the Philippines and the future of the Philippines,” he added.

The President likewise noted that partnerships with foreign governments “foster growth and revitalize our economy,” especially in cushioning the impact of external events on the country.

“We welcome this development at a time when we are going — and we have used this phrase often — full speed ahead towards modernization and our transport system, and we are reclaiming our lives from the Covid-19 pandemic. This is what all of this truly means,” he said.

The SCRP is expected to serve thousands of Filipinos who commute every day between Manila and Calamba, Laguna, and other municipalities in the province. It will reduce travel time from around two hours to less than an hour by train.