To enhance the Philippines' logistics backbone, Philippine National Railways (PNR) Chairman Michael Ted R. Macapagal has officially endorsed integrating ‘cargo freight operations’ alongside the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project, a 147-kilometer railway line poised to reshape public transportation across Luzon.
“Integrating a cargo train parallel to the NSCR project is an important step towards creating a comprehensive logistics network that will enhance economic efficiency, improve the livelihoods of farmers and fisherfolk, and significantly lower food prices,” Macapagal underscored.
This project proposal, according to Macapagal, will complement the $3.2 billion Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas Railway Corridor (SCMB), which promises to connect major economic hubs by linking four critical points in Luzon: the Port of Subic, Clark International Airport, Port of Manila, and Port of Batangas.
Chairman Macapagal highlighted that integrating cargo operations alongside the NSCR will streamline logistics, reduce transportation costs, and significantly benefit our economy, especially in the agricultural and industrial sectors.
The Economic Ripple Effect
The proposal is also expected to bring extensive benefits, including direct urban market access for farmers, potentially increasing incomes by up to 400%, and reducing product prices by up to 40%, ensuring competitiveness for local products in both domestic and international markets.
Integration promises to create jobs in construction, logistics, and railway operations, contributing to regional development and poverty alleviation. It also supports investments in clean energy, recycling, and renewable technologies through collaborative efforts from the United States and Japan.
PNR: A Catalyst for Development
Chairman Macapagal hopes that the NSCR and SCMB should be viewed not merely as infrastructure projects but as catalysts for profound economic and social transformation.
“By integrating a cargo component, we ensure these railways serve as lifelines for goods and livelihoods, not just for passengers,” he said.
Under Macapagal’s leadership, PNR is committed to modernizing the railway system while enhancing the country's global competitiveness and economic resilience. He likewise urged the government and private sectors to support this innovative venture.
