A PARTY-LIST congressman on Sunday urged the government to tap Japan for funding for the revival of the Bicol Express.

"JICA's concessional loan terms for the Philippines remain competitive enough for the Department of Transportation (DoTr) to consider Japan as a viable funding option for the revival of the Bicol Express rail line," Bicol Saro Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan said, referring to the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

The first stage of rebuilding the Bicol Express railway was estimated to cost about P142 billion.

"We need to see far into the future and not merely set our sights on easing traffic congestion in Metro Manila. With bustling urban hubs sprouting outside the National Capital Region, traffic would sooner or later be a problem for commuters residing in these areas. Reviving the Bicol Express is one way to ease the increased traffic going to South Luzon and broaden transportation choices for commuters," Yamsuan said.

He said that parts of the south long-haul project could be financed by Official Development Assistance from Japan and others through the Public-Private Partnership schemes.

"The renaissance of the Bicol Express line will serve not only as an economic driver but as a powerful engine that would bridge communities and realize dreams while safeguarding the heritage of the Bicolanos," Yamsuan earlier said.

He said that reviving the line would provide a fast, safe, affordable and comfortable transportation mode to and from Bicol, create jobs in the region, and boost tourism.

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