The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has successfully generated over 31,000 jobs for Filipino workers through its flagship railway projects, reinforcing the Marcos administration’s commitment to local employment under the “Build Better More” program.
Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez confirmed that the agency has actively directed global partners and foreign contractors to prioritize the hiring of local talent, citing the exceptional competence and skill of the Filipino workforce.
To date, the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) employs 10,122 Filipinos, while the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) has generated jobs for 21,031 local workers. These positions span various sectors, from specialized roles for engineers and architects in Project Management Offices (PMOs) and consultancy firms, to construction personnel on-site.
“When the DOTr builds projects of this scale, we ensure that foreign contractors prioritize not only Filipino workers in general, but specifically the residents of the host localities,” said Secretary Lopez. “Our local workforce is world-class. This is exactly the kind of robust job generation that these massive infrastructure investments should deliver.”
The employment drive addresses a critical economic need by providing Filipinos with higher salaries and superior benefits compared to standard market offerings.
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Better Pay and Stability: David, an NSCR construction worker who relocated from Arayat to Angeles for the project, shared that the competitive wages have finally allowed him to save money and support his family.
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Enhanced Benefits: Rico, another NSCR worker, praised the administration’s initiative, noting that the comprehensive benefits package sets a new benchmark for construction jobs in the country.
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Work-Life Balance: MMSP Finance Officer Sharlene Guyo, who transitioned from the banking sector to the subway project, highlighted the profound personal impact of the initiative. “The difference from my previous job is immense. I now have significantly more time to spend with my family, and I am incredibly grateful to contribute to a project of this magnitude,” Guyo stated.
Beyond immediate economic relief through job creation, both mega-projects are poised to drastically revolutionize public transport in Luzon upon completion:
| Project Details | North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) | Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) |
| Scale | 147 kilometers | 33 kilometers |
| Stations | 35 stations | 17 stations |
| Route | Clark (Pampanga) to Calamba (Laguna) | Valenzuela City to Bicutan (Taguig) with NAIA T3 spur line |
| Travel Time Reduction | Cut from 4 hours to 2 hours | Cut from 1 hour & 38 mins to 45 minutes |
| Daily Capacity | ~800,000 passengers | ~519,000 passengers (by full operations in 2032) |
The DOTr remains steadfast in its dual mission: building a world-class transport network that seamlessly connects communities, while simultaneously uplifting the lives of Filipino families through meaningful, high-quality employment.
