with PT. Industri Kereta Api (Persero) “PT INKA” of Indonesia with its President Director Budi Noviantoro.
PNR now embarks another milestone in its 125 years of existence through the robust project of President Rodrigo and under the able leadership of Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade and General Manager Junn Magno. This would be the first after so many years that PNR organically procure its own trains since most are donated cars and/or part of national loan packages.
The DMU project is funded from the 2015 DOTr-GAA funds which was downloaded to PNR and the project was approved by the PNR Board under the leadership of Chairman Roberto T. Lastimoso. It has undergone public bidding in compliance with Republic Act No. 9184 and its 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations. The project consist of design, manufacture, delivery, testing and commissioning of the DMU trains which is expected to be delivered in the Philippines on Quarter 3 of 2019 for commissioning and testing.
The signing of the contract is participated by the DOTr Secretary and PNR Co-Chairman Arthur P. Tugade, PNR Management Team, Engr. Emmanuel L. Tolentino of Engineering Department, Engr. Roderick B. Medroso of Rolling Stock Maintenance department, Ms. Joseline A. Geronimo of Transportation department, Engr. Herminio S. del Rosario, Jr. of Admin and Finance Department, and Atty. Celeste D. Lauta of Legal and Corporate Planning. Also from PNR are Resource Planner, Engr. Ed Fausto and Chief of Staff, Atty. Niña Fernando. Top executives of PT INKA are also present in this momentous event including the Corporate Secretary Mr. I Ketut Astika, General Manager for Marketing, Mr.I Gede Agus Prayatna, Mr. Dadik P. Tirta, Vice President for Marketing, Commercial Attaché Mr. Irawan of the Republic of Indonesia and Mr. Dewanta Pramayoga, Corporate Secretary Staff.
The two new DMU trains is part of the Reliability and Availability Program of GM Magno which transcends beyond 2018. PNR was granted a budget by Congress through the General Appropriations Act of 2018 for acquisition of trains, thus PNR will have more new trains in 2019. GM Magno’s dream for PNR is to have more frequent and comfortable trips, new commuter lines and more reliable trains. The current fleet will also undergo rehabilitation to better serve PNR passengers. This signing of contract is a baby step towards achieving that goal.
