Thursday, September 30, 2021
DOTr, Spanish design firm to sign P1.4-B MRT-4 contract
By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
A rail system linking the province of Rizal with the eastern part of Metro Manila is nearing reality as the signing of a contract between the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Spain-based design firm IDOM Consulting Engineering, Architecture, SA (IDOM) is set to happen on Friday.
In a Viber message to reporters on Friday, the DOTr said the design contract of the rail project, to be dubbed the Metro Rail Transit Line 4 (MRT-4), will have a total cost of around USD28.967 million (around PHP1.4 billion).
The DOTr, in a press release, said IDOM initially received the Notice of Award for the project on Sept. 17.
The firm will be tasked as the “detailed architectural and engineering design consultant” of the project and will prepare the MRT-4’s preliminary design, detailed engineering and tender designs, the loan processing documents, financial and economical assessments, the project/loan safeguards documents, and bidding documents.
“Under the agreement, IDOM is also tasked to determine the proper mode of transportation along the alignment and provide the methodology on ridership validation,” the DOTr said.
The project, to be funded through official development assistance (ODA) from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and public-private partnership (PPP), is a proposed mass-transit railway system that will cut across the cities of Manila, Mandaluyong, Pasig, and municipalities of Cainta and Taytay in Rizal to address the “massive traffic problem and limited road capacities” in the area.
Once operational, it said the MRT-4 is seen to boost “employment opportunities, livelihood, and business opportunities” in its covered areas.
The project’s design stage, it said, is slated to begin in the last quarter of 2021 while early works for the project are set to begin by the second quarter of 2022.
Wednesday, September 29, 2021
Monday, September 27, 2021
NSCR Extension Project starts construction
Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiro joined the Department of Transportation (DoTr) Undersecretary Timothy John Batan and Asian Development Bank (ADB) Director General Ramesh Subramaniam at the joint site inspection for the extension of the ongoing Japan-funded North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project which runs from Malolos, Bulacan to Tutuban.
Held at the site of Clark International Airport Station in Mabalacat, Pampanga, the September 18 ceremony marked the start of construction for the NSCR Extension Project (NSCR-Ex).
Jointly financed by the ADB and the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica), there will be two extension lines to strengthen the Philippines' mass transport network and expand the economic sphere of Metro Manila, alleviating traffic congestion, improving the investment environment, and mitigating the effects of air pollution and climate change. The 51-km north extension will run from Malolos to Clark International Airport, while the 55-km south extension will run from Solis, Manila to Calamba, Laguna.
The project will utilize the Japanese railway system that uses energy-efficient and reliable trains. The technical aspects will also complement the ongoing NSCR Malolos to Tutuban Project that adopts Japanese technology on flood-resilient and anti-seismic design to withstand earthquakes. The Official Development Assistance yen loan of Jica will be allocated for the procurement of rolling stock and railway system as well as consulting services, while the ADB loan funds will be allocated to civil works.
The NSCR-Ex Project is one of the key infrastructure projects supported by Japan under the Philippine government's Build, Build, Build program. The government of Japan has been supporting the Philippines' railway sector for many years now, including the expansion of Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 to Cavite, recently completed extension of LRT Line 2 to Masinag, Antipolo under the Capacity Enhancement of Mass Transit Systems in Metro Manila Project, Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 Rehabilitation projects, in addition to the Metro Manila Subway.
Sunday, September 26, 2021
Saturday, September 25, 2021
Friday, September 24, 2021
Thursday, September 23, 2021
Wednesday, September 22, 2021
NLEX Connector reaches España, now half complete
The NLEX Connector is on track to finish construction by first-quarter next year as the toll road’s first five-kilometer section is now half complete, a unit of the Metro Pacific Tollways announced.
J. Luigi L. Bautista, NLEX Corp. president, and general manager said the P23 billion section running from Caloocan Interchange to España Boulevard is now 50 percent complete and will be finished by end-March 2022.
Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark A. Villar confirmed that NLEX Connector’s Manila segment is now nearly halfway done.
“We are targeting to deliver the full right-of-way (ROW) for this section by next month so we can further accelerate the project,” Villar said.
The eight-kilometer, four-lane elevated expressway that will link the North Luzon Expressway and South Luzon Expressway is a public-private partnership project between NLEX Corp. and the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Bautista said NLEX Corp. tapped new technology to hasten the construction, such as Indonesia’s Sosrobahu, which is used to launch coping beams or pierheads in certain portions of the project.
The rotating device enables the construction of expressways above existing roads with minimum disturbance to traffic, Bautista said.
“This technology will ramp up the construction progress and minimize traffic jams,” Bautista explained. “Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, we can expect significant progress in the coming months because of this solution.”
Aside from the Sosrobahu, NLEX is also using Super T girders to expedite the construction of the infrastructure.
Super T girders are pre-stressed box girders that are widely used for bridges in Australia and New Zealand. More than 1,400 girders will be used for the entire project.
NLEX is also using the Philippine National Railway’s tracks in transporting major structural components from one site to another to speed up the construction.
The connector road will provide trucks with a 24/7 alternative route and reduce travel time between NLEX and South Luzon from two hours to 20 minutes.
While the NLEX Connector España Section is progressing, the company will start building the next 3-km elevated section between España Interchange and the vicinity of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Sta. Mesa, Manila within the year.
Once completed, the NLEX Connector will have four toll plazas and interchanges in C3 and España.
It is expected to serve 35,000 motorists daily and provide better access to Manila Ports and airports such as NAIA and Clark.
This will also enable faster transport of goods and services between Metro Manila and Luzon provinces.
https://mb.com.ph/2021/09/22/nlex-connector-espana-section-50-complete/
"March 2022 is doable if ROW is already delivered NOW as in NOW as I type this. SMV was quoted to deliver 100% ROW for Segment 1 by 31 October 2021, so need din maglevel ng papalit sa kanya.
Eh based sa updates ng infra vloggers, it's highly unlikely as there are so many establishments that needs to be demolished pa."
(March 2022 is doable if ROW is already delivered NOW as in NOW as I type this. SMV was quoted to deliver 100% ROW for Segment 1 by 31 October 2021, so we also need to level a replacement for him.
Eh based on the updates of infrastructre vloggers, it's highly unlikely as there are so many establishments that need to be demolished yet)
The forerunners to succeed Villar as the secretary of public works and highways if the build, build, build program will continue:
- Maria Catalina E. Cabral - Undersecretary for Planning, PPP and Information Management Service
Tuesday, September 21, 2021
Nat’l gov’t, private sector sign Pasig River Expressway deal
By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
A six-lane elevated expressway traversing the length of the Pasig River will soon be built after the signing of the supplemental toll operations agreement (STOA) of the project between national government officials and partners in the private sector.
During a virtual presser on Tuesday, the STOA for the Pasig River Expressway (PAREx) was signed between Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) Executive Director Alvin Carullo, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Cathy Cabral, San Miguel President and COO Ramon Ang, and Philippine National Construction Corporation Assistant Vice President for Legal Henry Salazar.
Carullo said the PAREx will be about 19.365 kilometers long and will begin at the borders of San Nicolas and Intramuros in Manila to Taytay, Rizal, with entry and exit points placed “strategically” to connect it to other main thoroughfares in the National Capital Region (NCR).
“As part of the STOA, the project is considered an extension or linkage between Skyway Stage 3 and the C6 project,” he said.
The project, he said, includes the financing, design, construction, operation, maintenance of the toll expressway and consists of three segments.
The first 5.740-km segment will cover R10 to Skyway Stage 3 to Plaza Azul while the second 7.325-km section will stretch from Skyway Stage 3, San Juan River, to C5, and the third 6.3 km segment will be from C5 to Southeast Metro Manila Expressway, also known as C-6 Expressway.
“It has a franchise period of 30 consecutive years--commencing from the issuance of the toll operations certificate. And the construction period is for 36 consecutive months counted from the issuance of the notice to proceed with a 12-month grace period,” Carullo said.
The project cost is estimated at PHP81.527 billion with a “project reasonable rate of return” of 9.87 percent.
In a Facebook post, Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said the PAREx aims to address traffic congestion from the East to West of NCR.
“It is also set to provide a faster and alternative access to Makati, Ortigas, and Bonifacio Global City,” Tugade said.
‘First hybrid highway’
In a separate statement, Ang said the agreement would bring about the country’s first “green, hybrid highway and the future of urban transport.”
“PAREx will not only decongest traffic, it will greatly improve the way we move around Metro Manila. It will be designed to accommodate motor vehicles, a bus rapid transit system, bicycles, pedestrians, and water ferries,” Ang said.
In addition, he said his company is “fully committed” to a PHP2 billion rehabilitation initiative for the Pasig River.
“PAREx will address not only the present needs of both people and the environment but also the future needs of generations to come,” Ang said.
Monday, September 20, 2021
With Airport Express Service Makati-Clark in 55 minutes
TRAVEL time between Makati and Clark via railway will be reduced to 55 minutes with the Airport Express Service.
Department of Transportation (DOTr) officials said this during the first inspection of the Philippine National Railway (PNR) Clark Phase 2 (Malolos-Clark) railway project on Saturday, September 19, 2021
This airport link project, the first of its kind in the country, is also part of the 147-kilometer North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR).
Aside from this, the travel time between Malolos, Bulacan, and Clark will be cut down from one hour and 30 minutes to just 30 to 35 minutes, the agency stated.
The 53-kilometer Malolo-Clark railway segment will link several areas in Central Luzon to Metro Manila.
It has six stations in Calumpit, Bulacan; Apalit, Pampanga; City of San Fernando; Angeles City; Clark Freeport and Clark International Airport.
Eigo Azukizawa, the chief representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica), lauded the DOTr for its swift implementation of the project despite the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said the successful commencement and ongoing rollout of construction are products of collaborative efforts and firm partnership between the government and its partner agencies.
"We are amazed by the fast and continued progress of the project amid the pandemic," the Jica official added.
During an inspection of the project in Mabalacat City, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko said their government will continue providing technology and other means for the effective implementation of the NSCR project.
Japan is one of the top funding sources for the railway projects implemented by the DOTr.
PNR Clark-Malolos 32% complete, no construction delays: DOTr
By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz
The Malolos-Clark segment or phase two of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), of the Philippine National Railways (PNR), is now 32 percent complete and is on track to be completed in 2024.
In a Laging Handa briefing on Monday, DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan said the NSCR Phase 2 began construction this year.
“Sa kasalukuyan ay meron tayong 32 percent na overall progress rate para sa PNR Clark Phase 2 at inaasahan natin na yan ay matapos--kabuuan mula Manila hanggang Clark--by the year 2024 (To date we have a 32 percent overall progress rate for the PNR Clark Phase and we’re expecting this to be completed—from Manila to Clark—by the year 2024),” Batan said.
The NSCR is composed of three segments—the PNR Clark Phase 1 that began construction in 2019, PNR Clark Phase 2, and PNR Calamba that is slated to begin construction next year.
“Itong [NSCR] ay meron haba na 147 kilometers (km) at meron yan 35 na mga istasyon at yan ay magdadaan sa 25 na cities at municipalities mula sa Clark International Airport (CRK) hanggang Calamba (The NSCR is 147 km long and has 35 stations that will pass through 25 cities and municipalities from CRK to Calamba),” Batan said.
He said the NSCR is expected to provide a total of 25,000 direct jobs.
“Sa Clark Phase 2 pa lang ay 7,000 jobs na ang magagawa at direct pa lang yan. Ibig sabihin yung mga trabahador natin, wala pa diyan yung mga indirect jobs na tinatawag na magmumula sa doon sa economic activity na isasagawa at maidudulot nitong proyekto (PNR Clark Phase 2 alone will provide 7,000 direct jobs. That only includes project workers, not including indirect jobs that will be created by the project’s economic activity),” Batan said.
On Saturday, DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade and other officials conducted a site inspection of the underground railway station adjacent to CRK that is part of the NSCR Phase 2.
Once operational, the journey from Malolos, Bulacan to Clark, Pampanga is seen to cut down to 30 to 35 minutes from the previous 1.5 to two-hour drive and will be part of the country’s first “Airport Express Service.”
Tugade: PNR Malolos to Clark segment to generate 7,000 direct jobs
PAMPANGA – Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Art Tugade reiterated that job opportunities are available for Filipinos as the construction of various infrastructure projects is underway, such as the massive North-South Commuter Railway’s (NSCR) Malolos-Clark segment, which opened a total of 7,000 direct jobs.
During the inspection of the PNR Clark Phase 2 (Malolos-Clark Segment) project on 18 September 2021, Sec. Tugade highlighted the employment benefits of the railway project which will give priority to local hiring.
“I have been stressing this and I want to make sure that under the Build, Build, Build, we shall prioritize the employment of former Overseas Filipino Workers and transport workers to guarantee the inclusivity of this project,” Secretary Tugade said in his message, which was delivered by DOTr Undersecretary for Finance Giovanni Lopez.
The PNR Clark Phase 2 forms part of the massive 147-km NSCR line, which will have 35 stations, and shall operate 464 train cars, with 58 8-car train sets configuration.
To note, apart from the 7,000 direct jobs that opened during the construction phase of the PNR Clark Phase 2, around 3,000 more job opportunities will be generated once the project becomes operational. Moreover, for the whole NSCR line, over 25,000 direct job opportunities will be generated during its construction, while 10,000 jobs are expected to provide employment to the people.
For a mega infrastructure project such as the NSCR, the Japanese government as well as Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Asian Development Bank (ADB), which will co-finance the project, commended the DOTr for ensuring that construction works continue despite present challenges and global crisis.
In his message, the Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko stressed the important benefits of the NSCR to Filipinos, including the improvement of connectivity surrounding Metro Manila, and the convenience it will provide to commuters.
“On top of these, the benefit of this project will extend as far as creating many job opportunities. A total of allowance 10,000 new jobs are expected during its construction and once operations begin,” Ambassador Kazuhiko said.
As of July 2021, PNR Clark Phase 2 recorded an overall progress rate of 32%, while PNR Clark Phase 1 (Tutuban to Malolos segment), is now 48% complete.
The PNR Clark project features the country’s first-ever airport railway express service, which will surely unlock the economic growth and employment potentials of Central Luzon, especially Bulacan and Pampanga.
“This project is going to be incredibly important to the economic recovery and particularly in this region. So, you can imagine you got a lot of employment that’s being created, a lot of supply contracts – so this is the direct effects. And then there are the indirect effects – the second round of effects – the creating of new income opportunities for the region,” ADB Country Director Kelly Bird meanwhile said.
“This project is also one of the prime examples of JICA-ADB partnership for financing quality infrastructure. We are amazed by the fast and continuous progress of the project amidst the pandemic,” JICA Chief Representative Eigo Azukizawa expressed.
Meanwhile, proving that job opportunities are at hand, two (2) returning overseas workers gave their testimonies and encouraged others to take advantage of the employment opportunities under the government’s Build, Build, Build program.
“I am an OFW for around of 18 years already, and when I heard about this PNR project, which my parent company is one of the contractors— the Hyundai Engineering— I was amazed and very much interested to come back to the Philippines for this one,” said Melvin Avellana, a former OFW in Singapore.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to be part of this company (Acciona-EEI JV), which develops and manages infrastructure solutions in one of the most important projects in my home country. I told my family and friends back in Dubai not to be afraid to come back because there are opportunities, and I am happy to be back home,” Reynalyn Garcia, an OFW for 15 years in the United Arab of Emirates, shared.
JICA-ADB funded Metro Manila to Clark railway extension project to create 10,000 jobs – Japanese envoy
The construction of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Extension, the Philippines’ first airport-bound highspeed railway, will create 10,000 jobs and cut down travel time between Metro Manila and Clark to only about an hour, Japanese Ambassador to Manila Koshikawa Kazuhiko said over the weekend.
Koshikawa made this statement at the start of the construction of the Philippine National Railways’ Clark Phase 2 on Saturday, Sept. 19.
The railway segment plans to “seamlessly” link PNR Clark 1 line in Tutuban to Malolos, Bulacan (38 kilometers) and the PNR Clark 2 line from Malolos to Clark International Airport (58 kilometers).
In January 2019, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed an agreement that would provide an Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) loan to the Philippines amounting to JPY167.199 billion ($1.54 billion) for the 109-kilometer NSCR extension project.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is co-financing the project.
The loan funds of the Japan ODA will be used to procure rolling stock, a railway system and consulting services, while the ADB assistance will be utilized for civil works.
According to JICA, the Special Terms for Economic Partnership (STEP) will apply to the Japanese ODA loan for the project that will involve the transfer of advanced Japanese technology such as safe and punctual signaling systems and rolling stock that is lightweight and energy-efficient.
The Japanese funding agency said the project aims to strengthen the connectivity of urban transportation and enhance the transportation capacity in and around Metro Manila.
The railway extension forms part of the 147-kilometer NSCR project extending the North-South Commuter Railway to Clark International Airport in Pampanga Province in the north and to Calamba of Laguna Province in the south.
An ODA loan agreement for the NSCR was first signed in November 2015 during the time of the Aquino administration. The total cost of the NSCR project, including the extension, is P628.42 billion ($12.03 billion).
The entire 147-kilometer NSCR project that stretches from Laguna to Clark in Pampanga will have a total of 35 stations and 464 train cars with 58 eight-car train sets configuration.
It will also link existing railway lines – Light Rail Transit (LRT) lines 1 and 2, the MRT 3, and the upcoming Metro Manila Subway.
The NSCR project is targeted for completion in September 2025.
DoTr seeks exemption from public works ban
By Arjay L. Balinbin, Senior Reporter
THE DEPARTMENT of Transportation (DoTr) is asking the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to exempt its infrastructure projects, including the long-awaited Mindanao railway, from the public works ban ahead of the election season.
“A request has been made by DoTr to Comelec for exemption of all DoTr projects,” Transportation Assistant Secretary Eymard D. Eje told BusinessWorld in a phone message on Saturday.
“Comelec said that they cannot process our request as there are no guidelines yet. We will just refile it once guidelines are out,” he added.
The Comelec said the public works ban for the May national elections will run from March 25 to May 8, 2022. The public works ban covers disbursement and spending as well as construction activity. This is aimed at preventing politicians from using state resources for their election campaigns.
If the Comelec does grant an exemption for DoTr projects, the construction of the first phase of the Mindanao Railway project is expected to start in April 2022, project manager Clipton J. Solamo said.
Funded by China, the Mindanao rail project was initially expected to start partial operations in March 2022 and full operations in June 2023.
In the revised “indicative” timeline provided by Mr. Solamo on Sept. 13, construction work is now expected to begin in April 2022.
The government now hopes to start partial operations in October 2022, and full operations in October 2023.
The railway’s P82.9-billion first phase stretches from the Tagum Station and depot in Davao del Norte to Digos City in Davao del Sur. It will have stations in Carmen, Panabo, Santa Cruz, and three in Davao City, including a sub-depot.
Mr. Solamo said that “notices of taking” have been issued to 69.90% of affected properties in Tagum, 10.78% in Carmen, 96.69% in Panabo, 90.67% in Davao City, 85.26% in Santa Cruz, and 86.84% in Digos.
The Mindanao rail’s P3.08-billion project management consultancy contract has been awarded to a consortium composed of China Railway Design Corp. and Guangzhou Wanan Construction Supervision Co., Ltd.
The government is awaiting the shortlist of bidders from China for the design-and-build package.
OTHER PROJECTS
Based on the revised list of infrastructure flagship projects, ongoing DoTr projects that are targeted for completion next year include the Taguig Integrated Terminal Exchange, Cebu Bus Rapid Transit, and Davao Public Transport Modernization Project.
The Metro Manila Subway Project is expected to start excavation activities in the first quarter of 2022.
The partial operations segment (San Pablo, Candelaria, Lucena, and Pagbilao) of the PNR Bicol Project is expected to start in the first half of 2022.
The Malolos-Clark segment (PNR Clark Phase 2) of the North-South Commuter Railway is likewise expected to be partially operational next year.
https://www.bworldonline.com/dotr-seeks-exemption-from-public-works-ban/
PNR extension project to boost economic growth in Central Luzon
The North-South Commuter Rail Project (NSCR) is expected to spur economic growth in Central Luzon once operational, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said yesterday.
The NSCR is the largest project to be undertaken so far under the government’s Build Build Build program, with a total cost of P777.55 billion.
“A transport infrastructure project like the NSCR will spur economic growth in Central Luzon, particularly the provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said.
The DOTr targets the Manila-Clark portion of the project to be fully operational by 2024, and its Solis-Calamba segment by 2028.
NSCR’s Manila-Clark portion or its northern segment is composed of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) Clark Phase 1 and 2 projects, or the Tutuban to Malolos and Malolos to Clark segments, respectively.
The PNR Clark Phase 1 is 48 percent complete, while Phase 2 was 32 percent complete as of July.
The entire 147-kilometer NSCR line will have 35 stations and will operate 464 train cars, with 58 eight-car train sets configuration.
Over 25,000 direct job opportunities will be generated during its construction, while 10,000 jobs are expected to provide employment to the people.
The project is financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Asian Development Bank.
Sunday, September 19, 2021
Japanese envoy, ADB, JICA laud Tugade for North-South Commuter Railway progress
As construction works for the Philippine National Railways (PNR) Clark Phase 2 Project begin, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chief Representative Eigo Azukizawa, and Asian Development Bank Country Director Kelly Bird lauded Transportation Secretary Art Tugade for the visible and rapid progress of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Project under the Build, Build, Build Infrastructure Program.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, transportation projects improving the lives of Filipinos are being launched with Secretary Tugade leading the way, Ambassador Kazuhiko said.
“Despite the challenging pandemic situation, important milestones in our transport project have been launched one after another. This is due in large part to the strong leadership of Secretary Tugade—for which we are truly grateful,” the Japanese Ambassador explained during the site inspection of the PNR Clark Phase 2 Project at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.
Kazuhiko said the PNR Clark Phase 2 Project is a “symbol of the Japanese and Filipino collaboration.”
With the NSCR Project in full swing, Ambassador Kazuhiko said the Japanese government will continue to promote the transfer of technology, maintenance knowledge, and the promotion of Filipino human capital for the railway operations of the NSCR.
“Time and again, we commit our continuous support to President Duterte’s Build, Build, Build Program. Japan will further commit cooperation such as the procurement of rolling stocks and development of railroad system through JICA-ODA support,” he said.
ADB Country Director Bird likewise expressed his gratitude to Tugade for bringing the NSCR Project into fruition while committing the financial institution’s continued support for other government big-ticket projects.
“I would like to thank Secretary Tugade for his amazing leadership in bringing this project to where it is today. I would also like to reiterate that the Asian Development Bank will always remain committed to the Philippines as our host country and we will continue to support the Philippines not only to overcome the current challenges with COVID-19 but also on its journey to becoming an upper-middle-income country very soon,” Bird said.
“And here today, we are seeing for ourselves the commencement of civil works [for PNR Clark Phase 2]. It’s been a fantastic journey for ADB, with the Department of Transportation and the government of Japan in bringing this amazing project to commencement,” he added.
JICA Chief Representative Azukizawa echoed the Ambassador’s sentiments, explaining that the NSCR’s progress is “impressive” even amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is indeed an impressive achievement for the Department of Transportation and Philippine National Railways. This is the product of our concerted efforts, strong collaboration and leadership under Secretary Tugade, which we remarkably achieved amidst the raging spread of COVID-19,” the JICA official said.
“We are amazed by the fast and continued progress of the project amid the pandemic,” Azukizawa added.
The second leg of the NSCR Project, the 53-kilometer PNR Clark Phase 2, will connect cities and municipalities in Central Luzon with Metro Manila and will link the railway system with the country’s first-ever Airport Express Service to the Clark International Airport.
Once operational, the PNR Clark Phase 2 will reduce travel time between Makati City and Clark International Airport in less than two hours through the Airport Express Service.
The NSCR Project is the single largest financing project of the ADB not only in the Philippines, but also across its member states, and at the same time the longest greenfield commuter railway project of JICA.
Saturday, September 18, 2021
Tugade: PNR Malolos to Clark segment to generate 7,000 direct jobs
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Art Tugade reiterated that job opportunities are available for Filipinos as the construction of various infrastructure projects is underway, such as the massive North-South Commuter Railway’s (NSCR) Malolos-Clark segment, which opened a total of 7,000 direct jobs.
During the inspection of the PNR Clark Phase 2 (Malolos-Clark Segment) project today, September 18, Sec. Tugade highlighted the employment benefits of the railway project which will give priority to local hiring.
“I have been stressing this and I want to make sure that under the Build, Build, Build, we shall prioritize the employment of former Overseas Filipino Workers and transport workers to guarantee the inclusivity of this project,” Secretary Tugade said in his message, which was delivered by DOTr Undersecretary for Finance Giovanni Lopez.
The PNR Clark Phase 2 forms part of the massive 147-km NSCR line, which will have 35 stations, and shall operate 464 train cars, with 58 8-car train sets configuration.
To note, apart from the 7,000 direct jobs that opened during the construction phase of the PNR Clark Phase 2, around 3,000 more job opportunities will be generated once the project becomes operational. Moreover, for the whole NSCR line, over 25,000 direct job opportunities will be generated during its construction, while 10,000 jobs are expected to provide employment to the people.
For a mega infrastructure project such as the NSCR, the Japanese government as well as Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Asian Development Bank (ADB), which will co-finance the project, commended the DOTr for ensuring that construction works continue despite present challenges and global crisis.
In his message, the Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko stressed the important benefits of the NSCR to Filipinos, including the improvement of connectivity surrounding Metro Manila, and the convenience it will provide to commuters.
“On top of these, the benefit of this project will extend as far as creating many job opportunities. A total of 10,000 new jobs are expected during its construction and once operations begin,” Ambassador Kazuhiko said.
As of July 2021, PNR Clark Phase 2 recorded an overall progress rate of 32%, while PNR Clark Phase 1 (Tutuban to Malolos segment), is now 48% complete.
The PNR Clark project features the country’s first-ever airport railway express service, which will surely unlock the economic growth and employment potentials of Central Luzon, especially Bulacan and Pampanga.
“This project is going to be incredibly important to the economic recovery and particularly in this region. So, you can imagine you got a lot of employment that’s being created, a lot of supply contracts – so this is the direct effect. And then there are the indirect effects – the second round of effects – the creation of new income opportunities for the region,” ADB Country Director Kelly Bird meanwhile said.
“This project is also one of the prime examples of the JICA-ADB partnership for financing quality infrastructure. We are amazed by the fast and continuous progress of the project amidst the pandemic,” JICA Chief Representative Eigo Azukizawa expressed.
Meanwhile, proving that job opportunities are at hand, two (2) returning overseas workers gave their testimonies and encouraged others to take advantage of the employment opportunities under the government’s Build, Build, Build program.
“I am an OFW for around of 18 years already, and when I heard about this PNR project, which my parent company is one of the contractors— the Hyundai Engineering— I was amazed and very much interested to come back to the Philippines for this one,” said Melvin Avellana, a former OFW in Singapore.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to be part of this company (Acciona-EEI JV), which develops and manages infrastructure solutions in one of the most important projects in my home country. I told my family and friends back in Dubai not to be afraid to come back because there are opportunities, and I am happy to be back home,” Reynalyn Garcia shared who was an OFW for 15 years in the United Arab of Emirates. (DOTR) – rir
https://ptvnews.ph/tugade-pnr-malolos-to-clark-segment-to-generate-7000-direct-jobs/
Japanese Ambassador, ADB, JICA laud DOTr Sec. Tugade for North-South commuter railway progress
As construction works for the Philippine National Railways (PNR) Clark Phase 2 Project begin, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chief Representative Eigo Azukizawa, and Asian Development Bank Country Director Kelly Bird lauded Transportation Secretary Art Tugade for the visible and rapid progress of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Project under the Build, Build, Build Infrastructure Program.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, transportation projects improving the lives of Filipinos are being launched with Secretary Tugade leading the way, Ambassador Kazuhiko said.
“Despite the challenging pandemic situation, important milestones in our transport project have been launched one after another. This is due in large part to the strong leadership of Secretary Tugade—for which we are truly grateful,” the Japanese Ambassador explained during the site inspection of the PNR Clark Phase 2 Project at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.
Kazuhiko said the PNR Clark Phase 2 Project is a “symbol of the Japanese and Filipino collaboration.”
With the NSCR Project in full swing, Ambassador Kazuhiko said the Japanese government will continue to promote the transfer of technology, maintenance knowledge, and the promotion of Filipino human capital for the railway operations of the NSCR.
“Time and again, we commit our continuous support to President Duterte’s Build, Build, Build Program. Japan will further commit cooperation such as the procurement of rolling stocks and development of the railroad system through JICA-ODA support,” he said.
ADB Country Director Bird likewise expressed his gratitude to Secretary Tugade for bringing the NSCR Project into fruition while committing the financial institution’s continued support for other government big-ticket projects.
“I would like to thank Secretary Tugade for his amazing leadership in bringing this project to where it is today. I would also like to reiterate that the Asian Development Bank will always remain committed to the Philippines as our host country and we will continue to support the Philippines not only to overcome the current challenges with COVID-19 but also on its journey to becoming an upper-middle-income country very soon,” Bird said.
“And here today, we are seeing for ourselves the commencement of civil works [for PNR Clark Phase 2]. It’s been a fantastic journey for ADB, with the Department of Transportation and the government of Japan in bringing this amazing project to commencement,” he added.
JICA Chief Representative Azukizawa echoed the Ambassador’s sentiments, explaining that the NSCR’s progress is “impressive” even amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is indeed an impressive achievement for the Department of Transportation and Philippine National Railways. This is the product of our concerted efforts, strong collaboration, and leadership under Secretary Tugade, which we remarkably achieved amidst the raging spread of COVID-19,” the JICA official said.
“We are amazed by the fast and continued progress of the project amid the pandemic,” Azukizawa added.
The second leg of the NSCR Project, the 53-kilometer PNR Clark Phase 2, will connect cities and municipalities in Central Luzon with Metro Manila and will link the railway system with the country’s first-ever Airport Express Service to the Clark International Airport.
Once operational, the PNR Clark Phase 2 will reduce travel time between Makati City and Clark International Airport in less than two hours through the Airport Express Service.
The NSCR Project is the single largest financing project of the ADB not only in the Philippines, but also across its member states, and at the same time the longest greenfield commuter railway project of JICA. (DOTr) -rir
PNR Malolos-Clark segment generated 7,000 jobs —DOTr
By TED CORDERO, GMA News
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Saturday that the construction of the Philippine National Railways’ Clark Phase 2 project or the Malolos, Bulacan to Clark, Pampanga line opened thousands of job opportunities.
In a statement, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said the project will generate direct and indirect employment opportunities for locals, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), and transport sector workers hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that at least 7,000 direct jobs have been opened for grabs as the construction of the projects progresses.
“I have been stressing this and I want to make sure that under the Build, Build, Build program, we shall prioritize the employment of former OFWs and transport workers to guarantee the inclusivity of this project,” Tugade said.
The PNR Clark Phase 2 forms part of the massive 147-kilometer North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project -- which will have 35 stations and shall operate 464 train cars, with 58 eight-car train sets configuration.
The NSCR line stretches from Laguna to Clark in Pampanga.
In particular, the 54-kilometer PNR Clark Phase 2 or Malolos-Clark line will feature the country’s first airport railway express service.
As of July 2021, PNR Clark Phase 2 recorded an overall progress rate of 32%, while PNR Clark Phase 1 or the Tutuban to Malolos segment is at 48%.
Apart from the 7,000 direct jobs that opened during the construction phase of the PNR Clark Phase 2, around 3,000 more job opportunities will be generated once the project becomes operational, the DOTr said.
Moreover, it said that for the whole NSCR line, over 25,000 direct job opportunities will be generated during its construction, while 10,000 jobs are expected to provide employment to the people.
The NSCR project will be co-financed by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Asian Development Bank (ADB).
In his message, the Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko stressed the important benefits of the NSCR to Filipinos, including the improvement of connectivity surrounding Metro Manila, and the convenience it will provide to commuters.
"On top of these, the benefit of this project will extend as far as creating many job opportunities. A total of 10,000 new jobs are expected during its construction and once operations begin," Kazuhiko said.
For ADB country director Kelly Bird, the “project is going to be incredibly important to the economic recovery and particularly in this region.”
“So, you can imagine you got a lot of employment that's being created, a lot of supply contracts -- so this is the direct effect. And then there are the indirect effects -- the second round of effects -- the creation of new income opportunities for the region," Bird said.
JICA chief representative Eigo Azukizawa, for his part, commended the “fast and continuous progress of the project amidst the pandemic.” —LBG, GMA News
Friday, September 17, 2021
Thursday, September 16, 2021
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
Sunday, September 12, 2021
Saturday, September 11, 2021
Friday, September 10, 2021
Thursday, September 9, 2021
Duterte's Dream, Continuity and Building our Legacy
First of 2 parts
Dreams set the foundation for your life. You first dream about what you want to achieve in your life. Then you work on them to make it come true.
– Deepak Rajpal
EARLY in my childhood, I dreamed of becoming an engineer. Some people dream of becoming doctors, architects, and builders while others dream of entering into business. Dreams inspire us to reach a goal, a vision, or something we aspire for. My dream to become an engineer was personal, and to accomplish this dream, I prepared hard and focused on my dream. Eventually, I finished an engineering degree, and here I am.
I was fortunate to work with a good friend, lawyer Alex Lacson, who is the author and founder of Kabayanihan Foundation. Our group believed in the power of small steps and the importance of building Our Dream Philippines, and how and why Filipinos should be encouraged to dream big not only for themselves and their families but also for our country. I believe that if we dream to succeed personally, we also need to dream together, as Filipinos, to build a better Philippines.
Duterte vision
When President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (PRRD) became President in 2016, he shared his dream and vision for the Philippines - "a comfortable life for all Filipinos." Providing a comfortable life is not an easy task for any country, especially for a developing country like ours. However, let us take a look at what has been done by the Duterte administration since 2016 - from the war against drugs, crime and corruption, to the legislation on free health care and education and the Build, Build, Build infrastructure program.
Landmark laws have already been passed and are now providing comfort for the Filipinos. These include the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, Increase in Base Pay of Military and Uniformed Personnel in the Government, Universal Health Care, and Malasakit Centers.
Legislation related to building a comfortable life is easier to implement and act upon unlike infrastructure, such as Build, Build, Build projects, which are complicated, need a lot of approval across different government agencies, and take years to implement. However, with plans and implementation from past administrations, several infrastructure projects have been completed thus far, such as the P2.2-billion Urdaneta City Bypass Road, TPLEx-Luzon Spine Expressway Network, NLEx Harbor Link and extension, Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3, Clark International Airport Expansion Project Phase 1, LRT-2 East Extension (Metro Manila to Rizal) and MRT-3 Rehab, among others.
Difficult as it may seem, the completion of other Build, Build, Build projects is within reach. Some of the projects to be completed from 2022-2028 include the PNR NSCR project, LRT-1 Cavite Extension project, MRT Line 7, Unified Common Station, Mega Manila Subway, Mindanao Rail Tagum Digos Segment, and PNR South Long Haul. These are some of the projects planned before and during President Duterte's administration that we look forward to seeing being continued by the next administration.
Need for continuity
In my opinion, six years is too short a time for a good president, and the continuity of leadership is important in the implementation of plans and programs. The United Arab Emirates would not be the modern and prosperous UAE it is today if the foundations laid down by its founding father, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, had not been sustained by his son, the current president of UAE and Emir of Abu Dhabi, Sheik Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who assumed as successor in 2004.
History will likewise show some critical projects that could have been beneficial for the Filipinos but were discontinued due to differences in vision or dreams for our country. To name a few, projects like the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant and the Parañaque Spillway of President Ferdinand Marcos were scrapped and deferred by the Corazon Aquino administration; the Clark Expo (formerly Expo Pilipino) of President Fidel Ramos was scrapped by President Joseph Estrada; and the Laguna Lake Rehabilitation Project and the Makati subway loop, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's projects, were shelved during President Benigno Aquino 3rd's administration. These projects were well studied and could have done a lot to improve the quality of life of the Filipinos. This is what happens if there is no continuity of leadership. Projects which could be beneficial to the "comfortable life for the Filipinos" will and "might" be discontinued. Thus, continuity is important; it will provide fewer constraints, more flexibility, and coordination across administrations.
An example of continuity of leadership is Davao City. As the president of the Philippine Councilors League, who has served both under then Davao City Mayor Rodrigo "Digong" Duterte and incumbent Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio (CMI), councilor Danny Dayanghirang has said the dream of a progressive Davao is both shared by Mayor Digong and CMI.
Dr. Paul Chua, Ph.D. MNSA is an advocate of continuous learning both local and foreign. He completed "Essentials of Policy Development" at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore; "Strategic Management of Regulatory and Enforcement Agencies" at the Harvard Kennedy School; and "Leadership and Management for Integrity" at the Central European University.
Thursday, September 2, 2021
MRT 7 train cars to start arriving next week, says SMC
San Miguel Corp. (SMC) said the first batch of Korean-made train cars for the 22-kilometer Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT 7) would arrive next week ahead of the project’s completion and test run in December 2022. This would involve six cars, or two train sets, from South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem, the food, drinks and infrastructure conglomerate said in a statement on Wednesday.
SMC added that more trains would be shipped in the coming months until all 108 coaches were delivered.
“The timely arrival of these brand new, high-quality trains from South Korea—known as one of the world’s best train and rail systems builders—is such a welcome development, and I believe holds a lot of significance,” SMC president Ramon S. Ang said in a statement.
“At a time when many are feeling uncertain about our country’s future because of the pandemic, this shows that the job of nation-building continues,” he added.
The MRT 7 is a P63-billion project that will link North Avenue in Quezon City to San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. It is among SMC’s biggest infrastructure projects after the P735-billion New Manila International Airport, which will rise also in Bulacan.
54% completion rate
SMC, which had tapped Korea Railroad Corp. as adviser, said the initial batch of train cars had passed inspections and factory acceptance testing.
It added that the MRT 7 had reached a completion rate of 54 percent.
Ang pointed to challenges and possible delays arising from pandemic-related restrictions and right-of-way issues. He noted, however, that these would be minimized.
“As we’ve said before, the MRT 7 project is in many ways more difficult and complex than even our recently-competed Skyway Stage 3—which in itself is an engineering feat,” he said. “This is because MRT 7 has added complexities such as electric power systems, computer and communications systems, signaling systems and automatic fare systems, among others,” he added.
Complexities
The MRT 7, which started construction in 2016, would be connected to the government’s Quezon City common station project, which would serve as a unified transit hub linking the MRT 3, Light Rail Transit Line 1 and the eventual Metro Manila subway.
Earlier, SMC reported that the manufacturing of other important equipment needed for the MRT 7, which were all done in various countries, had also been completed.
SMC said it was also expecting the delivery of other equipment related to the MRT 7’s operations. These include the automatic fare systems, communication systems, signaling systems, power supply systems, third rail, track works systems and rolling stock maintenance equipment used for the maintenance of trains.
https://business.inquirer.net/329947/mrt-7-train-cars-to-start-arriving-next-week-says-smc