Photo Credit: DOTrThe Department of Transportation (DOTr) is steadfast in its commitment to the Mindanao Railway Project (MRP). This ambitious project, while encountering a speed bump in the form of funding withdrawal from China, is being pursued with relentless determination and a slew of pre-construction activities in Davao City, Digos, and Tagum. This blog post delves into the intricate details of the DOTr's unwavering resolve to continue the MRP.
Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista noted that the DOTr is already collaborating with the finance department to explore alternative funding. The aim is to secure Official Development Assistance (ODA) from other foreign governments and international financial institutions. The search for funding is in full swing while maintaining the momentum of the project.
Despite the withdrawal of China's prior financial commitment, the DOTr is pushing forward with Phase 1 of the MRP. Land acquisitions are in progress along the target alignment from Tagum to Digos via Davao City, indicating that the project is far from being shelved.
In a display of empathy for displaced residents, resettlement sites have been identified. These include the Tagum Train Village, which is on the brink of welcoming its first residents. The DOTr is also preparing livelihood programs for affected families.
The MRP Phase 1 carries a hefty price tag of P81.6 billion. It spans a substantial 100.2 kilometers and includes eight stations. The magnitude of the project is a testament to the DOTr's commitment to improving transportation in the region.
The rail line, once operational, is projected to serve 122,000 passengers daily. Moreover, the MRP Phase 1 is expected to drastically slash travel time from Tagum City to Digos City to just an hour from the current three hours, making a significant impact on commuters' lives.
The MRP Phase 1 Tagum-Davao-Digos line is a crucial piece in the puzzle of connecting the entire island of Mindanao. According to Secretary Bautista, this project will lay the foundation for an interconnected Mindanao.
Upon completion, the Mindanao Railway Project will be a 1,544-kilometer rail system connecting key provinces such as Davao, General Santos, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Cotabato, Zamboanga, Butuan, Surigao, and Malaybalay.
The MRP is more than just a transportation project. It is expected to pump prime Mindanao’s economic boom, becoming a catalyst for the region's economic prosperity.
Despite funding challenges, the DOTr's unwavering commitment toward the MRP is a beacon of hope for Mindanao's future. The project promises to revolutionize transportation, interconnect key locations, and stimulate economic growth, marking a significant milestone in the region's development.
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