Insider Spotlight
The push has drawn recognition from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which cited the progress as essential to keeping construction on schedule. JICA officials said the pace of land acquisition, particularly in the north section, is a key factor in sustaining momentum for the 147-kilometer commuter rail system.
Why it matters
Right-of-way acquisition is often the biggest source of delay for large-scale rail projects. Securing land on time allows contractors to proceed with civil works without interruption, helping control costs and bringing the project closer to delivering benefits to daily commuters in Central Luzon and Metro Manila.
What’s driving progress
President Marcos has instructed the DOTr to fast-track the acquisition of properties to accelerate the completion of major transport projects, including the NSCR.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni "Banoy" Lopez said the directive has pushed the department to intensify its work on the ground.
“President Marcos’ order to us is to speed up the completion of projects like the NSCR. This is why the DOTr is doubling its efforts to acquire right-of-way for faster construction of this project, so that commuters can benefit from it soonest,” Lopez said.
The DOTr is targeting the completion of right-of-way and site acquisition for the NSCR north segment by June 2026, a timeline officials say is critical to meeting construction targets.
By the numbers
Transportation Assistant Secretary for Right-of-Way and Site Acquisition IC Calaguas said land acquisition for the north segment has reached fifty-six percent, with 1,143 out of 2,034 required lots already acquired.
"Sec. Lopez has ordered us to expedite the right-of-way and site acquisition for the North-South Commuter Railway. At present, our right-of-way and site acquisition stands at 56 percent because, under President Marcos’ orders, Sec. Banoy wants this completed by June 2026," Calaguas said.
To date, the DOTr has also paid 1,439 out of 2,448 project-affected informal settler families, as part of its efforts to clear remaining segments for construction.
On the ground
The DOTr and JICA recently conducted joint inspections of key project sites, including rail alignments, station works in Angeles and San Fernando in Pampanga, major bridge structures, and relocation sites for project-affected persons.
The department said it continues to closely monitor the construction of resettlement sites in Angeles City, San Fernando City, and Calumpit, Bulacan, in coordination with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and the National Housing Authority.
JICA recognition
JICA Senior Deputy Director Murakami Kota said the agency recognizes the effort being exerted by the DOTr to accelerate site acquisition and emphasized continued cooperation.
"We understand the so much effort by the DOTr, and we appreciate Acting Secretary Lopez' initiatives. The DOTr said they target to complete land acquisition especially the north side of the NSCR within 2026 and I think it's key and we'll give the cooperation to complete all the land acquisition," Murakami said.
The bottom line
With more than half of required properties secured, the DOTr is betting that sustained right-of-way progress will keep the NSCR north segment moving forward and bring faster relief to commuters once construction is completed. — Daxim L. Lucas | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
