MANILA -- The flagship ‘Build, Build, Build’ program of the Duterte administration is seen as a pathway for more robust economic development in Mindanao, Agusan del Norte Vice Governor Ramon Bungabong said.

In an interview during the Network Briefing News on Wednesday, November 24, Vice Governor Bungabong expressed his high hopes that the national government will continue the realization of the Mindanao Railway Project that has been stalled for many decades.

“Personally, ang request ko sa national government ay itutuloy ang Mindanao Railway Project. [Personally, my request to the national government is to continue the Mindanao Railway Project.],” he said.

He added that the mega-project will boost economic development not only in Mindanao but the Province of Agusan del Norte as well.

“At kung matutuloy ito it is possible na aabot ito sa Butuan City in order to boost economic development not only in Mindanao but it also affects the Province of Agusan del Norte. [And if this continues it may reach Butuan City to boost economic development not only in Mindanao but it also affects the Province of Agusan del Norte.],” Vice Gov. Bungabong cited.

The Department of Transportation said that the Mindanao Railway Project is a proposed intercity rail system in Mindanao which will be the country’s first train system outside Luzon.

Under the ‘Build, Build, Build’ program, the railway will be expanded into 1,544-kilometer systems that will improve inter-island connectivity, generate livelihood, and boost Mindanao’s economic development.

Last month, the government inked an accord to commence phase 1 of the project for the construction of the Tagum-Davao-Digos segment with 100 kilometers. This will connect the cities of Tagum in Davao del Norte, Davao City, and Digos in Davao del Sur with eight stations along its alignment, according to DOTr.

This segment is being eyed to be fully operational by June 2023. It can accommodate up to 122,000 passengers daily and reduce travel time from three hours to one hour from Tagum City to Digos City.

Appeal to the Gov’t, Agusanons

The provincial government of Agusan Del Norte is sending their appeal for assistance from the national government, most especially problems in infrastructure projects in different municipalities in the province.

“Iyong request namin na kung maaari po mayroon kaming mga [problema] sa infrastructure that need the assistance of the national government. [It is our request that we have [problems] with infrastructure that need the assistance of the national government.],” he emphasized.

On the vaccination program, data from the Provincial Health Office revealed that 32% of its target population has been fully vaccinated against the virus.

“Ituloy ninyo ang inyong suporta sa pamahalaan ng  ating probinsya because we are trying our best to give comfort, to have decent and comfortable lives for all Agusanons. [Kindly continue your support to the government of our province because we are trying our best to give comfort, to have decent and comfortable lives for all Agusanons.],” he concluded. (PCOO)