The government has set the motion for the acquisition of right- of-way (ROW) in areas to be affected by the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) railway.
In a statement on Sunday, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said it has obtained the concurrence of 43 landowners in Porac and Floridablanca towns in Pampanga for the use of portions of their properties to be affected by the alignment of SCMB.
In ceremonies held last week, officials led BCDA senior vice president Richard Brian Cepe, returned to the landowners the transfer certificate of titles (TCTs) of 63 properties initially surrendered to the government for the ROW.
The BCDA said the landowners have been paid just compensation based on the negotiations.
Cepe said one of the biggest challenges in implementing infrastructure projects is securing right-of-way, noting BCDA’s experience in building the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway where the cooperation of the affected landowners paved the way for the speedy completion of the project.
The project is a key component of the Luzon Economic Corridor which is aimed at generating economic opportunities with the assistance of the US and Japan.
“The SCMB railway will connect the country’s economic centers from the port of Subic, ro Clark airport up to the ports of Manila and Batangas. This will facilitate trade and commerce,” Cepe added.
The government is looking to start the construction of the SCMB rail by 2027.
The $3.2-billion rail system spans 250 kilometers.
