MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday approved the variation order for the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) South Extension Project, and other key initiatives aimed at expanding skills training and employment opportunities, strengthening the country’s clean energy sector, and enhancing disaster resilience, Malacañang said Tuesday.
The President, who chairs the Economy and Development (ED) Council, gave the green light to the projects during their meeting in Malacañang.
In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office said the approved variation would enable the interim operations of the Common Station, which would connect LRT-1, Metro Rail Transit (MRT)-3 and MRT-7 and eventually integrate with the Metro Manila Subway.
The President also approved the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s Boosting Employability in Strategic Technical and Vocational Education and Training Sectors project for official development assistance loan financing.
He also approved the Philippine Geothermal Resource Derisking Facility project, aimed at reducing investment risks in geothermal exploration and development.
The requested changes to the Philippine Seismic Risk Reduction and Resilience Project was also approved by the President, to strengthen the safety and resilience of select public school buildings in Metro Manila.
Marcos also cleared the Philippine Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Master Plan 2026–2033, which would serve as the country’s long-term roadmap for advancing AI infrastructure, digital connectivity, and innovation to support sustainable economic growth and national competitiveness.
