Gov’t to fast-track railroad projects
By Ferdie J. Maglalang - 04/24/2002

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo vowed yesterday to fast-track the country’s railroad projects, particularly those from Manila to the SubicClark and the Calabarzon (Cavite-LagunaBatangas-Rizal-Quezon) economic zones and in Mindanao, in her efforts to make all regions in the country economically viable and productive.

Speaking at the opening ceremonies of the First Regional Council Forum of the Global Parliamentarians in Habitat, the President said that legislators led by House of Representatives Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. have been working to assist the administration in acquiring the needed financing for the railroad projects.

During her visit to Batangas City, where she presided over the Third Regional Cabinet Meeting, the President was informed of plans for the revival of the 201-kilometer railroad system linking the Southern Tagalog provinces to Metro Manila.

The President said that the rehabilitation of the railway from Fort Bonifacio to the Batangas port will contribute significantly to the development of the region, the reduction of traffic congestion, and the reduction of air pollution.

She said the project is estimated to cost P11.7 billion.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board, which is chaired by President Macapagal Arroyo, has also approved the P18.74 million Subic-Clark-Tarlac road project.

The project involves the construction, operation, and maintenance of two major toll roads -- the Subic-Clark Expressway and the North Luzon Expressway extension from Sta. Ines, Mabalacat, Pampanga to Tarlac City.