Article by:
Marita Moaje
MANILA – As the Aksyon Demokratiko enters the territory of another presidentiable to woo Bicolanos, its standard-bearer Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso vowed to continue train and road projects in the region.
During his campaign sortie in Albay on Tuesday, he said that as the former chairman of the North Luzon Railways Corporation (NorthRail), he is well aware of the importance of transportation in the development of an area. Bicol is known as the opposition bailiwick of Moreno's fellow presidential bet, Vice President Leni Robredo.
“As a general program of governance, one thing na nangyayari ngayon dito is yung diversion road, minor yun sa buong Bicol. Pangalawa yung tren, pumanatag kayo kasi I used to be the chairman of NorthRail, this, Clark-Malolos, Malolos-Tutuban Tutuban-Calamba, Calamba-Bicol, yun matutuloy yun, may awa ang Diyos palarin ako (that is happening here is the diversion road, that is minor in the whole of Bicol. Second is the train, I used to be the chairman of NorthRail, this, Clark-Malolos, Malolos-Tutuban Tutuban-Calamba, Calamba-Bicol, I will continue those if I will be given the opportunity, God willing),” he said.
Domagoso was appointed chairman and CEO of Northrail by President Rodrigo Duterte in July 2017 but resigned in October of the same year for personal reasons.
In January of this year, Philippine National Railways (PNR) General Manager Junn Magno said that the first package of the PNR Bicol project will begin construction in the first quarter of 2022.
The package would consist of the PNR Bicol’s first 380 kilometers from Banlic, Calamba to Daraga, Albay.
The construction of Package 1 is expected to be completed by 2024, and the start of operations by the third quarter of 2025.
Other PNR Bicol contract packages are set for completion between 2024 and 2026, with the entire PNR Bicol line scheduled to be operational by the year 2027.
The PNR Bicol is a 560-km rail system consisting of 35 stations that will run from Manila through Laguna, Quezon, and Camarines Sur to Albay, with an extension line in Sorsogon and a branch line in Batangas.
Domagoso expressed gratitude for the warm welcome accorded to him and the rest of Aksyon Demokratiko slate that includes its vice-presidential candidate Doc Willie Ong, and senatorial candidates John Castricciones, Carl Balita, Jopet Sison, and Samira Gutoc.
Meanwhile, another important issue that Domagoso will address in the province is internet connectivity.
“Napansin ko rin, me hika din ang internet dito, hinihika din, di ako maka-text masyado kagabi, so I think access to communication is very vital sa buhay ng tao pang araw araw lalo na sa negosyo (I also noticed, the internet here also has ‘asthma,’ I was not able to send text messages last night, I think access to communication is very vital in the lives of our people, in their everyday lives, especially for businesses),” he added.
Domagoso said that transportation and communication are two of the most vital issues that must be addressed by the government to pave the way for future developments. (PNA)
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