43 Landowners Share Right of Way for the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) Railway

The Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) railway, a key component of the Luzon Economic Corridor, has secured Right-of-Way (ROW) agreements with 43 landowners for the use of their properties. This $3.2 billion, 250-kilometer project aims to enhance logistics and economic integration between Subic, Metro Manila, and Batangas.

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Richard Brian Cepe, senior vice president of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), distributed 63 Transfer Certificates of Title (TCTs) to the 43 landowners during an official ceremony over the weekend. Initially, the government received these TCTs as evidence of the landowners’ consent to contribute their properties to the railway project.

“Sa pamamagitan ng tren na ito, ating pag-uugnayin ang apat na sentrong pang-ekonomiya, mula sa pantalan ng Subic, sa paliparan ng Clark, hanggang sa mga pantalan ng Maynila at Batangas,” Cepe said. “Napakalaking bagay po nito upang mapabilis ang komersiyo at daloy ng mga produkto at serbisyo. Sa ganitong paraan, mas makakahikayat tayo ng maraming namumuhunan sa ating bansa.”

This land acquisition process is a key milestone in preparing for the construction, scheduled to begin in 2027.

Right-of-Way Acquisition

The SCMB railway will improve connectivity across major economic zones, boosting trade and commerce. BCDA is overseeing the ROW acquisition (which includes land in Porac and Floridablanca, Pampanga), providing Transfer Certificates of Titles (TCTs) as compensation for their properties.

BCDA Senior Vice President Richard Brian Cepe highlighted the significance of this acquisition in ensuring the timely execution of the project. Pampanga Governor Dennis G. Pineda and Vice Governor Lilia “Nanay Baby” G. Pineda have expressed support for the initiative, noting its potential to drive economic growth in the region.

“The Transfer of Certificates of Titles is a symbol of our commitment to ensuring that the rights of our citizens are protected and respected,” Pineda said in a written message. “As these certificates will be turned over, we recognize the challenges that our lot owners have faced and we acknowledge the patience and resilience they have shown. We also recognize the importance of this project in driving economic growth and development in our province.” 

The successful land acquisition is a major step in the project’s development. The cooperation of landowners and local government leaders ensures the project’s progress, which is expected to benefit the region’s economy in the long term.

References

Malaya Business Insight. (n.d.). ROW acquisition kicks off for Subic-Clark-Manila Batangas rail. Malaya Business Insight. https://malaya.com.ph/business/enterprise/row-acquisition-kicks-off-for-subic-clark-manila-batangas-rail/

Philippine Resources. (n.d.). Gov’t starts securing property for Subic-Clark railway. Philippine Resources. https://ptvnews.ph/govt-starts-securing-property-for-subic-clark-railway/

SunStar. (n.d.). Landowners affected by gov’t projects get TCTs. SunStar. https://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/landowners-affected-by-govt-projects-get-tcts