Bicol's economic future rides on PNR's proposed freight upgrade

The first train of the day departs Naga at 4:30 AM, cutting through the tranquil Bicol landscape and traversing fields of palay, with Mount Asog towering in the background. This journey, once a vital link for Bicolanos, symbolizes more than just transportation—it represents a crucial connection to the region's economic future, according to a recent report by PhilStar.

The Philippine National Railways (PNR) has long struggled to maintain its services, particularly the Bicol Express, a commuter line between Manila and Bicol that last ran over a decade ago. Typhoons and the resulting infrastructure damage forced its closure in 2014. Despite attempts to revive it, including a failed bid to secure a loan from China for the PNR South Long Haul project, the line remains dormant.

However, there’s renewed hope as the PNR now eyes a new purpose for its southern railways: freight transport. The government plans to allocate PHP 5 billion to retrofit the alignment for cargo, aiming to boost the local economy and provide substantial benefits for Bicol’s agricultural sector.

Currently, the PNR seeks to establish a freight route between Calamba, Laguna, and Legazpi City, with the goal of reducing transportation costs for farmers in the Bicol Region. The planned upgrades include the construction of a dry port in Calamba and the acquisition of flat cars for cargo transport. Transportation Undersecretary Jeremy Regino emphasized that this initiative could lower freight costs by up to 30 percent, providing significant relief to local farmers who currently face high transportation expenses.

The freight plan aims to utilize idle locomotives and incorporate them into the existing rail network, initially running one freight trip per day. This approach not only promises to enhance efficiency but also reduce delays associated with truck transportation, which currently involves longer and less reliable routes.

In addition to economic benefits, the revitalization of rail infrastructure in Bicol aligns with broader goals of regional development and connectivity. The PNR's focus on integrating freight services reflects a growing recognition of rail's role in supporting agricultural industries, akin to practices observed in countries with advanced rail systems, such as the United States.

As the PNR gears up for potential cargo operations by 2025, the local community and farmers eagerly await the transformation. While the journey to revitalizing the rail system is ongoing, the envisioned improvements offer a hopeful outlook for Bicol’s rural economy and agricultural sector.