MANILA, Philippines ? A total of 147 families, or more than 700 people living near the railroad tracks in Muntinlupa City, moved into their new homes Wednesday inside the New Bilibid Prison Reservation in Barangay Poblacion.

Muntinlupa Mayor Aldrin San Pedro said the relocation was in preparation for the national government?s Southrail project.

The $932-million Southrail project seeks to link Laguna province to the Bicol region through a high-speed train service. It will be funded by a loan from China.

The families, former residents of Barangays Sucat, Buli, Cupang and Alabang, were transferred to Southville III, a government resettlement site within the NBP reservation.

San Pedro assured residents that they would be provided with basic services like a regular supply of water and electricity.

The mayor said they facilitated the relocation with the help of the Local Inter-Agency Committee, which is comprised of various government agencies, the private sector and barangay officials.

The city government?s Urban Poor Affairs Office said at least 3,749 families, composed of more than 18,000 individuals, were also due for relocation.

?The transfer will go on until all the affected families under Phase 1 of the project are relocated,? San Pedro said.

He added that 1,841 houses at Southville III are ready for occupancy while another 2,126 will be finished in the next few months. A total of 7,035 houses will be built at Southville III to accommodate displaced families from other areas.

?The city government is closely coordinating with other government agencies and private sector for the construction of a public market, police outpost, day care center and school at the housing site,? the mayor added.