The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Wednesday said the newly formed Inter-Agency Committee for Right-of-Way (ROW) Activities for National Railway Projects will significantly accelerate the completion of big-ticket railway projects.
According to Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista, the committee directly addresses land acquisition issues, a frequent bottleneck in railway construction.
Bautista said the initiative, outlined in Administrative Order 19, is a “huge boost” for the railway system and the drive to restore it to its former glory.
Under AO 19, the committee is tasked to study and devise an efficient mechanism streamlining the process of land acquisition necessary for the implementation of all railway projects.
The order also directs the committee to coordinate the implementation of railway policies and projects, as well as craft and approve project-specific policies and programs.
The committee must also identify appropriate services or programs on land acquisition and other ROW activities, such as livelihood, income restoration, and resettlement.
Serving as the committee’s chair is the Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) with the Secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) as co-chair.
Agency members of the committee include the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Justice (DOJ), and Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), while the Philippine National Railways (PNR) will serve as the committee secretariat.
The government is constructing railway projects such as the Metro Manila Subway Project, North-South Commuter Railway System, Mindanao Railway Project, and PNR South Long Haul.
These projects are designed to enhance mobility, boost connectivity, and stimulate growth centers beyond the urban-industrial area.
