Manila: Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez has mandated the expedited construction of 16,725 housing units to accommodate families displaced by the 147-kilometer North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR).

According to Philippines News Agency, Lopez emphasized that the acceleration aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to promptly supply well-constructed housing for families affected by the project. Lopez noted that, in addition to housing, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is financing compensation and livelihood support for relocated families.

One of the relocation sites, 'The Meadows Housing Project' in Barangay Langkiwa, Bi±an, Laguna, has already handed over 80 housing units to beneficiaries in a ceremony held on Tuesday. During the event, DOTr Assistant Secretary for Right-of-Way and Site Acquisition IC Calaguas highlighted that this is one of several housing projects slated for completion within the year. Calaguas assured the families of continuous support from the DOTr throughout the relocation process.

Besides The Meadows Housing Project, the DOTr, in collaboration with local government units and other agencies, has constructed approximately 2,030 units across 26 buildings. These include Sining Residence I with 528 units and Sining Residence II with 1,920 units in San Pedro, as well as Rizal Ville with 2,130 units in Calamba, both located in Laguna. Another significant development is planned in Naic, Cavite, with 5,452 units.

For the NSCR North Segment, the DOTr has collaborated with the National Housing Authority to build three relocation sites in Pampanga. A total of 4,515 informal settler families are anticipated to be relocated to housing sites in Angeles City and San Fernando City in Pampanga, and in Calumpit, Bulacan.