PNR chief sees railway renaissance

Philippine National Railways (PNR) chairman Michael Ted Macapagal called President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. the “father of the country’s railway system,” citing the administration’s “unprecedented push for comprehensive railway development across the archipelago”, according to a report by Manila Standard.

Under President Marcos’ leadership, the Philippines is experiencing what many consider a “railway renaissance,” with ambitious projects spanning the entire country aimed at modernizing public transportation and boosting economic connectivity, Macapagal said in a statement.

Macapagal said “the railway renaissance under the Marcos administration represents more than just infrastructure development. It embodies the president’s vision for national progress, economic growth, and improved quality of life for all Filipinos.”

At the forefront of this transportation push is the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) Freight Railway, a flagship project representing the administration’s commitment to creating efficient cargo corridors across Luzon.

The project recently received significant international backing, with the United States boosting funding support for the proposal.

By linking Subic Bay’s strategic port facilities with Clark’s economic zone, Manila’s commercial hub, and Batangas’ growing industrial sector, the project promises to revolutionize freight movement and reduce logistics costs for businesses operating in these key economic corridors.

The administration’s railway development program operates on aggressive timelines designed to deliver tangible benefits to commuters in the near term.

The Metro Manila Subway, the country’s most ambitious underground transit project, targets initial operations by 2028, with full system completion shortly thereafter. The 36-kilometer underground railway will serve key areas from Quezon City to Pasay, providing high-capacity transportation solutions for thousands of daily commuters.

The North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project, designed to connect Metro Manila with surrounding provinces, has set ambitious completion targets for its various phases. A portion of the northern segment aims for completion by 2027, creating a comprehensive commuter network spanning from Clark in Pampanga to Metro Manila and further south from Alabang to Calamba in Laguna.

The Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) railway systems are also undergoing major upgrades:

LRT Line 1, one of Manila’s oldest rail systems, is receiving substantial upgrades to improve capacity, reliability and passenger experience. The LRT-1 extension project to Cavite has started, with a segment completed and inaugurated by the president towards the end of 2024. Full completion is targeted by 2026, bringing modern rail connectivity to one of Metro Manila’s fastest-growing suburban areas.

LRT Line 2 is also benefiting from expansion projects and infrastructure upgrades. The East Extension of LRT-2, which will extend the line to Antipolo, Rizal, is scheduled for completion by 2026, significantly improving transportation access for residents of the eastern Metro Manila corridor.

The Metro Rail Transit (MRT), which serves as a crucial north-south transportation artery, is undergoing comprehensive rehabilitation and expansion.

The MRT-3 rehabilitation project targets completion of all major upgrades by 2025, while the proposed MRT-7 line connecting Quezon City to Bulacan is scheduled for completion by 2026, providing crucial connectivity to rapidly developing northern suburbs. The MRT-4 line, a proposal to connect Ortigas to Taytay, Rizal, is also under study and would require an additional funding source due to design changes.

The South Long Haul, popularly known as the Bicol Express, currently has many interested proponents being evaluated by the administration. The president has also expressed interest in jumpstarting the process of working on a comprehensive feasibility study to construct Phase 1 of the Mindanao railway project that will connect Tagum City, Davao City, and Digos City.

Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon has emphasized President Marcos Jr.’s vision to move away from a car-centric transportation system.

Macapagal expressed his full support, saying that “under Secretary Dizon’s proactive leadership, the president’s vision for a shift towards mass transportation will soon come to fruition.” The PNR chairman further stressed that “the main goal is to improve the lives of our fellow citizens through safe, comfortable, accessible, and efficient travel while focusing on an integrated transportation network that supports economic growth and reduces traffic congestion.”

The success of these railway initiatives has been bolstered by strategic international partnerships, particularly with allies like the United States, Japan, South Korea and the European Union.

The recent U.S. funding boost for the SCMB project exemplifies how the Philippines’ railway development has garnered international confidence and support. As stated by Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, “this milestone demonstrates the RP-US economic ties are stronger than ever, under President Marcos Jr.”

Overall, these projects are expected to generate economic benefits, including job creation, improved business competitiveness through reduced logistics costs, enhanced connectivity between economic centers, increased economic activity in various train stations outside of Metro Manila, and by addressing congestion and Manila’s traffic problems.