The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is in good hands, under the helm of the successors of former Secretary Arthur Tugade.
Under the leadership of former Secretary Vince Dizon and its current officer in charge, Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez, the DOTr is back on track, literally and figuratively, as it aims to resolve the long-standing problem of the lack of efficient public transportation in Metro Manila and elsewhere.
Lopez's visit to Laguna province last September 18 is a clear indication that the DOTr is once again pushing for viable long-term solutions to address the mass transport problem.
NSCR on track
Lopez led the demolition of Philippine National Railways (PNR) in the cities of Cabuyao and Santa Rosa, as part of the construction of the southern part of the North South Commuter Railway (NSCR).
During the event, Lopez, along with Cabuyao City Mayor Dennis “Denha” Hain, also checked on the progress of the construction works along the NSCR line.
In an interview with media, Lopez said the "simultaneous" demolition of 10 stations along the PNR South Commuter Line is part of the DOTr's initiative to accelerate the construction of big-ticket transportation projects — an echo of Tugade's far-reaching vision for a connected Philippines.
“Ito lang ang isang paraan para matuloy na ang ating proyekto. At hindi rin po natin magagawa ito kapag wala ang tulong ng lokal na pamahalaan,” Lopez said.
He added all right-of-way issues of the southern leg of the NSCR are expected to be resolved in 2026.
“Makikita niyo naman na tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang trabaho ng DOTr. Ito rin 'yung sinasabi ng Pangulo na huwag dapat huminto ang mga trabaho ng DOTr at attached agencies nito,” he said.
Under the helm of Dizon and Lopez, both of whom also worked under Tugade's watch during the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte, the DOTr has worked to fast-track the completion of the NSCR line from Calamba City, Laguna to Clark International Airport in Pampanga.
Economic benefits
The NSCR is expected to be completed in 2032, with the Malolos-Valenzuela segment expected to be completed in 2027, while the Malolos-Clark segment will be finished by 2028.
Once operational, the NSCR is expected to serve around 800,000 passengers daily, halving travel times easing the burden of Metro Manila commuters.
It is also expected to provide additional livelihood and employment opportunities for Lagunenses, especially those living near the NSCR stations.
(Photo by Catherine Go)
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