The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is fast-tracking the construction of 16,575 housing units for families who will be relocated due to the massive North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project. The agency has set a clear deadline, aiming to finish all units by the fourth quarter of 2026.
Housing Projects in the South and North Segments
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez confirmed that the DOTr is collaborating with other government bodies to stick to the schedule. For the southern part of the railway line, the department is working with the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC).
Their joint effort focuses on in-city and near-city housing developments in several key areas. The projects in Laguna and Cavite include:
- Sining Residence II with 1,920 units
- Sining Residence I with 528 units
- The Meadows with 2,030 units
- Rizal Ville with 2,130 units
- A major housing project in Naic, Cavite with 5,452 units
These sites are located in San Pedro, Biñan, Santa Rosa, Calamba in Laguna, and Naic in Cavite.
Relocation Efforts in Central Luzon
For the northern segment, the DOTr has partnered with the National Housing Authority (NHA). They are preparing three relocation sites in Pampanga and one in Bulacan. This initiative is designed to resettle 4,515 informal settler families currently living in Angeles City, the City of San Fernando in Pampanga, and Calumpit in Bulacan.
To ensure everything is on track, Transportation Assistant Secretary for Right of Way IC Calaguas and SHFC Engineer Renalyn Nacpil have been conducting site inspections. Their goal is to monitor progress closely and guarantee the timely completion of all housing projects.
The Transformative Impact of the NSCR Project
The 147-kilometer NSCR System is a flagship infrastructure project that will connect Clark International Airport in Pampanga to Calamba in Laguna. Once operational, it is set to revolutionize travel in the region.
The railway will slash the travel time between Clark and Calamba to less than 2.5 hours, a significant improvement from the current four-hour journey by land. It will also introduce the country's first Airport Express Service, promising a sub-one-hour trip from Clark to Makati and about 1 hour and 15 minutes to Alabang.
Furthermore, the NSCR will integrate with the upcoming Metro Manila Subway through through-train operations. This 35-station rail system is projected to create approximately 350,000 jobs during its construction and operational phases and is expected to serve close to one million passengers every day.
