SBMA opposes PNR railway project in Subic
Last month, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) celebrated its 132nd Anniversary with a presentation of its upcoming projects that would expand and maximize the potentials of the railway system in boosting the economy of the country.
One of the particular projects that PNR Chairman Michael Ted Macapagal highlighted during his speech was the proposed integration of the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas Railway Corridor (SCMB), a cargo train component, with the existing North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project.
Also known as the Clark–Calamba Railway, the NSCR is primarily designed to transport 800,000 passengers daily across its 147-kilometer stretch from New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, to Calamba, Laguna.
It would cut the travel time from Clark to Calamba from four hours to only two hours. The Clark-Valenzuela phase of the project is expected to finish in 2027.
As for Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas Railway Corridor (SCMB), Chairman Macapagal, who is the son of the former Olongapo City mayor Atty. Teddy Macapagal, described the project as one that would revolutionize the transportation system of products and people across Luzon.
According to the young Macapagal, SCMB which will begin construction in 2027 with a budget of US$3.2 Billion, is expected to provide the commuters and producers reliable, fast, efficient, but affordable cargo system.
Hear;s to Watch:
While the government is supporting the SCMB-NSCR, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), the management of the Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone, is rejecting the entry of the railway into its territory.
This was announced on Thursday by a senior official of the SBMA during a media briefing “Talakayan sa Freeport” which was also attended by the SBMA Chairman and Administrator Engr. Eduardo Jose Aliño and other senior officials.
SBMA Deputy Administrator for Port Operations Atty. Martin Kristoffer F. Roman explained why the Authority is refusing or rejecting the proposed SCMB railway system to enter into the port areas of Subic.
According to him (Atty. Roman), if the railway was allowed to be constructed in Subic Freeport it would mean cutting trees, there will a need to reclaim and destroy the healthy biodiversity of large mangrove areas.
The proposed railroad will also disturb the serenity of the residential areas which is the major reason why it is a favorite among vacationers and retirees.
Another main concern is that, the railway will traverse through the industrial parks, disrupting the operations of many industries and businesses.
Instead, SBMA is proposing to construct the SCMB station at Barangay Mabiga in Hermosa, Bataan, or somewhere near but outside of the Freeport.
When asked about the reaction of the government, especially the PNR and the Department of Transportation for objecting the railway to Subic, the SBMA official said that they understand the SBMA position, and they accepted it.
This is a classic example of a debate between environment conservation and economic development. Let’s see what result the future will show us about this SCMB project.
