With the Japanese government citing its “significant progress.”
In a statement, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) reiterated its target date for the completion of the site acquisition process for the north segment of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) System.
According to Secretary Giovanni Lopez, they are looking to complete the needed right-of-way and acquisition of properties by June 2026.
He also expressed confidence that the dedicated DOTr’s Right-of-Way and Site Acquisition (ROWSA) office will finish the process for the NSCR north segment on time.
“Ang utos ng Pangulong (Bongbong) Marcos sa atin ay bilisan ang pagtapos ng proyekto gaya ng NSCR. Kaya naman ang DOTr ay doble trabaho sa pag-acquire ng right-of-way para tuloy-tuloy at mapabilis ang konstruksyon ng proyekto para mapakinabangan na agad ng mga komyuter,” said Lopez, adding that the process has been ordered to be fast-tracked by the chief executive.
Meanwhile, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Deputy Director Murakami Kota said they support the transport agency’s efforts in accelerating site acquisition for the project.
“We understand the so much effort by the DOTr, and we appreciate Acting Secretary Lopez’ initiatives,” said Murakami during a joint site visit last Thursday, February 5. “The DOTr said they target to complete land acquisition especially the north side of the NSCR within 2026 and I think it’s key and we’ll give the cooperation to complete all the land acquisition.”
The DOTr-JICA team inspected the N03 alignment, N02 site office, Extradosed Bridge, the civil works at the Angeles and San Fernando stations of the NSCR in Pampanga, and the relocation sites for project-affected persons (PAPs).
Transportation Assistant Secretary for ROWSA IC Calaguas for her part, said the right-of-way and site acquisition for the NSCR north segment now stands at 56 percent—where a total of 1,143 out of 2,034 lots needed have been acquired.
To date, the DOTr has already paid 1,439 out of 2,448 project-affected informal settler families (ISFs).
The DOTr also said that it is closely monitoring the progress of construction of all resettlement sites in Angeles City and San Fernando City in Pampanga, and in Calumpit, Bulacan.
These are being done in partnership with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the National Housing Authority (NHA).
