Mindanao railway's first segment secures 2019 funding

DAVAO CITY -- The funds for the first segment of the Mindanao Railway System (MRS) project covering the Tagum-Davao-Digos (TDD) area is already included under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2019.

This was according to Dr. Adrian Tamayo, public relations head of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), who told Tuesday’s Davao Business Forum that the TDD segment costs PHP126 billion.

Of the total project cost, PHP89-billion budget is funded under 2018 GA, and PHP30 billion for GAA 2019 under the Department of Transportation (DOTr). The PHP7 billion would come from the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

The TDD segment has a total length of 102 kilometers for the two-track electric train system, he said. It includes alignment and stations located in Tagum City, Carmen, Panabo City, Tibungco in Gimbang Davao City towards the Diversion Road to Toril and the Davao del Sur areas in Sta. Cruz and Digos City.

Tamayo said the ground works will be done in phases, adding the other permitting requirements that still needed compliance with are the Environment Clearance Certificate (ECC) and the Road Right of Way (RRW).

Tamayo said the governmet is also currently working for the establishment of a project management office here before the term of President Rodrigo Duterte ends in 2022, to ensure the continuity of the project beyond the term of the present administration. (Digna D. Banzon/PNA).