Philippine National Railways

From the time the first rail tracks were laid in the Manila-Dagupan Ferrocaril line in 1891 and the colonial train had its first commercial run, until today when the Mainline South (Bicol line) is being rehabilitated under much public anticipation, Philippine trains have been running for 120 years.

The nation’s railway system is moving on the right track and PNR general manager Junio M. Ragragio expressed optimism that the country’s oldest land transportation agency, now on its 119th anniversary, will be an indispensible partner towards economic progress.

In line with the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) commitment to provide adequate, safe and convenient transportation alternatives, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) today announced that it is fielding additional train trips to and from Bicol starting March 13, 2012.

The additional trip will also extend its route from Naga, the current destination, to Pili and Iriga City in Camarines Sur; and Polangui, Ligao and Travesia in Albay.

“Kung maitatayo ang minumungkahi sa ating mga railway system, bababa ang presyo ng bilihin. Mas mura, mas mabilis, mas maginhawa, at makakaiwas pa sa kotong cops, at mga kumukotong na rebelde ang mga bumibiyahe.” – Pres. Noynoy Aquino

In its storied past and optimistic present, one thing might be said to remain constant with the Philippine National Railroad. And that is, people need trains and this need must be served.

People need to move, seeking after life and livelihood. And the nation, represented by its government, and being made of people and communities spread throughout its geographic territory, must keep itself moving by connecting its people and communities.

This it does by providing as much as possible all the means of communication and mobility. Thus a nation builds itself—girding its loins, flexing its muscles, and extending its reach within, around, and even beyond its territory.

We are honored and delighted to present our readers with this fully revamped website. Not just revamped in terms of rearranging elements, but reconstituted and re-conceived to include most everything to reflect the efforts now being done in real time to rehabilitate the Philippine National Railways itself—its infrastructure, its rolling stock, and its services to the people.