A lawmaker is pushing for the creation of the Mindanao Railway Corporation (MRC) to oversee the implementation, operation, and long-term management of the stalled Mindanao Railway Project (MRP).
Proposed by Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Representative Rufus Rodriguez through House Bill 1463, the creation of the MRC, which will be chaired by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) with its headquarters in Cagayan de Oro City and branches across the country.
“The Mindanao Railway is a game-changer, but its management must be in the hands of those who truly understand Mindanao’s needs. MinDA is best positioned to oversee this initiative,” Rodriguez said.
The proposal was presented during MinDA’s presentation to the House Committee on Mindanao Affairs at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City on February 4, 2025.
MinDA Chairperson Secretary Leo Tereso A. Magno said he discussed priority projects under the Mindanao Agenda 2023-2028, with the MRP identified as a key infrastructure initiative.
Rodriguez said he advocated for MinDA’s leadership in managing the railway project to ensure that it aligns with Mindanao’s development goals rather than being dictated solely by national-level agencies.
Under House Bill 1463, among the roles of the MRC include managing the operation and maintenance of the railway system, including tramways and other transport infrastructure; coordinating with local governments and stakeholders for seamless project implementation; and developing policies that align with Mindanao’s long-term growth and connectivity goals.
“We envision a railway system that enhances Mindanao’s inherent strengths. With robust infrastructure and policy support, we can ensure the productivity and sustainability of our industries, directly contributing to the region’s economic growth,” Magno said.
The establishment of the MRP is among the eight projects in the Infrastructure Flagship Project (IFP) list in Davao Region endorsed by the Regional Development Council (RDC 11).
The first phase is a 102-kilometer Tagum-Davao-Digos (TDD) segment covering 100 kilometers with eight railway stations and two depots.
When completed, the project is expected to reduce travel time between Tagum and Digos City from three hours to an hour.
Currently, the TDD segment has already secured government funding, while the Laguindingan-Cagayan de Oro-Villanueva, Misamis Oriental segment (Phase 3) has received approval for a feasibility study.
Magno assured that MinDA is collaborating closely with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to complete the railway’s design, making sure that it can accommodate both present and future expansion requirements.
