The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has significantly improved the living conditions of families affected by the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project through housing projects in Pampanga. Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez emphasized that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. gave strict instructions not to neglect citizens whose homes were affected. The DOTr funded nine relocation sites in Pampanga, Bulacan, and Laguna, providing decent housing with sufficient electricity and water supply, along with livelihood opportunities.
Housing Units Awarded
DOTr Assistant Secretary for Right-of-Way and Site Acquisition IC Calaguas announced that 312 houses in San Fernando View Residences Phase 3, San Fernando City, Pampanga have been awarded, with beneficiary families already moved in. Each unit includes a bedroom, bathroom, dining, and living areas. Beneficiaries can also install a gate or set up a small store if they wish.
Beneficiary Stories
Mang Nephtali, 68, from Barangay San Nicolas, now sells rice from his new home. He said, "Before, my house by the railway was very small. Now, it’s beautiful—at least it’s tiled. I have nothing more to ask for. This is already our own home. Also, we won’t get flooded here anymore—unlike before, where even a single rain would cause flooding. We now feel secure."
Mang Eduardo’s family, who also lived near the railway in dirty and chaotic conditions, expressed gratitude: "I am grateful to our President. We are thankful for the house given to us—it’s well-built and safe. We feel secure here."
Collaborative Efforts
The DOTr is working with the National Housing Authority, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, Social Housing Finance Corporation, the local government of San Fernando, and the provincial government of Pampanga led by Governor Lilia Pineda to relocate affected families.
Project Benefits
Once completed, the 147-kilometer NSCR will run from Clark International Airport in Pampanga to Calamba, Laguna, reducing travel time from over four hours to just two hours. The project is expected to generate 350,000 jobs during construction across 35 stations and serve up to 800,000 passengers daily. The Valenzuela-Malolos segment is targeted for completion by 2027.
