ANGELES CITY -- The City Council here has endorsed the Subic-Clark Railway Project, of the big-ticket projects of the Duterte Administration which is expected to spur the development of Luzon’s new growth corridor.
In a recent session, the Sangguniang Panlungosd en banc unanimously passed the resolution in support to the implementation of the P50-billion project that will connect two major ports in Central Luzon.
Councilor Jesus “Jay” Sangil said the city council has adopted the report prepared by the Committee on Clark Special Economic Zone (CCSEZ) that endorses the said project.
The city official said that during the time of President Fidel Ramos, they passed a resolution urging Malacañang to designate Clark airport as the Philippines’ premiere gateway.
This called for support infrastructure projects like modern railway system and road networks, according to Sangil.
“All of these fall into place under the Build Build Build program of President Duterte. Nagkakaroon na po ng katuparan ang matagal nating panaginip, panaginip ng ating mga kababayan sa Central and Northern Luzon,” Sangil said.
The journalist-turned-politician added that he proposed the adoption of the Clark-NAIA twin airport system during his first term in 2005.
The CCSEZ Report, as adapted by the en banc, states “the project aims to provide freight and commuter rail service seen to ease traffic and port congestions in Metro Manila and promote rural and value chain economic development within the Subic-Clark economic corridor, thereby spurring regional economic growth in Central Luzon and nearby regions.”
Sangil noted that the said project will bring about enormous livelihood and job opportunities from construction period up to its actual operations.
During the committee meetings, representatives from various sectors of the city have participated in the deliberations, according to Sangil.
Also present were officials from the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), Clark Development Corporation (CDC), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
In the report, the committee mentioned that the realization of the project will help ease vehicular traffic and port congestion.
The project will support connectivity and mobility operation with Philippine National Railways (PNR) Manila to Clark, Manila to Bicol, Sorsogon and Manila to Batangas.
It is a 71-kilometer single-track railway between the Port of Subic Bay and Clark International Airport with additional 15 kilometer extension to the New Clark City.
The railway system’s initial operation is for freight service. It will expanded to accommodate passenger service.
SCRP is also one of the projects under the “Build Build Build” program of the Duterte Administration which is set for completion by year 2022.