JICA provides technical support for LRT-1's energy efficiency 

The aid agency Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is ramping up its support for Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC) through a new technical assistance project aimed at improving the energy efficiency of Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), according to a report by Manila Bulletin.

Formalized on April 24, 2025, through an exchange of letters between JICA and LRMC President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Enrico Benipayo, the agreement launches JICA’s expert dispatch program on energy conservation promotion for LRT-1.

The initiative will bring in Japanese experts to help LRMC implement energy-saving measures, including the revitalization of control units and motors, upgrades to substations, and the application of energy-efficient driving techniques.
This project follows JICA’s 2024 investment in LRMC alongside Sumitomo Corp. and Hankyu Corp. to improve the operation and maintenance (O&M) of LRT-1.

The technical assistance also aligns with the Philippines’ goal of cutting carbon emissions by 75 percent by 2030 under the Paris Agreement.
Set to begin in July 2025 and run through May 2026, the project aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower operational costs, and serve as a model for other railway operators across the country.