SAN Miguel Corporation (SMC), through its infrastructure arm SMC MRT-7 Corporation, has signed an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Services Agreement with Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) to support the next phase of the MRT-7 project as it nears full operation.
Under the agreement, KORAIL—South Korea’s national railway operator—will continue to serve in an advisory role, helping set up the train line’s core systems, safety protocols, and maintenance programs.
SMC MRT-7 Corp. holds the concession to build, operate, and maintain the MRT-7, which will link North Avenue in Quezon City to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan via Commonwealth Avenue.
The signing ceremony was attended by SMC president and CEO Ramon S. Ang, KORAIL president and CEO Han Moon Hee, Vice Minister Baek Won Kug of Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, and Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) was represented by Undersecretaries Giovanni Lopez, Timothy John Batan, and Jonathan Ronulo.
With its extensive experience in managing large-scale rail networks—including the high-speed KTX—KORAIL is expected to provide technical expertise to ensure a smooth handover from construction to daily operations.
The engagement will begin in July 2025, with the initial six to 12 months focused on completing pre-operational requirements and stabilizing key systems. Long term, KORAIL will continue providing technical support for operations and maintenance to ensure knowledge transfer and the application of international best practices.
“This is a critical step as we move closer to delivering MRT-7 to the public,” Ang said. “We have faced delays mostly due to right-of-way issues—but we have stayed focused. With all trains expected to be running and tested by the end of this year, and full operations targeted for 2026, this partnership with KORAIL brings us closer to our goal.”
Ang also acknowledged the DOTr’s active role in pushing the project forward under the leadership of Secretary Vince Dizon.
“This agreement brings together strong public and private sector efforts,” Ang added. “At San Miguel, we remain committed to building projects that not only improve everyday life for Filipinos but also contribute to sustainable growth for our economy.”
In remarks delivered by Undersecretary Batan, Dizon emphasized President Marcos’ directive to prioritize commuter needs.
“We prioritize passengers, we focus on the plight of the commuters. We are ensuring that an infrastructure or a transport project such as a railway system is not only safe and efficient but will also provide comfort to commuters and lessen their travel time,” Dizon said.
KORAIL president Han called the partnership a “landmark of cooperation and mutual prosperity,” and expressed confidence in the project’s success.
“I am confident that the fusion of KORAIL’s technical expertise with San Miguel’s managerial prowess will make MRT-7 the finest rail in the Philippines,” Han said. “I am certain that the success of MRT-7 will become a role model for Philippine railway projects and dramatically improve mobility and quality of life for the Filipino people.”
The 22-kilometer elevated MRT-7 line will have 14 stations and is expected to ease congestion, shorten travel time, and improve connectivity across Metro Manila and nearby provinces once fully operational.
