SMC MRT-7 Corpora7on, a wholly owned subsidiary of San Miguel Corpora7on’s (SMC) infrastructure unit, has signed an Opera7ons and Maintenance (O&M) Services Agreement with Korea Railroad Corpora7on (KORAIL), South Korea’s na7onal railway operator, to support the next phase of MRT-7 as it moves closer to full opera7ons.
Under the agreement, KORAIL will con7nue its advisory role — helping guide the setup of MRT- 7’s core opera7onal systems, safety protocols, and maintenance programs. SMC MRT-7 Corp. holds the concession to build, operate, and maintain the MRT-7, which links Metro Manila to Bulacan via Commonwealth Avenue.
The signing ceremony was aTended by SMC Chairman 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 His Excellency Lee Sang-hwa, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines. The Department of Transporta7on was represented by Undersecretaries Giovanni Lopez, Timothy John Batan, and Jonathan Ronulo.
With its extensive experience in running large-scale rail networks, KORAIL will provide technical exper7se to ensure a smooth transi7on from construc7on to daily opera7ons.
The engagement starts in July 2025, with the first six to 12 months focused on comple7ng pre- opera7onal requirements and stabilizing key systems. Over the long term, KORAIL will con7nue to provide technical support for opera7ons and maintenance to help maintain con7nuity, support knowledge transfer, and apply global best prac7ces throughout the system.
“This is a cri7cal step as we move closer to delivering MRT-7 to the public,” said Ang. “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 opera7ons targeted for 2026, this partnership with KORAIL brings us closer to our goal.”
KORAIL operates South Korea’s extensive rail network, including the high-speed KTX system, metropolitan commuter lines, and intercity services. It is recognized globally for its strong track record in safety, technology integra7on, infrastructure management, and workforce development.
Ang acknowledged the DOTr’s ac7ve, hands-on role in moving the project forward, led by Secretary Vince Dizon. He credited the department’s leadership and coordina7on across agencies as instrumental in keeping stakeholders aligned and maintaining steady progress.
“This agreement brings together strong public and private sector efforts,” Ang added. “At San Miguel, we remain commiTed to building projects that not only improve everyday life for Filipinos, but also contribute to sustainable growth for our economy.”
For the government’s part, Sec. Dizon reiterated President Marcos’ instruc7on to ease the burden of the commu7ng public by having reliable mass transport systems such as railways.
“We priori7ze 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 7me,” Dizon said in remarks read by Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John R. Batan.
KORAIL officials described their renewed partnership with SMC as a “landmark of coopera7on and mutual prosperity, enabling the Philippines’ premiere corpora7on to excel in the new arena of rail.”
“I am confident that the fusion of KORAIL’s technical exper7se with San Miguel’s managerial prowess will make MRT-7 the finest rail in the Philippines,” said KORAIL’s Han.
“I am certain that the success of MRT-7 will become a role model for Philippine railway projects and drama7cally improve mobility and quality of life for the Filipino people,” he added.
The MRT-7 project is a 22-kilometer elevated railway that will connect North Avenue in Quezon City to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, with 14 sta7ons. Once opera7onal, it is expected to significantly cut travel 7me, decongest major road corridors, and improve mobility across Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
