Manila: The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has commenced the acquisition of properties for the Mindanao Railway Project (MRP), with approximately PHP148 million designated for relocating 178 families to the ‘Tagum Train Village.’

According to Philippines News Agency, DOTr Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez announced that the right-of-way (ROW) acquisition aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to expedite the first railway project in Mindanao. Lopez emphasized the importance of fast-tracking the project to benefit the residents of Mindanao, who have been anticipating this development.

DOTr Assistant Secretary for ROW and Site Acquisition (ROWSA) IC Calaguas recently visited Tagum City to inspect the Tagum Train Village and collaborate with Tagum City Mayor Rey Uy. This coordination aims to accelerate the processing of families affected by the project. The local government, under the supervision of DOTr and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), is maintaining the Tagum Train Village.

Eighty-two families are still awaiting relocation, pending the completion of necessary documentation, including application forms, certificates of marriage or affidavits of cohabitation, valid IDs, family pictures, and barangay residency. Additional requirements include affidavits of income, certificates of landholding, affidavits of no landholding, and affidavits of low income.

The ROW acquisition is a crucial part of the Tagum-Davao-Digos segment of the Mindanao Railway, which spans 100 kilometers with eight stations, connecting the cities of Tagum in Davao del Norte, Davao City, and Digos City in Davao del Sur.