PH-US deal to fund technical aid for freight cargo railway project

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Philippines has signed a deal with the United States to fund the technical assistance for the construction of a freight cargo railway project from Subic, Zambales to Batangas.

In a press release on Friday, June 27, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency said the Subic-Clark-Manila Batangas (SCMB) Railway includes transport model development, port-rail integration study, and legal and institutional framework analysis, among others.

The project aims to link three major ports in Luzon and decongest traffic at the Port of Manila.

“As a freight cargo railway, the SCMB Railway is seen to solve port traffic and congestion in Manila Port, while ensuring the timely movement of products to and from adjacent major transport hubs,” said Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon who attended the signing ceremony of the beneficiary agreement in Arlington, Virginia, USA.

Frederick Go, special assistant to the president for investment and economic affairs, said the railway project will “drive economic growth by improving connectivity between major ports and industrial hubs along the Luzon Economic Corridor.”

“Once operational, the SCMB Railway will attract investments, create new opportunities for businesses, and most importantly, generate quality jobs that will benefit millions of Filipinos,” he said.

The US said the project will increase economic cooperation between Manila and Washington and develop an essential trading route that will mutually benefit its citizens.