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Advocates Philippines
DOTr Forges Ahead With Mindanao Railway Project, Seeks Alternative Funding After China's Withdrawal
Photo courtesy from DOTr
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is set to push forward with the long-awaited Mindanao Railway Project (MRP) despite the recent cancellation of financial support from China.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista affirmed the commitment to the project, highlighting ongoing pre-construction activities in key areas such as Davao City, Digos, and Tagum.
Bautista disclosed that the DOTr is actively exploring alternative funding sources, collaborating with the finance department to secure Official Development Assistance (ODA) from foreign governments and international financial institutions. Despite the setback from China's withdrawal, the government remains steadfast in its decision to pursue Phase 1 of the MRP.
Land acquisitions are currently underway along the targeted alignment from Tagum to Digos via Davao City, with resettlement sites identified for displaced residents. Notably, the Tagum Train Village is nearing completion and is expected to be handed over to its future residents in the coming months. Livelihood programs are also in the works to support affected families.
The MRP Phase 1, with an estimated cost of P81.6 billion, spans 100.2 kilometers and includes eight stations. Once operational, the rail line is projected to accommodate 122,000 passengers daily and significantly reduce travel time from Tagum City to Digos City, bringing it down to just one hour from the current three hours.
Secretary Bautista emphasized that the MRP Phase 1 Tagum-Davao-Digos line is a crucial step in realizing the master rail plan aimed at connecting the entire island of Mindanao. Upon completion of the entire Mindanao Railway Project, the 1,544-kilometer rail system will link key provinces such as Davao, General Santos, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Cotabato, Zamboanga, Butuan, Surigao, and Malaybalay, poised to stimulate Mindanao's economic growth and development.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista affirmed the commitment to the project, highlighting ongoing pre-construction activities in key areas such as Davao City, Digos, and Tagum.
Bautista disclosed that the DOTr is actively exploring alternative funding sources, collaborating with the finance department to secure Official Development Assistance (ODA) from foreign governments and international financial institutions. Despite the setback from China's withdrawal, the government remains steadfast in its decision to pursue Phase 1 of the MRP.
Land acquisitions are currently underway along the targeted alignment from Tagum to Digos via Davao City, with resettlement sites identified for displaced residents. Notably, the Tagum Train Village is nearing completion and is expected to be handed over to its future residents in the coming months. Livelihood programs are also in the works to support affected families.
The MRP Phase 1, with an estimated cost of P81.6 billion, spans 100.2 kilometers and includes eight stations. Once operational, the rail line is projected to accommodate 122,000 passengers daily and significantly reduce travel time from Tagum City to Digos City, bringing it down to just one hour from the current three hours.
Secretary Bautista emphasized that the MRP Phase 1 Tagum-Davao-Digos line is a crucial step in realizing the master rail plan aimed at connecting the entire island of Mindanao. Upon completion of the entire Mindanao Railway Project, the 1,544-kilometer rail system will link key provinces such as Davao, General Santos, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Cotabato, Zamboanga, Butuan, Surigao, and Malaybalay, poised to stimulate Mindanao's economic growth and development.
Feb 6, 2024
