PNR Bicol housing relocation sites break ground

By Nimfa Estrellado Mayor Marcelo Predilla Gayeta (first from right) with his constituents during the groundbreaking ceremony for the new re...

By Nimfa Estrellado

Mayor Marcelo Predilla Gayeta (first from right) with his constituents during the groundbreaking ceremony for the new relocation sites of the families affected by the DOTR's PNR South Long-Haul Project in Southern Luzon. (Photo from Mayor Marcelo Predilla Gayeta/FACEBOOK)

SARIAYA, Quezon - A ground-breaking ceremony for the relocation sites of the families affected by the DOTR's PNR South Long-Haul Project in Southern Luzon was held at St. Bart Southville Heights, Barangay San Bartolome, San Pablo, Laguna, over the weekend.

A total fund of P2.8 billion involves the creation of 3,651 housing units to serve four local government units in Quezon province: San Pablo, Tiaong, Candelaria, and Pagbilao. affected by the construction of the PNR-SLHP project.



The housing projects aim to not only provide new homes for these families but also to ensure that they have access to basic amenities and services, such as schools, healthcare facilities, and livelihood opportunities, in their new communities.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr. has previously identified the revival of the PNR South Long-Haul project as a priority of his administration, which aims to improve transportation infrastructure in the southern regions of the country, connect major cities, and promote economic growth.



Under Parcellary Survey Package 1 of the SLHP also called, PNR Bicol, the DOTr and PNR are expected to construct 380.38 kilometers of the railway system, comprising 35 stations and will run from Manila through Laguna, Quezon, and Camarines Sur to Albay, with an extension line in Sorsogon and a branch line in Batangas.

The rail system’s passenger trains will be designed to run at a speed of 120 kph to 160 kph, and its freight trains designed to run at 80 kph to 100 kph, reducing travel time between Manila and Legazpi City, Albay from the current 14 hours to 18 hours to just six hours in its regular commuter trains and four hours and 30 minutes in its express trains.

In this regard, the President, through the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), led by Secretary Jose Rizalano Acuzar, and the provincial governments of Quezon and Laguna are collaborating with the DOTr and NHA to develop housing projects that will provide relocation sites for affected communities along the rail route, ensuring minimal disruption to their lives and livelihoods.

In Quezon, the four towns that will be affected and will have relocation sites or housing are the towns of Tiaong (Villa Del Rancho Homes), Candelaria (Banahaw View Residences), Sariaya (Sariaya Residences), and Pagbilao (Vista del Rio Residences).

Present at the ground-breaking ceremony for the relocation site are DOTR Secretary Jaime Bautista, PNR General Manager Joeben Tai, and officials from DHSUD and the National Housing Authority. They were joined by representatives from various government agencies and stakeholders involved in the development of housing projects.

The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), led by Secretary Jose Rizalano Acuzar, and the provincial governments of Quezon and Laguna are partners of the DOTr and NHA in the development of housing projects.

Provincial Administrator Manny Butardo, Mayor Marcelo Predilla Gayeta and George Suayan attended this activity as the representative of Governor Doktora Helen Tan to show their support and commitment to the housing projects.