The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced Tuesday the acceleration of housing unit construction and delivery for informal settler families (ISFs) affected by the critical North South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Project in Bulacan and Pampanga.
Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez confirmed the swift action, which comes under a direct directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure all affected families receive just compensation and secure relocation to sites equipped with adequate, basic facilities and services.
Acting Secretary Lopez stressed that the DOTr’s priority remains on social development, even as the NSCR project timeline is accelerated.
“We must ensure that we provide our countrymen affected by this project not only with housing units but with complete facilities—with water, electricity, and other necessities for their proper livelihood,” Acting Secretary Lopez said, underscoring the necessity of properly constructed housing and community facilities.
The DOTr and the National Housing Authority (NHA) are currently finalizing social preparations and compensation packages for a total of 2,537 families across the provinces.
Relocation efforts are simultaneously being expedited across key sites:
San Fernando City and Mexico, Pampanga: A total of 1,274 informal settler families are set to be relocated to sites in Barangays Panipuan and Calulut. The first batch of 121 families will move into row houses in Brgy. Panipuan, San Fernando City, by November 15, 2025, followed by 288 families in August 2026, with the remaining families completing relocation in 2027.
Angeles City, Pampanga: Relocation is being expedited for 615 families.
Calumpit, Bulacan: Relocation is being expedited for 648 families.
Transportation Assistant Secretary for Right-of-Way and Site Acquisition (ROWSA) IC Calaguas, alongside NHA representative Atty. John Bernardo recently inspected the housing sites to ensure construction is on track and adheres to the set standards for quality and completeness.
The DOTr maintains its commitment to executing the NSCR Project efficiently while prioritizing the welfare and security of the affected communities.
