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WORLD BIZ+―Exploring the Reality of the Workplace Vol. 6― Supporting Everyday Life in the Philippines through Railways (Part One): From Construction to Operations, and Onward to Urban Development

2026.7.23

Business

WORLD BIZ+
―Exploring the Reality of the Workplace Vol. 6―
Supporting Everyday Life in the Philippines through Railways (Part One): From Construction to Operations, and Onward to Urban Development

Every day, Sumitomo Corporation Group employees go above and beyond in their daily work across a wide range of industries worldwide. In “WORLD BIZ+―Exploring the Reality of the Workplace―” we show the real-life struggles of these employees in the field.

Today, we're taking a close look at Sumitomo Corporation's railway business in the Philippines, where it is helping support people's daily lives and shape the future of urban development.

Index

Rail Infrastructure Supporting Growth in the Philippines
Expanding from Construction to Operations and Maintenance
From Railways to the Cities of Tomorrow

Rail Infrastructure Supporting Growth in the Philippines

The Philippines continues to experience rapid population growth and economic expansion. In the capital, Manila, chronic traffic congestion has become a major social challenge, with the resulting economic losses estimated at around 3.5 billion pesos (approximately 9 billion yen) every day.
Although Manila covers roughly the same area as Tokyo's 23 wards, its population is around 1.2 times as large. Yet the city is served by only three urban rail lines, making the expansion and modernization of its railway infrastructure an urgent priority.

Expanding from Construction to Operations and Maintenance

Sumitomo Corporation first entered the Philippine railway business in the 1990s, beginning with the construction of Manila Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3). Since then, it has steadily expanded its involvement to include rolling stock supply, system upgrades and maintenance services. In 2020, the company also joined the operations and maintenance business for Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), evolving from a focus on railway construction to engagement across the full railway value chain, from construction through to day-to-day operations.

The safe and reliable operation of the railway depends on consistent, behind-the-scenes operations and maintenance work. At the depot, trains undergo regular inspection and servicing, while improvements are continually being made across the network to enhance the passenger experience. Drawing on operational expertise developed in Japan, Sumitomo Corporation is working to create a more comfortable transport environment in Manila.

From Railways to the Cities of Tomorrow

Rail networks allow people to travel quickly and conveniently. But their impact extends far beyond transportation. As stations become hubs where people gather, new communities and commercial districts emerge, creating fresh opportunities for the people of Manila.
Sumitomo Corporation’s vision is to use railways to facilitate the movement of people and goods, creating opportunities for new businesses and the development of cities. Through railway infrastructure, the company is helping enrich people's daily lives while continuing to shape the cities of the future.