- A formal partnership agreement has been signed to deliver the Philippines’ first government-led transit-oriented development (TOD) masterplan.
- As part of the plan, GCIEP is delivering the Senate-DepEd (SEED) Project, led by Crossrail International and Transport for London, to transform government land into a pioneering ‘education city’ – a walkable, inclusive and climate-resilient urban hub.
- British expertise and technical assistance in transport planning and urban regeneration is helping develop one of Metro Manila’s most strategic transport corridors.
Watch the video to learn more about the vision for the SEED project.
A landmark UK-Philippines partnership will deliver the Southeast Asian country’s first government-led transit-oriented development (TOD), creating a pioneering vision for a climate-resilient and inclusive urban hub in the greater (Metro) Manila region.
On 16 July, a memorandum of understanding was signed by the British Embassy Manila, the Philippines’ Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Department of Education (DepEd) to formally commence the Senate-DepEd (SEED) Project – with technical expertise provided by Transport for London and Crossrail International, through the Green Cities, Infrastructure and Energy Programme (GCIEP).
Metro Manila has long grappled with chronic congestion and challenges in its urban transport systems. The SEED project presents a transformative solution, turning 13 hectares of DepEd-owned land in Taguig City into a world-leading demonstration of TOD. The site is strategically located at the interchange of two major new rail lines – the North-South Commuter Railway and the Metro Manila Subway – positioning it as one of the most connected places in the city.
The project will create a walkable, low-carbon and climate-smart district that integrates public transit with a vibrant and diverse community. Inspired by the success of large-scale developments like London's Elizabeth Line, the masterplan features over four hectares of green, open space to provide cooling landscapes and cleaner air.
A core objective of the SEED project is to create a sustainable revenue stream that will directly support DepEd’s primary mission. Income generated from the development will be used to fund new classrooms, school equipment and teacher training programmes across the Philippines. Furthermore, the design embeds the principles of gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) to ensure the new urban district is safe, accessible and empowering for all members of the community.
This initiative is a product of deep collaboration between the Philippines and the UK. Through GCIEP, world-class UK expertise from Crossrail International and Transport for London is being harnessed to support DOTr and DepEd in developing the TOD masterplan. This partnership showcases a shared commitment to creating sustainable, inclusive and economically productive urban spaces.
The UK’s Green Cities, Infrastructure and Energy Programme is tackling climate change and extreme poverty by accelerating the delivery of sustainable green cities and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Published
28/07/25