Japanese Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko joined President Rodrigo Duterte and Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade on June 12 to witness the actual lowering of the tunnel boring machine (TBM) which will be used for the tunneling works of the Metro Manila Subway Project Phase 1. Railway simulators for Philippine Railway Institute, granted by the government of Japan, were also unveiled.

'Today's lowering of the TBM is such a huge turning point. Once the TBM is set in motion, it will unveil a new era in the history of Philippine railway. I would therefore like to express my sincere appreciation to the President, Secretary Tugade, DOTr officials and contractors for the extraordinary dedication and efforts to make this subway system a reality,' Ambassador Koshikawa said during the ceremony.'