The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is speeding up the construction of housing units for informal settlers affected by the North South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Project in Bulacan and Pampanga, Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez said Tuesday.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the DOTr to ensure that families affected by the big-ticket project receive just compensation and security to a site with basic, adequate facilities and services.
Acting Secretary Lopez explained that despite the project’s accelerated projected timeline, it is crucial to ensure that housing units and community facilities are properly constructed.
Transportation Assistant Secretary for Right-of-Way and Site Acquisition (ROWSA) IC Calaguas, along with National Housing Authority (NHA) representative Atty. John Bernardo, conducted an inspection to ensure the construction of housing units is on track. The DOTr and NHA are currently finalizing social preparations and compensations for affected families.
A total of 1,274 informal settlers will be relocated to sites in Barangays Panipuan and Calulut in San Fernando City and Mexico, Pampanga.
Meanwhile, at least 121 families are set to move to row houses in Brgy. Panipuan, San Fernando City by November 15, 2025, followed by 288 families in August 2026, and the remaining families in 2027.
The transport agency is also expediting relocation efforts in Angeles City, Pampanga and Calumpit Bulacan, where a total of 615 families and 648 families will be relocated, respectively.
