The Philippine National Railways (PNR) demonstrated its commitment to social responsibility and community development by hosting the first-ever Stakeholder Engagement Meeting in Tabaco City this Friday. PNR General Manager (GM) Deovanni S. Miranda personally met with representatives of the PNR Homeowners’ Associations (HOAs) in the province of Albay.
The vital dialogue was led by Albay First District Congresswoman Krisel Lagman, in collaboration with officials from the National Housing Authority (NHA), the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DSHUD), Local Government Units (LGUs), and key PNR personnel.
The engagement is a direct response to the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Department of Transportation (DOTr) Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez, which mandates the continuous improvement of PNR’s infrastructure and the proactive utilization of its land properties for public benefit.
GM Miranda assured the HOAs that, alongside its core mission of providing safe public transportation, the agency’s priority is continuous coordination with various branches of government towards establishing better housing and communities, especially for families residing along the railway lines.
Congresswoman Lagman emphasized the long-term vision guiding this collaboration. “This dialogue is a significant step in mapping out and improving properties in the city to promote social inclusion. We are working hard to ensure that PNR land is available for the benefit of the people, fulfilling the vision of President Marcos,” Lagman stated.
A key focus of the meeting was the implementation of Presidential Proclamation No. 40 (2001), which declared specific unutilized PNR lands in the Province of Albay and Legazpi City as Socialized Housing Sites. This proclamation is intended to benefit poor families who have lived in dangerous or informal areas for decades.
The stakeholders present represented PNR HOAs across Bacacay, Sto. Domingo, Malilipot, and Tabaco City, collectively account for approximately 5,000 families who stand to benefit from the housing sites.
GM Miranda concluded the meeting by underscoring the spirit of cooperation, stating, “This is the pinnacle of shared governance—the government and the community working together.”
GM Miranda was accompanied by PNR officials, including Atty. Dagiw-A K. Cudalap (Asset Management Division Officer-in-Charge), Edgar John P. Bilayon (Civil Security Office Officer-in-Charge), Engr. Manuel C. Soliven, and Engr. Lian Joshua Mae L. Ty. LGU leaders present included Tabaco City Mayor Rey Bragais, Malilipot Mayor Cenon Volante, Bacacay Vice Mayor Hector Arjona, and Sto. Domingo Executive Secretary Rafael Bustamante.
