MANILA — In a meaningful event set to elevate the global railway industry, the Philippines is gearing up to host on October 16 to 20 the 43rd annual ASEAN Railway CEOs’ Conference.
Representing the country, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) delegates will be joined by some 200 delegates from diverse railway authorities across the region and will converge in the vibrant heart of Makati City.
It is anticipated that this conference will be graced by the foremost leaders of railway agencies from the Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Together, they will engage in insightful dialogues, sharing their respective domains' latest developments, achievements, and innovative practices.
Under the "Sustainable Solutions for Railway Transportation" theme, this year's ARCEO promises to be an intellectual beacon. With a specific focus on United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 9 and 11, the conference will spotlight the visionary sustainability plans devised by participating nations and their strategies for advancing technological prowess.
The 2023 edition of ARCEO marks the Philippines' second occasion as host since 1996.
After renewing its membership in 2019, the Philippines is committed to extending the warm embrace of Filipino hospitality to all attendees at this prestigious gathering. Beyond the rich cultural immersion, the PNR, led by General Manager Jeremy S. Regino, will take center stage to highlight the monumental North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project.
This transformative undertaking is heralded as one of Southeast Asia's paramount railway projects of the century. The NSCR, a cutting-edge, 147-kilometer railway system, is poised to connect Metro Manila to Clark International Airport in Pampanga and Calamba City in Laguna. Under the leadership of the Department of Transportation through the PNR, tentative plans are underway for partial operation by 2027, with full-scale operations envisioned by 2029.
This landmark occasion symbolizes the Philippines' commitment to fostering regional railway excellence. It signifies a pivotal journey toward safe, sustainable, comfortable, and cheap railway transportation across ASEAN nations.
