MANILA -- Committing consistency of policy and program implementation of major infrastructure projects, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led Thursday the ceremonial contract signing for the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Project-South Commuter Section CPs S-02 and S-03b, commencing the third phase of the NSCR system.
Speaking during the contract signing at the President’s Hall in Malacañang Palace, President Marcos said the contract signing means the start of the construction of the South Commuter Section or the South Commuter Railway Project (SCRP) and also puts all phases of the NSCR system in full swing.
“As the civil works for these contract packages commence, we expect not only the generation of more than 2,000 jobs but also the creation of other opportunities and livelihood during its construction,” the President said during the event.
“Most importantly, the completion of the full NSCR line will bring greater convenience for our commuters. It will offer an efficient and comfortable transport alternative that spans the great distance, connecting Pampanga to Manila and then to Laguna,” the chief executive pointed out.
The projects will not only decongest Metro Manila’s main thoroughfares but will also bring speedier transactions, quality time, and improved quality of life for all, the President said.
The railway system, the President added, will also spur economic activities in the interconnected regions, and the areas in between, as well as promote environmental sustainability and public health.
President Marcos expressed gratitude to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for being the country’s active and consistent partners in infrastructure development for many years, saying their support has been instrumental in the government’s efforts to provide safe, sustainable, and efficient public transportation for the people.
The chief executive also acknowledged the contributions of the Acciona-DMCI Joint Venture, the Leighton-First Balfour Joint Venture, and the efforts of local government units (LGUs) involved.
The NSCR System, with a total project cost of PhP873.62 billion, is a 147.26-km railway project that will connect Clark, Pampanga and Calamba City, Laguna.
The railway system is another flagship project aligned with the Administration’s policy of “Build Better More.”
The whole system will have 35 stations and three depots composed of the original NSCR Project: Malolos-Clark Railway Project (MCRP), and the South Commuter Railway Project (SCRP). CPs S-02 and S-03b are part of the SCRP.
Upon completion in 2029, project proponents said the entire NSCR system would accommodate 800,000 passengers every day and could reduce the travel time between Clark International Airport and Calamba City, Laguna, from four hours to two hours.
The NSCR System will be co-financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The 55.6 km-SCRP, on the other hand, stretches from Blumentritt, Manila to Calamba City, Laguna, and will have 19 stations and one depot at Bgy. Banlic, Calamba City, Laguna.
Once completed in 2029, the SCRP will reduce travel time between Blumentritt, Manila and Calamba City, Laguna from 2 hours and 30 minutes to 1 hour and 12 minutes.
Estimated to generate 35,000 construction jobs upon implementation, the civil works for the SCRP is targeted to commence by June 2023.
CPs S-02 and S-03b, to be financed by the ADB, were awarded on February 17 and February 20, 2023, respectively. (PND)
