PBBM: Address possible challenges in south railway implementation

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday ordered all concerned government agencies to address the potential challenges in the implementation of the South Commuter Railway Project (SCRP).

Marcos gave the directive during the ceremonial signing of the three contract packages under the SCRP at the President’s Hall of Malacañan Palace in Manila.

“I urge all concerned agencies to work together to address the potential challenges concerning the project’s right-of-way, such as the need for land acquisition and the relocation of utility poles installed along the area, so that the affected properties are cleared in time for the commencement of civil works,” he said.

The construction of the contract packages under the SCRP serves as an integral part of the 147-kilometer-long North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) that stretches from Clark, Pampanga to Calamba, Laguna as it traverses Metro Manila.

Marcos said the national and local governments are aware of the issues that might arise once the contract packages are implemented.

He said the country would be able to reap the benefits of the SCRP in the “longer term,” if the government would address the challenges.

“We must also recognize the plight of informal settler families who will be affected by the project, as well as the disturbances that the construction of the NSCR system will cause,” Marcos said.

“We are continuously conscious in the national government and of course the local governments to ensure that those needing assistance are attended to. These are the inevitable consequences of these large projects,” he added.

During the event, Marcos witnessed the signing between the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the winning contractors for contract packages S-01, S-03A and S-03C under the SCRP.

Marcos said the contract signing is a welcome development, as his administration would be a “step closer” to its goal of serving around 800,000 commuters daily by 2029.

He said around 3,000 jobs are expected to be generated once civil works for railway project begins.

“Now, as we hold the signing of Contract Packages S-01, S-03a, and S-03c, we continue to show the commitment to realizing the dream of a more efficient and inclusive public transportation system that every Filipino deserves,” Marcos said. “I urge everyone involved in the project (to) spare no effort to complete this monumental task for the benefit of generations to come.”

With combined costs of over PHP52 billion, the civic contract packages cover a combined length of 14.9 kilometers of elevated and ground-level rail tracks, including six modern train stations that will rise at Blumentritt, Buendia, EDSA, Senate, Bicutan and Sucat.

Some of the stations will be linked to other rail systems to enhance transport inter-connectivity.

This includes the construction of an elevated pedestrian connection to existing railway stations, such as the Blumentritt Station with Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 and EDSA Station with Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 Magallanes Station.

The Senate Station will also be constructed near the Senate Subway Station and the Bicutan Station will share the same platform with the Bicutan Subway Station.

The SCRP aims to decongest Metro Manila’s main thoroughfares, provide comfortable transport alternatives and spur economic activities in the area.

“To our citizens, I also seek all your continued patience and understanding as you encounter interruptions from the constructions that we are undertaking. I know that it is our collective longing to create a society that works for the people and that will open bigger opportunities for our children,” Marcos said.

“So, let us all remain united in this endeavor as we pursue initiatives with the long-term end in mind. We look at these contract packages with great optimism and renewed hope for our country’s future,” he added. (PNA)