THE inauguration of the site office in Santa Rosa, Laguna marks a pivotal moment for the Department of Transportation -Philippine National Railway’s North-South Commuter Railway system, offering a potential solution to the traffic challenges in Metro Manila.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista emphasizes the vital role of government-backed railway projects in alleviating congestion in the National Capital Region, firmly asserting that rail transit is the key to this persistent issue.

Confident in the impact of the site office, Undersecretary for Railways Jeremy Regino anticipates an accelerated construction pace for the 12.80-kilometer railway structure, featuring four elevated stations in Laguna.

The permanent works phase, set to commence, targets completion by April 2028, with key stations in San Pedro, Binan, Pacita, and Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

This development brings hope to commuters and motorists eagerly anticipating the 147-kilometer urban rail transit connecting New Clark City to Calamba, boasting 36 stations across Central Luzon, NCR, and CALABARZON.

Imagine halving the travel time from Clark to Calamba—a relief for an estimated 800,000 daily rail commuters.

As construction advances, the site office becomes a central hub for coordination, supervision, and logistical support, strategically positioned in Santa Rosa, Laguna to oversee station development and streamline communication for efficient decision-making.

The vision of comfortable, traffic-free travel from Clark to Calamba is on the horizon, and the DOTr appears committed to keeping the project on track.

The low-key Secretary also outlined plans for extensive railway systems., citing the need for more. At present, Metro Manila has only 3 railway systems: LRT 1, LRT 2, MRT 3. “They’re always full”, he notes.

Next year, 2025, Bautista said that MM will have MRT 7 traversing San Jose del Monte to EDSA.

MRT 4 will also help adding that the DOTr has already received 3 unsolicited proposals for more rail projects.

Bautista is confident that ongoing projects like the Metro Manila Subway and NSCR will improve commuter experiences and reduce traffic congestion once they’re completed.

Noting that the Philippines is way behind neighboring countries , the DOTr is also finalizing a 30-year masterplan for rail for Metro Manila, working closely with international partner Japan International Cooperation Agency.

Secretary Bautista expressed confidence that a nationwide railway system would be the key to solving the Philippines’ traffic challenges. He called for continued collaboration with international partners such as Japan, JICA and the Asian Development Bank, and emphasized the government’s dedication to implementing comprehensive transport solutions.

Let us hope that nothing will derail this promising journey over the next five years.

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