CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) – Relocation of communities affected by the construction of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Extension project in Calamba City is expected to begin before the end of 2024, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) said.
The relocation plan was one of the issues that cropped up during an inspection made by state railway officials on October 29. Other issues discussed were civil works, utility relocation efforts, and right-of-way issues.
PNR General Manager Deovanni Miranda highlighted the significance of site inspections in ensuring the project stays on track while addressing community concerns.
“The site inspection is important to closely monitor progress and ensure that we are adhering to timelines, safety standards, and the commitments we’ve made to affected communities,” Miranda said.
He said dialogues between the government and project-affected persons (PAPs) should be prioritized to resolve the issues raised and ensure public participation.
Part of the consultation was discussions on resettlement plans and compensation processes.
For Michelle Basa, one of the 2,100 project-affected persons in Calamba, the initiative has brought a renewed sense of hope and security to her family.
“The project will help us achieve a comfortable life and peace of mind knowing that the housing project will become our property. It’s reassuring to know that our family has a stable future despite the changes caused by the project,” she said.
The relocation site for PAPs in Barangay Banlic, Calamba is composed of modern housing units with access to basic services and community facilities. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) partnered with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the Calamba city government in putting up their new homes.
Co-financed by the Asian Development Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the 147-kilometer NSCR system will connect Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila and Laguna via railway.
Once operational, the NSCR is seen to reduce travel time from Clark, Pampanga to Calamba, Laguna to less than two hours and accommodate 800,000 passengers daily. (AM/PIA-4A)
