By Katrina Gracia Consebido
A fast, modern, and comfortable railway system is what the new North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project is all about, according to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
In his speech during the contract signing of the electromechanical systems and track works for the NSCR, Marcos said that the project will create more job opportunities and boost the economy that has been affected by the pandemic.
“As we sign this contract package, we do not only write a new chapter in realizing important infrastructure projects that will foster growth and revitalize the economy,” he said.
“With it, we also fulfill a promise to achieve our shared dreams and aspirations that will be the foundation of a more comfortable, a more dignified life for every Filipino,” he added.
He said an efficient transportation system has a “multiplier effect on employment and on the economy.”
The President added that the said project is a “landmark initiative” that will make the country more connected.
“These endeavors will mark a new era of prosperity for the Philippines at a time when we are navigating ourselves in what has become called the New Normal,” he said.
Marcos thanked the Department of Transportation for the project that will soon significantly reduce travel time between Clark International Airport and Calamba City, Laguna.
“Indeed, this service that you have shown in materializing our grand vision [of] a Philippines [that is ready to take on the future,” Marcos said.
READ MORE: DOTr eyes NSCR’s Malolos-Clark partial ops in 2026, full ops in 2029
He also thanked the Japanese government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for co-financing the contract package and for being active allies in infrastructure development.
“We are glad to have you with us as we continue to strengthen our relations built on mutual confidence and cooperation, a relationship that has gone on for many, many decades and I can say without fear of contradiction that the development of the Philippines, especially in terms of infrastructure has shown that Japan has taken a very, very important part in that,” he said.
The NSCR extension is part of the 147-kilometer NSCR system connecting Clark, Pampanga and Calamba, Laguna with a total of 35 stations. It is worth P873.6 billion. -ag
