The United States government, through the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), and the Philippines’ Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced funding for technical assistance for the construction of the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) Railway. This strategic infrastructure project is designed to link three major ports in Luzon and significantly decongest traffic at the bustling Port of Manila.
The SCMB Railway is a cornerstone initiative under the broader Luzon Economic Corridor, aimed at connecting key economic hubs and fostering robust development. Secretary Frederick D. Go, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, emphasized the project’s transformative potential. “We are grateful for the support in advancing this crucial infrastructure project, which will drive economic growth by improving connectivity between major ports and industrial hubs along the Luzon Economic Corridor,” said Secretary Go. “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.”
USTDA’s technical assistance for the SCMB Railway will encompass vital areas including transport model development, a port-rail integration study, and a comprehensive legal and institutional framework analysis, among other critical components.
Thomas R. Hardy, USTDA’s Acting Director, highlighted the broader implications of the collaboration. “This project underscores the U.S.-Philippine alliance’s vital role in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region. By supporting the development of the SCMB Railway, we are ensuring that key infrastructure will flourish, increasing economic cooperation to develop an essential trading route that will mutually benefit American and Philippine citizens,” said Acting Director Hardy. “Our partnership with the Philippines exemplifies the strength of American leadership in the Indo-Pacific and underscores our commitment to advancing our shared interests.”
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon stated that the freight cargo railway directly addresses President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure uninterrupted movements of goods. “The Philippine government extends its gratitude to USTDA for its technical assistance in developing the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas Railway. This railway will not only decongest the Manila Port but will also connect the seaport to Subic Bay and Batangas Port,” Secretary Dizon remarked during the Beneficiary Agreement signing ceremony in Arlington, Virginia. He further added, “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.”
