MINDANAO RAILWAY. Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Leo Tereso Magno on Wednesday (June 19, 2024) describes President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to proceed with the Mindanao Railway Project (MRP) as "very clear" despite encountering funding issues. He said the DOTr, the lead agency in the project, is evaluating not the feasibility but the suitability of the existing design that was provided. (PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.)
DAVAO CITY – Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Secretary Leo Tereso Magno said Wednesday President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s instruction to push through the Mindanao Railway Project (MRP) is “very clear” despite its funding issues.
“The President’s announcement is clear and is still a go. The project’s details were checked, and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) fixed the technical description and the funding,” he said in a press briefing here.
While funding is still being secured, the DOTr is exploring alternative sources such as Official Development Assistance (ODA) from foreign governments and international banks.
“According to DOTr Secretary (Jaime) Bautista, they are studying the project's design. From what I know, the proposal for the MRP was a diesel-powered train, and I think we will no longer use the diesel-powered because most are using electric powered [train[,” Magno said.
He said the DOTR, being the project's lead agency, is assessing not the viability but the applicability of the existing design that was given.
The first phase of the MRP will start with pre-construction activities in the cities of Davao, Tagum, and Digos.
Land acquisition for the project is ongoing from Tagum to Digos via Davao City.
MRP Phase 1 includes eight stations, spans 100.2 kilometers, and has a projected cost of PHP81.6 billion.
Upon completion, it is expected to serve 122,000 passengers daily and reduce travel time from Tagum City to Digos City from three hours to just one hour.
The entire MRP will cover 1,544 kilometers, connecting key areas in Mindanao such as Davao, General Santos, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Cotabato, Zamboanga, Butuan, Surigao, and Malaybalay.
Meanwhile, Magno also assured the Mindanaoans that the current administration is committed to implementing major infrastructure projects in Mindanao.
He also emphasized his commitment to coordinating with the agencies responsible for the projects to ensure their progress.
“We are here specifically upon the instructions of the Office of the President to identify and pursue potential projects for Mindanao,” he said. (PNA)
