Tagum City is ready for the implementation of the first segment of the Mindanao Railway Project.
This was announced by Tagum City Planning and Development Officer Arturo Manigo, Jr. on Monday, saying that November 28 is the target date for the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the local government unit.
Once the MOA is signed, an initial budget of P5.6 billion will be downloaded to the LGU of Tagum as acquisition funds which includes administrative costs, land title transfers and the right of way for the Tagum-Davao-Digos (TDD) Railway, targeted to start on February next year.
“In our latest presentation, from the original P35 billion, it has since increased to P97 billion for the TDD segment,” Manigo said during the Kapehan sa Dabaw press conference.
The reason for the increase, according to the City Planning officer is due to the changes in the alignment of design for the railway.
“Originally, we planned to have a tunnel in Lanang, then in Ma-a and even in Sta. Cruz (Davao del Sur)”, however, “We changed it because the cost is huge considering we have to get an environment permit for that matter.”
Among the plans that were cited is putting up a 7.5 hectares railway station that is conducive for the commutes.
“It will have a transit oriented development approach wherein there will be convergence of malls and condominiums to promote walkability and to minimize the usage of energy,” Manigo said.
The implementation of the railway project is initially projected to affect 158 households, including private land areas in Barangays San Miguel and Mankilam.
“We are still finalizing how huge the area will be affected. We already conducted a series of ground survey, including drone surveillance,” Manigo said.
In a previous report, the P126 billion Mindanao Railway Project will be funded by the government under the General Appropriations Act from funds aligned with the DOTr and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). A total budget of P89 billion will be provided by the 2018 GAA for the two-tracked and electrified railway project.
