Families now dwell in streets after Parañaque demolition amid pandemic

Despite the memorandum  circular released by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in April 2020 to postpone all administrative demolition and eviction activities, over 50 families in Parañaque City were rendered homeless after their houses near the coastal area of the city were demolished.

Urban poor group Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) condemned the demolition on January 19 in a statement on Wednesday and called it a “heartless” and “illegal” incursion against the poor.

Kadamay said that the residents were initially housed in the local gymnasium temporarily, however, they were again evicted last Monday. Now they have set up encampments along roads as street dwellers.

The demolition was enacted to make way for the expansion of the LRT 1, according to Kadamay.

On Wednesday, the Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pilipino said the residents held a mobilization demanding accountability from the Local Government Unit of Parañaque. The group decried how the authorities have conspired to leave the families “homeless and without relocation.”

The groups cited DILG’s Memorandum Circular No. 2020-068 postponing any eviction related activities while the nation remains in a state of national emergency. President Duterte declared the nation to still be under state of calamity until September 2021 through Proclamation No. 1021.

The memorandum stated that “only the identified dwellings qualified under Section 28(b) of the Urban Development and Housing Act and related Section 4(s) of Republic Act 11469 otherwise known as the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act shall be allowed eviction or demolition.”

“Provided that the eviction or demolition of the identified dwellings are crucial in the general objectives stipulated in RA 11469,” it read.

“Provided further that prior to the conduct of eviction and demolition, LGUs shall provide interim shelter facilities for affected communities who will be demolished within the locality and finally provide financial assistance, relief, and other basic services,” it continued.

The memorandum also stated that “all local government units shall provide interim shelter facilities to all homeless families and/or individuals found in their respective jurisdiction, and appropriate financial assistance, relief, and other basic services.”

Manila Bulletin has reached out to Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez but he has not replied as of this writing.

https://mb.com.ph/2021/01/27/families-now-dwell-in-streets-after-paranaque-demolition-amid-pandemic/

Bagong train sets ng LRT1, planong i-test agad lalo't magsisimula na rin...

Train cars for LRT-1 Cavite extension starting to arrive

 THE Transportation department said Tuesday that it took delivery of the first batch of train cars from Spain and Mexico for use of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) Cavite extension.

“This means that after 19 long years of waiting, the LRT-1 Cavite extension is finally turning into reality,” the department said in a statement.

Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency, funded the manufacture of the 120 fourth-generation light rail vehicles.

The train cars will be provided to the LRT-1, with Mitsubishi Corp. as the implementing contractor, the Embassy of Japan in Manila said in a separate statement.

Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), the private operator of LRT-1, said Spanish rail equipment manufacturer Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles started the production of the train cars in Spain and Mexico in 2019, after winning a tender conducted by the Transportation department.

Advertisement

“The train sets will arrive in batches, with at least one train set arriving every month until May 2022,” the company noted.

The Transportation department said on Jan. 18 that the LRT-1 Cavite extension project was 51.61% complete as of Dec. 31.

It also said the Cavite extension is expected to start partial operations by the end of 2021.

The P64.9-billion LRT-1 Cavite extension project, a public-private partnership venture that the National Economic and Development Authority board approved in November 2013, aims to add an 11.7-kilometer Baclaran-Bacoor, Cavite segment to the current 18.1-kilometer train line. The new stretch will have eight stations.

The first phase of the extension consists of a seven-kilometer segment with five stations between the Redemptorist Church area in Baclaran and Dr. Santos Ave. in Parañaque.

The remaining three stations are scheduled for completion in 2022.

Once LRT-1’s Cavite extension opens to the public, the DoTr expects daily ridership along the entire line to increase to 800,000 passengers from 500,000, and Baclaran-Bacoor travel time to be cut to 25 minutes from up to two hours.

LRMC is the joint venture of Ayala Corp., Metro Pacific Light Rail Corp. and Macquarie Infrastructure Holdings (Philippines) Pte. Ltd. It holds the P65 billion, 32-year PPP contract to operate LRT-1 and build its extension to Cavite.

Metro Pacific Investments Corp. is one of three Philippine subsidiaries of Hong Kong’s First Pacific Co. Ltd., the others being PLDT, Inc. and Philex Mining Corp. Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., maintains an interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Arjay L. Balinbin

https://www.bworldonline.com/train-cars-for-lrt-1-cavite-extension-starting-to-arrive/

New trains for LRT1 Cavite Extension arrive | 24 Oras

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Tuesday unveiled the first batch of new trains for the Light Rail Transit Line 1’s (LRT1) Cavite extension.

During the arrival ceremony, the four new trains were displayed to the public which comprise the first batch of 120 train cars from Spain and Mexico.

“Nineteen years ago, this project was started. So, under the Duterte Administration, we pushed and pushed hard. That is why today, we see the steps of the whole realization of this project--partial operability within this year, by accepting the trains and the cars,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said.

Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa expressed support for the Duterte administration's programs.

“I served JICA as an Executive Senior Vice President for four years, so I share this same ardent passion with the DOTr leadership. Now that I’m here in this country, I made it my commitment to work closely with our friends from the Philippine government to achieve these infrastructure goals, together with JICA,” Koshikawa said.

Upon completion of the extension project, LRT1 is expected to connect Baclaran and Bacoor, Cavite in just 25 minutes from the current travel time of one hour and 10 minutes.—LDF, GMA News

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/773366/four-new-trains-for-lrt1-cavite-extension-arrive/story/

First batch of new trains unveiled for LRT-1 extension

The Department of Transportation on Tuesday unveiled a new LRT-1 train, which will be used for the railway's extension to Cavite. 

Four new trains arrived, which the operator of the LRT-1 said make up the first batch of the 120 new trains made in Spain and Mexico.

The 120 new trains will form 34 car train sets and can accommodate up to 750,000 passengers daily.

The Light Rail Manila Corp. said rights issues and the pandemic delayed the delivery of the trains from Spain.

More details to follow.

Report from Jacque Manabat, ABS-CBN News

https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/01/26/21/first-batch-of-new-trains-unveiled-for-lrt-1-extension

4th-gen trains for LRT-1 Cavite Extension arrive in PH

By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz and Joyce Ann L. Rocamora

The first batch of fourth-generation train cars from Spain and Mexico to be used for the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) Cavite Extension Project arrived in the country on Tuesday, bringing the rail project closer to completion.

In a Facebook post, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the first batch, made up of eight train cars, was the first of a total of 120 train cars for the project.

During the arrival ceremony, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said the project began 19 years ago but had “zero percent” of its right-of-way (ROW) certified as “free and clear” by an independent consultant in 2016 despite the ROW acquisition receiving its budget from Congress in 2007.

“Under the Duterte administration, we pushed and pushed hard. That is why today, we see the steps of the whole realization of this project – partial operability within this year, by accepting the trains and the cars,” Tugade said.

The project is a partnership among the DOTr, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Light Rail Transit Authority, the Light Rail Manila Corp., Mitsubishi Corp., Spanish rolling stock manufacturer Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocariles (CAF), and CMX Consortium.

In the same event, Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa pledged to work closely with the Philippine government, citing the December 14 commitment made by Japanese Prime Minister Suga to support President Rodrigo Duterte's “Build, Build, Build” program.

"The strategic partnership between Japan and the Philippines has proven that this pandemic is not a stumbling block that could stop us from reaching our destination. Japan is with the Philippines all the way and this unswerving support is very evident in the ‘Build, Build, Build’ program," Koshikawa said in a speech.

He said the fourth-generation train set manufactured by CAF is powered by select Japanese products and technology.

"(I) feel particularly upbeat about this Japan-Philippines-Spain trilateral cooperation. Our project contractor, Mitsubishi Corp., is working double time for the rehabilitation of LRT-1, and CAF’s rolling stock will surely be a vital component," Koshikawa said. "The arrival of the new light rail vehicles for Metro Manila’s LRT Line-1 signals a major uplift to its operations."

Once the project is completed, the LRT-1 will connect Baclaran and Bacoor, Cavite, reducing travel time from one hour and 10 minutes to 25 minutes.

As of December 31, the project was 51.61-percent complete, with recent construction works, such as bored piling, pier/portal column works, and Manila International Airport station foundation works.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1128585

Maynilad reconfigures water pipelines

West Zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services, Inc. (Maynilad) has reconfigured some of its water pipelines, a move that will pave the way for several government infrastructure projects.

In a statement, the company said it has completed the realignment, replacement, and relocation of around 6.7 kilometers of water pipelines to help fast-track the implementation of several government infrastructure projects.

The reconfiguration of these primary and secondary pipelines was done in portions of Caloocan, Quezon City, Valenzuela, Parañaque, and Las Piñas to give way for ongoing construction works on new railways, drainage lines, and other vital installations.

These government projects include the construction of the Philippine National Railways North, MRT-7, and LRT-1 Extension.

“It is important to ensure that these vital government projects are not delayed. So we strive to support by accommodating requests to realign some of our existing pipelines, with due consideration to Maynilad customers whose water supply may be temporarily affected by such realignments, as well as to motorists who pass by our construction sites,” Maynilad Chief Operating Officer Randolph T. Estrellado said.

Maynilad is the largest private water concessionaire in the Philippines in terms of the customer base.

It is the concessionaire of the MWSS for the West Zone of the Greater Manila Area, which is composed of the cities of Manila (all but portions of San Andres & Sta. Ana), Quezon City (west of San Juan River, West Avenue, EDSA, Congressional, Mindanao Avenue, the northern part starting from the Districts of the Holy Spirit & Batasan Hills), Makati (west of South Super Highway), Caloocan, Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, Navotas and Malabon all in Metro Manila; the cities of Cavite, Bacoor and Imus, and the towns of Kawit, Noveleta, and Rosario, all in Cavite Province. 

https://mb.com.ph/2021/01/26/maynilad-reconfigures-water-pipelines/

DOTr: PNR Clark rail phase 1 in full swing

CLARK FREEPORT -- The construction of the PNR Clark from Malolos in Bulacan to Tutuban in Metro Manila is now in full swing, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said.

"With 24/7 work construction schedule, the much-awaited PNR Clark Phase 1 (Malolos to Tutuban) segment of the massive North South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project, is going full steam ahead, as we report an overall progress rate of 42.66 percent as of December 31, 2020," it said.

Amid the current pandemic, the construction works continue at an accelerated pace, under the strictest implementation of health protocols.

The DOTr cited the construction of temporary access roads, temporary bridges, temporary facilities, as well as the bored piling works, structural excavation works, and fabrication of precast segment.

This 38-kilometer PNR Clark Phase 1, is one of three segments of the NSCR Project, the centerpiece transport infrastructure of the "Build Build Build" program of the Duterte administration that will connect Central Luzon, Metro Manila, and Calabarzon under one railway network.

Upon completion, PNR Clark Phase 1 is projected to reduce the travel time from Tutuban, Manila to Malolos, Bulacan from one hour and 30 minutes to just 35 minutes.

It is expected to partially operate by the end of this year upon the arrival of its first set of trains.

The NSCR is seen to significantly improve the connectivity and mobility of our riding public across region propelling the country's mass transportation systems to modern standards.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1883937/Pampanga/Local-News/DOTr-PNR-Clark-rail-phase-1-in-full-swing

Major rail projects to be undertaken this year

Major developments in the railway sector are set to take place this year as the government wants to forge ahead even with just more than a year left in the current administration.

Expanding and making the country’s rail network  more efficient are one of the solutions seen to help ease road traffic congestion being experienced in the metropolis.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade   over the weekend reported a slew of rail projects, which passengers would finally get the chance to experience within the year.

Tugade said the country’s first underground rail system would be partially operable by the end of the year with three initial stations.

Making this possible is the arrival in the country on Feb. 5 of the tunnel boring machines to be used for the P357-billion Metro Manila subway project.

A tunnel boring machine is a critical component in the development of the underground rail system as it will be used to dig underground and lay the tunnels.

The Metro Manila subway project will stretch across 36 kilometers and will have a total of 15 stations, crossing seven local governments, and passing three of Metro Manila’s business districts.

The project aims to reduce travel time from the Valenzuela depot to NAIA Terminal 3 to just 45 minutes from one hour and 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, Tugade said the first batch of the fourth generation trains to be used in the LRT-1 system is set to arrive tomorrow.

Partial operability of the project that will extend the LRT-1 to Cavite is also expected by the end of the year.

Light Rail Manila Corp., the private operator of LRT-1, is working with Bouygues Travaux Publics as the engineering, procurement and construction contractor, to speed up the completion of the project, which will cut travel time between Baclaran and Bacoor from one hour and 10 minutes to just 25 minutes.

For the MRT-3, Tugade said full rehabilitation of the rail system would be completed by July. The completion is seen restoring the MRT-3 to its original high-grade design.

Two additional stations under the LRT-2 East Extension project, meanwhile, will be operational by April 26, according to the transport chief.

The MRT-7, a P63-billion project that will cut travel time from Manila to Bulacan to about 34 minutes once completed, is also scheduled for partial operations by December, and full operations by next year.

Tugade said Area A of the Unified Grand Central Station, also known as the Common Station, would have its partial operability by July and full operability by December.

Located at the north end of EDSA, the Common Station marks the intersection of four railway lines – LRT-1, MRT-3, MRT-7, and the Metro Manila Subway – which aims to provide a seamless transfer of passengers from one rail line to another.

Tugade said having an efficient rail system would help address traffic congestion in roads.

“It’s a mass transport. Once there is an efficient rail system, you will reduce the number of motor vehicles in the roads. Once the volume is reduced, won’t traffic improve?” he said.

Tugade, however, said the issue of traffic needs a holistic approach that could be addressed through a combination of infrastructure, facilities, process, ways of doing things, and discipline.

https://www.philstar.com/business/2021/01/25/2072722/major-rail-projects-be-undertaken-year

Most Metro Manila mayors oppose lowering quarantine age restriction

Most mayors in the capital region are against allowing individuals as young as 10 years old outside their homes, Metro Manila Council Chairman Edwin Olivarez said Monday.

The inter-agency task force leading the country’s pandemic response has allowed minors aged 10 to 14 to go out of their homes in areas under modified general community quarantine or MGCQ, the lowest quarantine classification.

Olivarez, mayor of Parañaque City, said the IATF allowed Metro Manila mayors to assess if they will allow the same. The capital region remains under general community quarantine, a level stricter than MGCQ.

"Dun po sa amin pong consensus sa isang meeting po namin, halos lahat po kami ay hindi po sumasang-ayon 'yung relaxing this age bracket," he told ANC's Headstart.

(In a consensus during one of our meetings, almost all of us disagreed with relaxing this age bracket.)

Pediatricians that the council consulted said it is not advisable to allow the lowering of the age bracket. 

He added, he personally thinks children aged 10 should not be allowed in malls, especially with reports of the COVID-19 variant from United Kingdom, which is believed to be more contagious.

"Yung paglabas nang leisure sa mall, tingin ko po, itong meron tayong UK na variant, until now, wala pang vaccine, personally and through the recommendation of our local task force, hindi po dapat payagan 'yung 10 years old, 'yung pag-adjust ng ating age bracket," he said.

(Going leisurely to malls, I think with the UK variant and the absence of vaccine until now, personally and through the recommendation of our local task force, we should not allow 10-year-olds, the adjustment of our age bracket.)

Metro Manila mayors barred the entry of minors in malls during the holiday season, except when accessing essential services, such as medical appointments.

Olivarez said they will be meeting on Tuesday evening to discuss the lowering of the age restrictions and if Metro Manila is ready to shift to MGCQ.

He said for that to happen, there must be a steady decline in active cases across the region. In Parañaque, he reported that there were only 131 active COVID-19 cases and they had not had to impose granular lockdowns for months.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/25/21/most-metro-manila-mayors-oppose-lowering-quarantine-age-restriction