Taguig city: The Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Education (DepEd), and the British Embassy Manila have successfully completed the feasibility study for the Senate-DepEd (SEED) Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Project. This 13-hectare transit-oriented complex is planned for Taguig City and aims to integrate education, residential, and commercial spaces around transit hubs.
According to Philippines News Agency, the project aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive for the DOTr to incorporate TOD principles into major transport infrastructure projects. Acting DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez emphasized that the complex will foster an environment where students can minimize commuting time and focus more on studying, offer families various mobility options, and contribute to making the city more livable and sustainable.
Strategically located at the intersection of the future North-South Commuter Railway and Metro Manila Subway Project, the study suggests reducing the transfer route between the two rail lines from 900 meters to 200 meters, which would cut transfer time by around 17 minutes. The project is set to provide approximately 497,663 square meters of gross floor area dedicated to commercial, cultural, community, and various other uses.
The complex is designed with a car-free core, allocating 59 percent of the area for publicly accessible pedestrian spaces. These spaces will feature covered walkways and elevated paths above 50-year flood levels. Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio Balisacan noted that the study has significantly improved connectivity by shortening interchange times between the two railway systems and identifying opportunities for job creation and public-private partnerships.
Funded by the United Kingdom government through its Green Cities and Infrastructure Programme, the study began in November 2024. Crossrail International served as the masterplanning consultant, with the Public-Private Partnership Center providing technical assistance. British Ambassador to the Philippines Sarah Hulton OBE praised the collaboration between the Philippine government and the United Kingdom, as the two countries celebrate 80 years of diplomatic relations.
DepEd, as the major landowner and co-grantor with the DOTr, is committed to creating greener and more livable educational environments. Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara emphasized the integration of parks, open spaces, and urban greenery into school communities in highly urbanized areas like Metro Manila.
