Cagayan de oro: Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez is advocating for an additional PHP30 billion to supplement the Department of Transportation's (DOTr) proposed PHP300.96 billion budget for 2027, aiming to fund critical infrastructure projects, including the Mindanao Railway Project (MRP).
According to Philippines News Agency, during a session of the House Committee on Appropriations on Thursday, Rodriguez argued for the necessity of this extra funding to address projects that have yet to receive financial backing. The proposed amount is intended to cover the local counterpart required for the Mindanao Railway Project once foreign funding is established.
"There are so many projects to be undertaken. Included there [in the PHP30 billion] will be the local counterpart for the funding they're going to get [for the Mindanao Railway Project]," Rodriguez stated, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
The MRP's Phase 1 plans involve the construction of a 100-kilometer commuter rail line that will connect Tagum in Davao del Norte to Digos in Davao del Sur, significantly reducing travel time between the two locations from three hours to one hour. Acting Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez reassured the committee of the DOTr's active efforts in securing partnerships and financial support from both countries and multilateral development partners for this ambitious railway project.
Lopez remarked, "Patuloy pa rin po kaming nanliligaw ng magpopondo po dito sa napakalaking proyekto (We continue to court funders for this very large project)," highlighting the ongoing pursuit of financial resources. The project is currently in the final stages of a pre-feasibility study and is advancing into the feasibility study phase.
Lopez also mentioned that an upcoming diplomatic trip with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. might include discussions with a foreign government regarding potential funding for the MRP. "Isa po ito sa magiging usapin sa gobyerno pong banyaga para po makahanap tayo ng tamang pondo at para matuloy na rin po ang ating MRP (This will be one of the topics with the foreign government so we can find the right funding and finally push through with the MRP)," he explained, expressing optimism about the project's future.
Additionally, Lopez stressed the importance of extending transportation projects beyond Metro Manila, ensuring that regions such as Mindanao and the Visayas benefit from the increased funding. "And it's about time [that we have a railway in Mindanao]," he concluded, underscoring the urgency and significance of the Mindanao Railway Project.
