MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. fulfilled his promise to enhance the country’s transportation system by inaugurating the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) Cavite Extension Project (L1CE) Phase 1 on November 15, 2024.
The extension, which began operations on November 16, introduces five new stations namely: Redemptorist-ASEANA, Manila International Airport Road, Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), Ninoy Aquino Avenue, and Dr. Santos (formerly Sucat).
The new line is the first railway project completed under the Marcos administration. It reduces travel time between Baclaran, Pasay City, and Bacoor, Cavite, from 1 hour and 10 minutes to just 25 minutes, serving 80,000 additional passengers daily.
Phase 1 of the extension adds six kilometers to the existing 20.7-kilometer LRT-1 line, bringing its total length to 26 kilometers.
A Legacy Fulfilled
In his speech, President Marcos paid tribute to his father, former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., for laying the foundation of Metro Manila’s first urban rail transit system.
Despite early criticism, President Marcos Sr. pushed forward with the project, which has since transformed daily commutes for millions of Filipinos.
The LRT-1 became Southeast Asia’s first urban light rail system.
“No one is happier than his son today, seeing my father’s foresight validated as this system grows to serve more of our people,” the President remarked.
Decades in the Making
The LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project has spanned multiple administrations, with contributions from various leaders over the years.
“This project has been a long time coming—spanning five administrations, from President (Joseph) Estrada to President (Gloria Macapagal) Arroyo, President (Benigno) Aquino (Jr.), President (Rodrigo) Duterte, and now my own,” President Marcos said.
“We owe its success to the hard work of my predecessors, and we recognize their efforts in making this dream a reality.”
Future Phases: Expanding Connectivity
The next stages of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension are already in motion. The construction of Phase 2 and Phase 3 is scheduled to begin in 2026, according to the Department of Transportation.
Phase 2 will include the opening of the Las Piñas and Zapote Stations, further extending the reach of the commuter railway system.
Phase 3 will culminate with the Niog Station in Bacoor, Cavite, serving as the final stop in the extension project.
Driving Economic Growth and Easing Traffic
Once fully operational, the entire extension is expected to accommodate an additional 300,000 passengers daily and significantly ease traffic congestion in Parañaque, Las Piñas, and Bacoor.
The project is part of the administration’s broader vision for a seamless, modernized public transportation system, which includes other major rail projects like the MRT-7 and the North-South Commuter Railway, according to President Marcos.
“The L1CE ensures a more efficient, reliable, and seamless mode of transport, benefiting commuters across Metro Manila, Cavite, and nearby regions,” he said.
The inauguration of the Phase 1 Cavite Extension project is a testament to the Marcos administration’s commitment to build a transformative infrastructure that connects communities, boosts economic growth, and improves the lives of Filipinos. (PND)