The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has assured the families affected by the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) System in various areas in Bulacan and Pampanga that the agency is expediting the construction of the relocation sites.
This is to allow the future residents to immediately occupy the area as soon as possible, Transportation Secretary Giovanni “Banoy” Lopez said.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the DOTr, partner government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to expedite the construction of relocation sites, including improved housing and community recreational facilities for affected households.
Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez said the relocation site called “El Nuevo De Municipio de Calumpit” will have liveable housing for affected residents.
“Malinaw po ang prayoridad ng Pangulo at ng DOTr, na dapat may maayos na lilipatan ang mga kababayan nating maaapektuhan ng mga proyektong pang-transportasyon. Sisiguraduhin po nating walang maiiwang apektadong pamilya,” Secretary Lopez said.
The transport chief explained the DOTr has partnered with the Calumpit local government for the construction of the relocation site, which can accommodate a total of 637 families from Calumpit and Malolos in Bulacan; and Apalit and Minalin in Pampanga.
The road embankment leading to the relocation site has been completed, with construction works set to begin in April this year and is expected to be completed in 2027. The Calumpit local government will oversee social preparations for the relocating families.
The project will feature six four-story buildings with community facilities, including a basketball court, parks and playgrounds.
Currently, three relocation sites are being developed for the northern portion of the NSCR, with two located in the City of San Fernando in Pampanga, and one in Cutud, Angeles City. A total of 4,515 informal settler families will be relocated in the north, while 12,210 families will be relocated in the south.
Assistant Secretary for Right of Way and Site Acquisition (ROWSA) IC Calaguas said the DOTr-ROWSA office is committed to addressing issues concerning right-of-way for the timely completion of the relocation sites and the NSCR project.
“Napakalaki po ng suporta ng ating Pangulo at ni Secretary Lopez sa mga proyekto natin, kaya kumpyansa po kaming maaayos natin lahat ng issues sa right-of-way, at mabibigyan natin ng maayos na relocation ‘yung mga apektadong residente,” Asec. Calaguas said.
Calumpit Mayor Glorime Faustino, Asec. Calaguas, local government department heads and city councilors recently inspected the relocation site.
Meanwhile, other relocation sites are being developed in collaboration with the National Housing Authority (NHA), Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC), and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).
