DOTr to resettle residents affected by PNR South Long Haul Project

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Wednesday unveiled the resettlement sites for residents in Laguna and Quezon who will be affected by the construction of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) South Long Haul Project.

The DOTr said they partnered with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, the National Housing Authority, and the provincial governments of Laguna and Quezon for 3,651 housing units worth P2.83 billion.

According to the department, the resettlement sites will be in San Pablo City in Laguna, as well as in Tiaong, Candelaria, Sariaya, and Pagbilao in Quezon. A groundbreaking ceremony was conducted in San Pablo City for the construction of these sites.

The residents were guaranteed highly livable relocation sites, the department noted. Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista shared that schools, markets, hospitals, transport hubs, and livelihood opportunities will be provided by the government.

“Napaka-importante ho ng inyong suporta dahil magiging safe ang pagtakbo ng ating mga train kung malilipat po namin kayo sa mas magandang lugar and at the same time mag-improve ang inyong pamumuhay at magkakaroon kayo ng magandang pabahay na malinis at maayos,” Bautista said in the groundbreaking, thanking the support and cooperation of the residents.

(Your support is very important because the train operations will be safe if we are able to relocate you to a better place, and at the same time, improve your lives and provide you with good, quality homes.)

The PNR South Long Haul Project, according to the DOTr, is a 577-kilometer and 33-station rail line traversing from Metro Manila to Batangas and Bicol. It is part of the North-South Commuter Railway.

Once completed, the department said the railway can reduce travel time from Manila to Legazpi. From the present 14 to 18 hours, the travel time using regular commuter trains will only be six hours, while four and a half hours using express trains.

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