2014: Pimentel wants PNR to manage Mindanao Railway Project

March 8, 2014

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/333611

SENATOR Aquilino Pimentel III on Friday asked President Benigno Aquino III to transfer supervision of the Mindanao Railway Project Office (MRPO) from the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to the Philippine National Railways (PNR).

Pimentel, representing various Mindanao leaders, said PNR has the technical know how to implement the project, a network of lines linking Cagayan de Oro to the cities of Iligan and Zamboanga, the provinces of Agusan and Surigao and the cities of Davao and General Santos.

He said the masterplan was already completed in 2010 and the feasibility study for the first phase of the project is also finished, linking the Cagayan de Oro industrial corridor from Jasaan, Misamis Oriental to Linamon, Lanao del Norte.

Pimentel said the opening segment of the proposed Mindanao Railway System will link two vital Mindanao gateways, the Languindingan International Airport and the Mindanao Container Port.

He said business in these areas, including the transfer of goods, trade and commerce, will enjoy an expected boon once the project is in full operation.

The project was started in the late 90s during the term of former President Fidel Ramos, but it was only in 2006 when the MRPO was created under the supervision of the LTFRB.

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