THE budget for the inter-regional railway system, the Mindanao Railway Project (MRP), has increased almost threefold from P35 billion, which is the single track and diesel, to P90 billion, which will be dual track and electrified train, an official said.

In an interview after her presentation during the regular session at Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) Tuesday, July 31, Mindanao Railway deputy project manager Patmei Ruivivar said they were just waiting for the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) to approve the new budget.

The reason for the changes are because of the minor shift of feasibility study alignment away from the existing schools, development, memorial parks, mangroves and others; viaducts required in certain locations due to terrain/topography; tunnel option subject for further study; change in scope of work from single to dual track, from non-electrified to electrified as per recommendation by the Regional Development Council in Davao region (RDC 11).

She added there is also a change in funding strategy. The project would no longer be financed by the General Appropriations Act but will be proposed for funding by China official development assistance.

In the previous published report, the Tagum-Davao-Digos Segment or the Phase 1 of the MRP was approved by the Neda Board in July 2017. This had an initial budget of P35 billion but after the recommendation of the RDC 11 to Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade for these more advanced train features, it was given consideration.

“We want a dual track and electrified train that is what President (Rodrigo) Duterte and Secretary Tugade (is) giving the people of Mindanao,” she said.

In terms of bidding, since it will be funded by the Chinese Government, they will be the ones who will give a shortlist of three contractors and it will be a limited bidding.

“After we get the Neda approval again kasi na-change ang project from diesel single track gawing dual electrified so we need another Neda approval which we are working on and we hope to get it by August and then ilalabas na ang bid documents and then the bidding would happen, the evaluation on November, December i-aaward,” she said.

There will be eight stations and six five-car Electronic Multiple Units (EMU) trains for the first phase. They projected 120,000 daily ridership by 2022 with operating speed of 100kph that will run to 102 kilometer. Its main depot will be in Tagum and ancillary depot in Davao City.

Meanwhile, the reason why she went to the SP is also to seek the support of the LGU for this project especially in mobilizing people’s support for the MRP particularly the TDD Segment. They proposed that the SP committee on People’s Participation to take the lead in information and advocacy campaign and community engagement together with the MRP-TFF-PMO.

They also sought the support of the Local Government Unit (LGU) Technical Working Group in Right-of-Way and Site Acquisition and urged the Committee on Public Works, Transportation, Housing, and Barangay Affairs to send representatives to form part of the team.

“Ang kailangan naming sa LGU, sila yong mag lead sa right of ways negtotiations and acquisition ng sites kasi mas kilala nila ang mga may-ari ng lupa na dadaanan ng train. Mas alam nila, mapreprevent ang mga overprice, mapreprevent yong corruption na mangyari kasi mas transparent ang proseso kung LGU ang naka lead,” she said.