Road closures, rerouting schedules set for Tuesday Black Nazarene ‘Traslación’

ALL types of vehicles are not allowed to pass several roads leading to Quiapo Church starting on Monday evening to give way to the annual Traslación of the Black Nazarene from Rizal Park to Quiapo Church on January 9.

Chief Insp. Alejandro Pelias of the Manila Police District’s Traffic Enforcement Unit disclosed the road closures and rerouting plan scheduled on Monday, a day before the traditional yearly voyage of the iconic burnt image of Jesus Christ carrying the cross from the Quirino Grandstand in Rizal Park to Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo.

Based on the traffic advisory, “the closure of some streets will be in effect as the procession approaches and will be opened immediately once the tail end of the procession passes.”

Ground policies are, likewise, implemented, such as only the authorized personnel are given special access to Katigbak Driveway.

For the Pahalik (kissing of the holy image), there will be access on Kalaw Extension, Hotel H2O and Luneta Park Hotel for authorized vehicles.

Meanwhile, the parade ground is restricted only for personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines until the start of the procession.

Portalets are installed along Roxas Boulevard and Kalaw Extension. Devotees who will camp out along the parade areas are prohibited to bring stoves and black plastic bags.

The route of this year’s parade of the Black Nazarene has been changed a bit. For safety concerns of the expected sea of people joining the parade, the centuries-old religious image will no longer pass the Lagusnilad Bridge fronting the Manila City Hall.

Also helping ease the city’s major thoroughfares from commuters, Mayor Joseph Estrada has suspended classes for all levels in all universities, colleges and schools, as well as work across all departments, offices and bureaus in the city government.

Exempted from the mayor’s Executive Order 01 are those engaged in the maintenance of peace and order, traffic enforcement, disaster and risk reduction management and health and sanitation.

The cancellation of classes and work has been recommended for “public order, safety and convenience and to reduce traffic congestion during the occasion.”

To ensure order and security during the procession, the PNP will deploy snipers who will operate “high tech” drones to monitor the parade.

According to National Capital Region Police Office Director Oscar Albayalde, snipers will be positioned, along with the Special Weapons and Tactics units, on high-rise buildings from January 8 to 10.

More are expected to join the celebration this year. While he sees that 1 million to 2 million people will participate on Tuesday, Father Douglas Badong, a priest at the Quiapo Church, hopes for a shorter procession this year. Around 1.4 million devotees were estimated to have joined the more than 22-hour procession last year.

The statue of the Black Nazarene was carved by an unknown Mexican from a dark wood in the 16th century in Mexico. It was then transported to the Philippines in 1606 by Augustinian priests. Popular belief, however, says that the icon’s dark color was caused by burning from a fire that happened in the galleon carrying it.

After it was housed in various churches near Manila in the early decades, the image finally arrived in Quiapo Church in 1787 where it has been enshrined ever since.

Here is the traffic plan:

January 8, road closures, starting at 10 p.m.:

Katigbak and South Drive (one lane accessible to Manila Hotel and Hotel H20);
Northbound lane of Quezon and MacArthur Bridge from Bonifacio Shrine onward; and
Taft Avenue from Ayala Boulevard to Bonifacio Shrine.
Rerouting scheme:

Light vehicles intending to use the stretch of Bonifacio Drive and Roxas Boulevard southbound shall turn to Anda Circle going to A. Soriano Avenue, turn right to General Luna Street to Burgos-Orosa Street, then turn left to T.M. Kalaw Street to Taft Avenue to destination.

Trucks and other heavy vehicles intending to use the stretch of Bonifacio Drive southbound shall turn around Anda Circle going back to northbound lane of Road 10 to C3 to destination.

Vehicles coming from the southern part of Manila intending to take the northbound lane of Roxas Boulevard from T.M. Kalaw to P. Burgos Streets shall turn right to T.M. Kalaw Street, left to Orosa Street going to Intramuros, left to A. Soriano Avenue to destination.

Vehicles plying P. Burgos Street shall turn right to Finance Road to Ayala Avenue to destination.

Vehicles using Taft Avenue northbound shall turn right to Ayala Boulevard to destination.

January 9, road closures, starting 12 m.n. for the procession of the image of the Black Nazarene set for 6 a.m.:

• Stretch of MacArthur, Jones and Quezon Bridges;
• Roxas Boulevard from Katigbak Drive to T.M. Kalaw Street; and
• Both lanes of Quezon Boulevard (Quiapo) from A. Mendoza/Fugoso Street and España Avenue/P. Campa for southbound and from Taft Avenue/Ayala Boulevard for northbound.

Rerouting scheme:

Vehicles coming from Quezon City using the stretch of España Avenue shall turn right to P. Campa Street then turn left to A. Mendoza Street, then turn right to Fugoso Street, turn right to C.M. Recto Avenue or left to Nicanor Reyes Street, turn right to C.M. Recto Avenue to destination.

Vehicles coming from Legarda Street shall turn right to C.M. Recto Avenue or turn left to Mendiola Street to destination.

Vehicles coming from Caloocan City plying Rizal Avenue shall turn right to Fugoso Street or C.M. Recto Avenue to destination.

Heavy vehicles/cargo trucks shall take President Osmeña to President Quirino Avenue to Nagtahan Bridge via A.H. Lacson Avenue to Capulong Street (vice versa).

All buses using Taft Avenue northbound shall turn right to Ayala Avenue to destination.

Vehicles coming from Reina Regente Street using southbound lane shall turn right to San Fernando Street or make a U-turn at Plaza Ruiz to destination.

Light vehicles intending to take the stretch of Bonifacio Drive and Roxas Boulevard southbound shall turn around to Anda Circle going to Delpan or Moriones to destination.

MPT South sets aside ₧10-B capex for 2018

EXPRESSWAY operator Metro Pacific Tollways South Corp. (MPTSC) announced it has allotted P10 billion (about $200.9 million at current exchange rates) in capital outlays for two major expressway projects this year.

Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. CFO Christopher C. Lizo said the firm programmed the amount to finance the construction of the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (Calax) and the C5 South Link of the Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway (Cavitex).

“For south, the capital expenditures is about P10 billion—mostly for Calax and [the] C5 South Link,” Lizo said. The construction of the four-lane 47-kilometer-long Calax will connect Cavitex in Kawit, Cavite, to the South Luzon Expressway (Slex)-Mamplasan Interchange and will cost an estimated P35.42 billion ($787 million).

“It will open end-2020 or early of 2021, but we may open certain sections ahead,” Lizo said.

The C5 South Link is a P11.7-billion project that aims to connect R-1 in Parañaque to C5 in Cavitex. It will run parallel to the runway of the main airport in Pasay and will cross the Slex and Skyway toward C5.

“It will open in phases: one in 2019 and the whole alignment by 2020,” Lizo added.

The Slex is being operated by San Miguel Corp. and Indonesia-based Citra group, while the Northern Luzon Expressway is being operated by the Manila North Tollways Corp.

Lizo said the capital requirement for the C5 South Link will be financed through a mix of debt and equity.

“We are in talks with local banks for the debt portion,” he said.

The MPTSC aims to double its revenues in the next three years.

Transportation dept leads groundbreaking rites for SMME

The Department of Transportation will lead today the groundbreaking ceremony of the Southeast Metro Manila Expressway (SMME), the first phase of the Metro Manila Expressway (MME) Project.

The 34.024-kilometer MME consists of three phases and has six lanes combined with elevated and at-grade expressway with two directional traffic flow that starts in the south with a connection to the existing Skyway Stage 1 in FTI, Taguig City. It terminates at the Batasan Complex in Quezon City, and will connect to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) via Balagtas.

“[The] SMME Project seeks to address the need to provide an alternate route, linking the southern and eastern cities of Metro Manila, that will help in decongesting the traffic situation being currently experienced in these areas,” the DoTr said in a statement.

The project was awarded to Citra Intercity Tollways Inc. under a public-private partnership arrangement. The concession period is 30 years from the issuance of the Toll Operation Certificate by the government to Citra.

Phase 1 of the project has an estimated cost of P45 billion, phase 2 about P25 billion, and the third phase approximately P20 billion.

MM expressway Phase 1 completed by 2020

Citra Intercity Tollways Inc. (CITI), the joint venture between the Philippine National Construction Corp. (PNCC) and San Miguel Holding Corp. is set to start the construction of Metro Manila Expressway (MME) or Circumferential road 6 (C6) expressway  it targets to complete by 2020.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the two are set to break ground today on the P45-billion Southeast Metro Manila expressway (SEMME), the first phase of the three-phased MME. 

The project will be completed in two years, DOTr said.

The SEMME is a 34-kilometer, six-lane expressway that starts in the south with a connection to the existing Skyway Stage 1 in FTI, Taguig City and terminates at Batasan Complex in Quezon City. This will eventually connect to the North Luzon Expressway  via Balagtas, Bulacan.

The project provides an alternate route linking the southern and eastern cities of Metro Manila.

The project is covered  by the Supplemental Toll Operations agreement (STOA) entered among the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) as the grantor, the PNCC, CITI as the investor and the Metro O&M Corp. as operator. 

MME phase 2  called East Metro Manila Expressway (EMME) is a 24.28-km. toll way with four lanes from San Mateo to City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan with estimated cost of P25 billion. 

The project is currently under evaluation.  

MME Phase 3 called North East Metro Manila Expressway (NEMME) is a 22-km tollway with four lanes from San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan to Meycauayan and Marilao towns  with estimated an cost of P20 billion. 

MME is part of P554-billion toll network projects of PNCC and San Miguel. The network is composed of six major toll road projects which will extend the expressway up to Sorsogon, Bicol.

The expanded road network will include the extension of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 project and the Metro Manila Expressway, or C6/Skyway Stage 4.

The projects include San Pedro-C6 Laguna Lake Road extending the South Luzon expressway (SLEX) from City of San Pedro, Metro Manila passing along the shores of Laguna Lake and ending at C6 in Taguig; Tanauan-Tagaytay Expressway or Sky 8; toll road (TR) 5 extending the SLEX from the end of TR4 in Pagbilao, Quezon to Matnog, Sorsogon; Sky 7 (connecting Taguig to Commonwealth avenue in Quezon City); Buendia Interchange and Ramp Extension to Macapagal boulevard and Sky 9 (Pasig River alignment) including ramps to Buendia, Pioneer and Bonifacio Global City.

San Miguel and PNCC are joint venture partners in Citra Central Expressway Corp. and CITI, the concession companies of Skyway Stages 3 and 4, respectively.

 Through its legislative franchise, PNCC has the authority to construct, maintain and operate the SLEX and Skyway Stages 1, 2, 3 as well as all extensions, linkages or stretches from any part of the existing toll roads.

SMC’s South East Metro Manila Expressway project begins

Conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) is starting work on an expressway project that is seen to cut travel time between Taguig City and the Batasan Complex in Quezon City to only 35 minutes.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Monday with government agencies led by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The project, formally known as the South East Metro Manila Expressway, is estimated to cost P45 billion and targeted for completion by 2020.

According to the DOTr, the 34-kilometer expressway will link SMC’s Skyway Stage 1 in the Food Terminal Inc. complex in Taguig City to the Batasan complex. Eventually, the expressway will connect to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) via Balagtas.

“When completed, travel time of motorists from Bicutan, Taguig to Batasan, Quezon City will be reduced to only 35 minutes,” the DOTr said on Monday.

The project, which is part of the Metro Manila C-6 Expressway project, will have six lanes, both for elevated and at-grade sections.

“Aside from decongesting roads in Manila and Quezon City, particularly major road networks such as EDSA, C-5, Ortigas Avenue, and its extension, [South East Metro Manila Expressway] shall likewise provide commuters and motorists fast and direct access by South and Southeast, as well as Metro Manila inter-city travelers, to major international and domestic airports,” the DOTr noted.

The DOTr said the project has a concession period of 30 years. SMC-led Citra Intercity Tollways Inc. is the project concessionaire for the C-6 expressway.

According to the DOTr, the C-6 expressway project will have a second phase involving a 24.28-kilometer expressway that would provide links to San Mateo and City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. / kga


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JICA begins detailed engineering design for PNR Clark North Phase 2

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade led the formal commencement of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) Clark North Phase 1 project. The DOTr also began to clear the path of the railway, which will be from Tutuban to Malolos. The project will be finished by 2021. (Shane F. Velasco, PIA 3)

MARILAO, Bulacan, Jan. 8 (PIA) -- Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has started the detailed engineering design for the Phase 2 of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) Clark North Project from Malolos City to Clark International Airport (CRK).

Japanese Ambassador Koji Haneda confirmed this development during the commencement of construction of the PNR Clark North Phase 1 from Tutuban in Metro Manila to Malolos City.

Phase 1 of PNR Clark North is 38 kilometers while Phase 2 is 69.5 kilometers.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade disclosed that the railways track of the P150 billion worth PNR Clark North Phase 2 will be built beside Terminal 2 of CRK which is also currently being constructed and will be finished by 2020.

Tugade added that the Phase 1 of PNR Clark North will be completed by 2021, ahead of 2022 original schedule.

Once completed, the entire PNR line from Tutuban all the way to Clark International Airport will be an electrified, fully elevated and standard gauge railway.

Majority of the P150 billion financial requirements of PNR Clark North Phase 2 will be provided by the JICA, as a result of the October 2017 second official visit to Japan of President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Ambassador Haneda said, is committed to extend Official Development Assistance for the PNR Clark North Phase 2 project on top of the P93 billion provided by JICA for the P105 billion worth PNR Clark North Phase 1. (CLJD/SFV-PIA 3)

JICA declares start of clearing operations of North-South Commuter Railway

The advance site clearing works that will expedite succeeding construction of the Philippines’ new railway network North-South Commuter Railway project (NSCR) is now a go, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) said in a statement.

“We will continue supporting the Philippine government’s efforts to ensure that the future generation reaps the benefit of an integrated, seamless, and resilient transport infrastructure system through the NSCR project,“ said JICA chief representative Susumu Ito during the ceremony declaring the start of the clearing operations said over the weekend.

Last year, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) officially marked the railway stations in Marilao and Meycauayan in Bulacan, and Valenzuela, Caloocan and Tutuban in Metro Manila.

Shortly after the marking of the stations, the DOTr awarded the contract of the construction supervision consulting services for the project to NS Tren, a consortium led by Tokyo-based Oriental Consultants Global.

JICA also confirmed that contractors will be paid using the Japanese loan.

The DOTr has also partnered with local government units (LGUs) to address right-of-way acquisitions so the construction can begin on time.

Ito said the start of work includes clearing the site, grading of unleveled surfaces and demolition of obstructing structures of the NSCR, a 38-kilometer railway.

Along with the Metro Manila Subway Project, NSCR is part of the mass transit backbone forming the North-South Corridor as specified in the Roadmap for Transport Infrastructure Development Study for Metro Manila and its surrounding areas.

The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) conducted the said study with the assistance of JICA.

JICA has also recently handed the detailed engineering design of the project to DOTr, signaling the project’s transition from planning to actual construction.

The JICA official reiterated that the project is a “game changer” in Philippine transport infrastructure, helping the country to kick-start the Duterte administration’s large-scale investments in modern railways.

The new railway will also use Japanese seismic designs to ensure commuter safety low and emission electric trains for sustainability.

The 3-billion dollar project aims for completion within the remaining years of the Duterte administration and is expected to reduce travel time from the traditional land travel of two hours to just merely 35 minutes from Malolos in Bulacan to Tutuban in Manila.

Govt set to start Metro expressway

The Department of Transportation said it will break ground today for the P45-billion Southeast Metro Manila Expressway Project  that will help decongest traffic in Metro Manila.

Southeast Metro Manila Expressway is a 34-kilometer, six-lane, combined elevated and at-grade expressway with two directional traffic flow that starts in the south with a connection to the existing Skyway Stage 1 in FTI, Taguig City and terminates at Batasan Complex in Quezon City.  It will eventually connect to the North Luzon Expressway via Balagtas, Bulacan.

The project costing about P45 billion will start construction this year. It is expected to be completed by 2020.

The project is covered by a supplemental toll operations agreement signed by the Toll Regulatory Board, Philippine National Construction Corp., Citra Intercity Tollways Corp. as the investor and Metro O&M Corp. as the operator.  Citra and Metro O&M are units of San Miguel Holdings Corp.

SEMME is a part of the Metro Manila Expressway or the Metro Manila Circumferential-6 Road  Expressway that San Miguel Corp. will build along with PNCC.

San Miguel said last year it would undertake the P554-billion expansion of toll roads under an existing joint venture with PNCC.

The expanded road network will include extension of Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 project and the Metro Manila Expressway, or C6/Skyway Stage 4. SMHC and PNCC are joint venture partners in Citra Central Expressway Corp. and Citra Intercity Tollways Inc., the concession companies of Skyway Stages 3 and 4, respectively.

PNCC, through its legislative franchise, has the authority to construct, maintain and operate the South Luzon Expressway and Skyway Stages 1, 2, 3 as well as all extensions, linkages or stretches from any part of the existing toll roads.

“Within the next year or so, we hope that work can begin on the extension of SLEx, Skyway Stage 3 and C6. We have within our agreement all the extensions that will help us create an entire seamless network of roads and expressways connecting Metro Manila to neighboring provinces. We will operate, between us, the most extensive network of Philippine tollways,” San Miguel president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang said earlier.

Ang said San Miguel and PNCC were ready to do their share to meet President Duterte’s call for greater private investment in order to usher in a “golden age of infrastructure.”

Robredo opposes no election plan in 2019, term extension for incumbent officials

VICE President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo is opposed to a no-midterm election scenario in May 2019 and a term extension for incumbent officials.

Robredo, in her weekly radio show Biserbisyong Leni, was reacting to a statement by Senate President Aquilino Pimentel 3rd that Congress may extend President Duterte’s term “if the President is amenable to it.”

“I am strongly against a no election scenario because elections are the bedrock of our democracy. It is the only time that the people get to choose their leaders. Elected officials are not the boss here,” Robredo said in Filipino.

“We are the voice of the people. If we don’t let the people elect their leaders, then how is that a democracy?” Robredo said.

Robredo then cited that while incumbent elected officials would tend to favor a no election and subsequently, term extension, because of the expensive cost of running a campaign, it was not an excuse to compromise the will of the electorate.

“The issue is simple. As for me, when I ran for office in May 2016, it is for a contract that I will serve as Vice President for six years. It is not to serve six years and possibly more. Having said that, incumbent officials should not benefit from proposals of term extension,” Robredo said.

“Otherwise, the intention of the incumbent officials will also be in question. The term extension will look like a self-serving move,” Robredo said.

Transport dept leads groundbreaking of Southeast Metro Manila Expressway on Jan 8

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) will lead the groundbreaking ceremony of the Southeast Metro Manila Expressway, the first of three phases of the Metro Manila Expressway Project on Monday, January 8.

The MME 34.024-kilometer project involves the construction of a six-lane highway combined with an elevated and at-grade expressway with a two-way traffic flow starting in the south where it will connect to the existing Skyway Stage 1 in FTI, Taguig City and end at the Batasan Complex in Quezon City where it will connect to the North Luzon Expressway via Balagtas.

According to DOTr, the “SEMME Project seeks to address the need to provide an alternate route, linking the Southern and Eastern cities of Metro Manila, that will help in decongesting the traffic situation being currently experienced in these areas.”

The project by the Citra Intercity Tollways Inc. (CITI) as its concessionaire is under public-private partnership (PPP). The concession period is for 30 years from the issuance of the Toll  Operation Certificate.

Phase 1 has an estimated cost of P45 billion; Phase 2, P25-billion; and Phase 3, P20 billion. REICELENE JOY IGNACIO

Government breaks ground for Central Luzon train project

Manila: Officials broke ground for the construction of the first phase of a train service linking provinces in Central Luzon to Metro Manila.

The event, which took place in Marilao, Bulacan, will be the second time in more than a decade that such a ceremony was held. A similar project during the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had been dogged with problems prompting the government to cancel the endeavour that was undertaken by a Chinese government contractor.

A railway link between Metro Manila and provinces further north is critical in decongesting the already overpopulated national capital region and will be vital in spreading economic growth to other areas.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said since the important project had undergone failed starts, it is important that the endeavour be finished immediately.

“DoTr understands the need to complete this project faster. That is why we pursued these works parallel with the procurement of the general contractor, which is scheduled to be selected by the second quarter of 2018 for PNR Clark Phase 1,” Tugade said.

PNR is the state-run railway concern. Clark, in Pampanga province, was identified as the main station connecting it with Tutuban in Manila’s downtown area.

An old railway used to run from Tutuban until the early 1990s, however due to the PNR’s inability to generate funds for upkeep, the rail system fell into a state of disrepair.

During the ground breaking rites that were held last Friday, Tugade called on Bulacan’s local government officials help the department settle right-of-way concerns by telling their constituents the benefits of having a railway system.

Initially, the rail system will be constructed along the 38-kilometre segment from Tutuban, Manila, to Malolos, Bulacan. It will have 10 stations and is expected to service around 340,000 passengers daily. The phase linking the system to Clark will be implemented later.

Senator Joel Villanueva, a native of Bulacan, said a railway link between the national capital region (Metro Manila) will “increase connectivity” between the two economically critical areas.

“Not only will this afford convenience to our commuters but will also improve economic activity in the area,” he said.

The rail project, when finished will cut travel time from Tutuban to Bulacan’s Malolos City by 35 minutes.

Current travel by road to these two areas take between an hour to three hours.

The rail project will be undertaken by Japan’s Sumitomo Heavy Industries.

It will reach Malolos in 35 minutes.

Villanueva further underscored how the railway project can strengthen the economy and generate employment.

“One of the biggest benefits of this project, which is being undertaken under the government’s Build, Build, Build programme, is that it will generate employment aside from easing traffic congestion when it is already completed,” Villanueva said.

According to Senator JV Ejercito, the project would be a big boost to modernising the country’s transportation network.

“We are already 20 years behind in terms of infrastructure development and I would like to commend and congratulate Secretary Tugade that this is now being implemented,” Ejercito said.

Tugade said the contractors aim to finish the project’s first phase (Tutuban to Malolos) by 2020.

DOTr breaks ground for PNR project

THE Department of Transportation broke ground Friday for Phase 1 of the government’s Philippine National Railways line linking Metro Manila to Clark Field, with this first segment running from Tutuban station in Manila to Malolos City in Bulacan.

The groundbreaking was held for the Advance Construction Mobilization of Phase 1 of the Clark railway at an open area in Maria Socorro, Marilao, Bulacan, and attended by transportation and local officials.

Also gracing the event was Bulacan’s first senator in 20 years, Joel Villanueva, who cited the PNR Manila-Clark project as a boon to economic activity and to commuters.

The project is seen to ease the monstrous vehicular traffic in Metro Manila and speed up travel to north of the metropolis, particularly areas of Central Luzon where modern townships are being developed.

According to DoTr Assistant Secretary for Railways Timothy John Batan the pre-construction phase would be handled by an interagency group and the local government, particularly the site clearing, road levelling and the removal of structures that obstruct the rail lines.

Phase 1 of the PNR Clark project runs 38 kilometers from Tutuban to Malolos.

It has 10 stations and is expected to serve on average 340,000 people daily.

The project, envisioned to cut travel time from Tutuban to Malolos to only 35 minutes, is part of the Duterte administration’s flagship Build, Build Build program.

Villanueva lauded the start of the PNR Clark project linking Tutuban in Divisoria, Manila, to his home

“The construction of Clark Railway increases connectivity within Metro Manila and the Central [Luzon] Region. Not only will this afford convenience to our commuters but will also improve economic activity in the area,” Villanueva said.

Villanueva, an advocate of job creation, underscored how the railway project could strengthen the economy and generate employment.

In November last year, the DoTr took a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency to finance the north-south commuter railway project’s Tutuban-Malolos component.

The Tutuban to Malolos segment is targeted to be partially completed by 2020 and fully operational by 2021.

Preparation work gets underway on Manila-Clark railway

Preparation work has officially begun on a new Manila-Clark railway line that promises to cut the journey time to just one hour.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Philippine National Railways (PNR) has got started on the first phase of the railway project between Tutuban in Manila to Malolos in Bulacan province.

Pre-construction work include site clearing, grading of unlevelled surfaces and demolition of obstructions to the new line.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said the department was committed to pursuing measures, such as doing parallel activities, to fast-track the completion of the railway project.

Tugade added that that based on previous practices, site clearing works had to wait after the awarding of a project to a general contractor.

“DOTr understands the need to complete this project faster. That is why we pursued these works parallel with the procurement of the general contractor, which is scheduled to be selected by the second quarter of 2018 for PNR Clark Phase 1,” he said in his address during the commencement of works for the railway project in Barangay Tabing-Ilog in Marilao, Bulacan.

Tugade also appealed to Bulacan’s local government officials to assist the department in right-of-way issues by informing their constituents of the benefits of the Manila-Clark railway.

“We seek your help in settling right-of-way issues. We cannot do this alone. Help us inform those who might be affected by the construction of the railway project that this is for the benefit of our countrymen,” he said.

Meanwhile, Senators Joel Villanueva and JV Ejercito, who both attended the event, lauded the efforts of the DOTr and other government agencies in ensuring the completion of transportation projects that would bring the country inclusive economic growth.


“We are grateful that the vision of Secretary Tugade and other government officials is now being put into reality. We are expecting a ‘Jobs, Jobs, Jobs’ program to follow the ‘Build, Build, Build’ programme of the Duterte administration,” Villanueva said.

“We are already 20 years behind in terms of infrastructure development and I would like to commend and congratulate Secretary Tugade that this is now being implemented,” Ejercito said.

The event was also attended by PNR executives, including Chairman Roberto Lastimoso and General Manager Junn Magno, Japanese Ambassador Koji Haneda, and Japan International Cooperation Agency country representative Susumo Ito.

Phase 1 of the PNR Clark Project involves the construction of the railway along the 38-kilometre segment from Tutuban, Manila to Malolos, Bulacan. Once completed in 2021, it will have 10 stations and is expected to serve an estimated 340,000 passengers daily.

The National Economic and Development Authority has already approved Phase 2 of the Manila-Clark railway, a 70-kilometre stretch from Malolos, Bulacan to Clark, Pampanga. This will be further extended north to La Union, Tuguegarao and Subic Freeport.

Malolos-Tutuban rail project to generate jobs

A senator on Friday hailed the official commencement of the construction of the railway that will link Tutuban in Divisoria, Manila to Malolos, Bulacan noting that it could generate employment.

The North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) inauguration was led by Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Art Tugade Friday morning.

Senator Joel Villanueva, who was present during the inauguration, said that aside from increasing connectivity within Metro Manila and Central Luzon, it would also improve economic activity.

“Not only will this afford convenience to our commuters but will also improve economic activity in the area,” Villanueva, who hails from Bulacan, said in a press statement.

“One of the best results of Build, Build, Build, are Jobs, Jobs, Jobs. The train brings us more jobs, business, and progress,” he added.

According to the DOTr, the 38-kilometer railway system will transport commuters from Tutuban to Malolos in 35 minutes.

DOTr expects the railway system to be partially completed by 2020 and fully operational by 2021.

DoTr starts Manila-Clark railway project

The Department of Transportation (DoTr) kicked off on Friday pre-construction activities to start the PNR North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Project Phase 1.

The NSCR is a 38-kilometer railway that will connect Tutuban, Manila to Malolos, Bulacan, and is expected to accommodate around 340,000 passengers daily once it starts operations in 2021.

The project, which costs $3-billion, will be funded through official development assistance from Japan.

The initial works include clearing the site, grading of uneven surfaces and the demolition of obstructing structures.

“Manila will be within 35 minutes from Malolos,” DoTr Assistant Secretary for Rails Timothy Batan said during the ceremony.

The second phase of the project, which will connect Malolos to Clark, will be completed in 2022, Batan said.

The NCSR is part of the mass transit backbone forming the North-South Corridor advocated in the National Economic and Development Authority’s 2014 Roadmap for Transport Infrastructure Development Study for Metro Manila and its Surrounding Areas.

“The ceremony will allow people to see actual clearing of the site and witness the project entering the implementation stage,” Japan International Cooperation Agency Chief Representative Susumo Ito said.

PHL, Japan move closer to signing a deal on MRT3 rehab

The Philippines and Japan have exchanged notes on a government-to-government agreement for Sumitomo Corp. and its technical partner, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries,  to take over the maintenance and rehabilitation of glitch-plagued Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3).

“The Japanese government already sent their note verbale to us,” Department of Transportation (DOTr) director for Communications Goddess Hope Libiran told GMA News Online on Thursday.

It was an exchange of notes between the Government of the Philippines, via the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Government of Japan, Libiran noted.

“The GOP, through DFA, issued its note verbale to GOJ last December 28," she said.

The diplomatic note embodies the arrangements between the Philippines and Japan regarding the MRT3 rehabilitation project, Libiran said.

The signing of an agreement between the Philippines and Japan was supposed to take place before the end of 2017.

The New Year holidays got in the way, considering that government offices in Japan closed on Dec. 29, 2017 and resumed normal operation on Jan. 4, 2018.

Libiran said the Transportation department will soon issue a statement on when and where the signing will take place.

The DOTr has terminated the MRT3 maintenance contract with Busan Universal Railways Inc. (BURI) due to “poor performance,” and sought to entice Sumitomo to replace BURI.

Sumitomo and Mitsubishi were the original MRT3 maintenance providers from 2003 to 2012. Sumitomo also designed and built the system from 1998 to 2000. — VDS, GMA News

Pinoy chef joins ‘Let It Snow’ in Canada

Anton Amoncio is still in high spirits after participating in “Let It Snow,” a chef exchange program by the Canadian Beef Centre of Excellence held in Calgary, Canada. It’s the first time a Filipino chef joined the exchange. His trip was made possible through the Culinary Exchange program of the Canada Beef Centre of Excellence in partnership with Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Anton, together with other world-renowned chefs, whipped up appetizing recipes using Canada beef.

The week-long event was in celebration of the 150th founding anniversary of Canada. Three events were held at different Canadian luxury resorts, highlighting the seasons of Canada: At the Fairmont Banff Springs in early summer, Fairmont Royal York Toronto in harvest season, and Chateau Lake Louise for winter.  Anton’s visit to the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is the finale of Canada Beef’s Canada 150 celebrations this year.

Anton had his share of the limelight when he presented his own recipes using the best quality Canada beef: Beef Morcon Sliders, Bistek on Green Onion Blinis, and Beef Shortribs Sinigang in Green Mango. He proved once more that Filipino chefs are at par with the best of them when it comes to culinary artistry.

Anton is a talent of Asian Artists Agency.

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WishCard for free

All-hits FM radio station Wish 107.5 launched the WishCard a few weeks ago at the Power Mac Center Spotlight in Circuit Makati.

Spearheading the launch of the WishCard and WishApp were Joseph Miranda, VP for Engineering, BMPI; Noel Peralta, CEO, 1K Solutions; Dr. Sarah Barba-Cabodil, host of the morning show in UNTV, “Good Morning Kuya;” Gerardo Etorma III, VP for Radio, BMPI; and Jay Eusebio, VP for Marketing & TV.

Wish 107.5 followers can get the WishCard by downloading the Wish App for free via Google Play for Android phones. Apple users can also avail of the App soon.

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Authentic Japanese cuisine

There’s a new Japanese eatery worth visiting and it’s called Tokio Café at Twin Oaks Place at Greenfield District in Mandaluyong City.

The chefs are Filipinos who trained under the finest Japanese chefs. Tokio, a wordplay for Tokyo, aims to give its patrons a “Tokyo-feel” experience with its signature dishes as Shu No Zensai, Wagyu Steak, Obento, Sushi, Sashimi, among others.

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GMA, ABS-CBN vie for 2017 ratings leadership

Media giants GMA Network Inc. and ABS-CBN Corp. welcomed 2018 by both claiming leadership in last year’s nationwide television ratings.

Citing data from Nielsen TV Audience Measurement, GMA said on Thursday that it continued to dominate in 2017 with a 42.5-percent audience share in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (Nutam), 5.7 percent ahead of its rival’s 36.8 percent.

For its part, ABS-CBN said data from Kantar Media showed that it gathered an average audience share of 46 percent in the same period, 12 points higher than GMA’s 34 percent.

Both networks highlighted where they excelled in 2017, citing the same market research firms.

GMA said it beat ABS-CBN in all time blocks in both Urban Luzon and Mega Manila at 76 percent and 59 percent, respectively.

In Mega Manila, the Kapuso network posted a 51.9-percent audience share, compared with ABS-CBN’s 26.7 percent.

GMA also disclosed data on December ratings, noting that it again topped nationwide ratings with 44.3 percent, compared with ABS-CBN’s 37.2 percent.

Overall, the Network dominated NUTAM's list of top programs for 2017 with 20 out of 30 programs coming from GMA. Reigning supreme in the list is the well-loved Kapuso primetime series “Encantadia,” which became the number one program for two consecutive years.

Award-winning magazine program “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” grabbed the second spot as the most-watched Kapuso program for the year followed by the Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza-starrer “Destined To Be Yours.”

Joining them in the list of most watched Kapuso shows were “Pepito Manaloto,” “Magpakailanman,” “Full House Tonight,” “Celebrity Bluff,” “24 Oras,” “Super Ma'am,” “Mulawin vs Ravena,” “Alyas Robin Hood,” “Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko” and “All-Star Videoke.”

Also included were “My Love From the Star,” “Kambal Karibal”, “Meant To Be”, “I Heart Davao”, “My Korean Jagiya”, “Kapuso Movie Night”, “24 Oras Weekend”, “Someone To Watch Over Me”, “Hay Bahay!,” “Wowowin,” “Eat Bulaga,” “Sunday PinaSaya,” “Ika-6 Na Utos,” “Hahamakin ang Lahat,” “Legally Blind,” “Impostora,” “D'Originals,” “Karelasyon,” “Tadhana” and “Tsuperhero”.

Notably, GMA's exclusive free TV telecast of Manny Pacquiao's last fight, dubbed the "Battle of Brisbane: Pacquiao vs Horn", was the most watched TV special for the year.

More Filipinos also tuned in to GMA’s live telecast of President Rodrigo Duterte’s second State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 24. GMA Network’s “SONA 2017” became the most watched coverage nationwide with 37.4 percent people audience share; outranking ABS-CBN’s “Pangako ng Pagbabago: SONA 2017,” which only got 34.3 percent. GMA-7’s coverage registered an even bigger margin in Urban Luzon with 43.2 percent people audience share versus competition’s 26.2 percent.

The broadcast network said it once again “proved to be the Filipino viewers’ network of choice” as the GMA-7’s live telecast of the Miss Universe 2016 pageant on January 30 rated highest nationwide with a 57.1% people audience share, higher than ABS-CBN’s 28% and TV5’s 8.4%. 

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN said it remained unbeatable across all time blocks. On its primetime block (6 p.m. to 12 a.m) in the January-to-December period, the Kapamilya network registered an average audience share of 50 percent versus GMA’s 32 percent.

On its morning block (6 a.m. to 12 noon), ABS-CBN recorded a 39-percent audience share, compared with its rival’s 32 percent; on the noontime block (12 noon to 3 p.m.), 45 percent versus GMA’s 36 percent; and on the afternoon block (3 p.m. to 6 p. m.), 43 percent against the Kapuso network’s 38 percent.

ABS-CBN said it led the race in Total Balance Luzon with an average national audience share of 48 percent, compared with GMA’s 36 percent; in Total Luzon, 42 percent versus GMA’s 36 percent, in Total Visayas, 53 percent, compared with GMA’s 28 percent; and in Total Mindanao, 53 percent versus GMA’s 31 percent.

The Kapamilya network also claimed to lead nationwide TV ratings in December with an average audience share of 45 percent, compared with GMA’s 34 percent.

Coco Martin still holds the primetime king bragging rights, as his “Ang Probinsyano” topped the TV ratings for this past year. The beloved cop drama, which has been on-air since 2015, came in first with a 38.6% average nationwide rating for the past 12 months, data from Kantar Media released Thursday showed.

The family-friendly reality talent contests, “Your Face Sounds Familiar Kids” and “The Voice Teens” were second and third, respectively, followed closely by Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo's fantasy series, “La Luna Sangre”. 

“TV Patrol” was fifth in the list, which featured only shows from the Kapamilya network. 

Also making to the list are "Langit Lupa,” Kim Chiu and Gerald Anderson's reunion drama “Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin,” noontime shows “It’s Showtime” and “ASAP,” drama anthology “Ipaglaban Mo,” afternoon dramas “Doble Kara,” “The Better Half,” “The Promise of Forever,” “Hanggang Saan,” “The Greatest Love,” and “Pusong Ligaw,” primetime drama series' “Wildflower,” “My Dear Heart,” “A Love to Last” and “The Good Son,” “Home Sweetie Home,” “Little Big Shots,” “Maalaala Mo Kaya,” “I Can Do That,” “I Can See Your Voice,” “Wansapanataym” and “Rated K.”

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Jan. 6, go to Sharon Cuneta, Marissa Delgado, Cesar Gaupo, Chito Puato, Melchor Dee, Star Villareal, Vilma Dimacuha, Adele-Marie Almontero, Charlie Arcega, Rhea Mae Violon Panganiban, Maria Lourdes Rebato, Rey Villareal Seneres, Edith Galve, Nharen Real, New York-based Shelly Guillermo, Angela Garchitorena and Bathazar Valenzuela… Jan. 7: Rep. Dante Liban, Councilor Lou Veloso, Apa Ongpin, Rosemary Lopez, Zenas Lozada, Ina Bautista, Tootsie Eduque, Louisebelle Hubert, Ditas Rodriguez, Ana Marie Lomboy, Jecelyn Macahindog-Leobrera, Eden Miro, Gina Onrubia, and Maddie Samonte… Jan. 8: Dr. Jaime Laya, Benjamin Yap, Judge Aurora Recina, Amparo Aspiras, Rowena Mendiola, Louismil Gala, Frances Alincastre, Carrie Javier, Graham Buenaseda, Tom Canchela,  Dennis Evangelista, Irish Joy Abarquez, Bernie Espiritu, Manny Hernandez, Mrs. Carmencita Valentino, Erwin Balines, Dra. Shyla Samson, Jim Sarthou, Ariel Dim Borlongan,Tom Canchela, Joselito Testa, Norsel del Rosario, Graham Rae Buenaseda, MB’s Ramir Medino and Robert de Luna and Tanya Scaife…

Work starts on $3-billion North-South Rail project

By Emmie V. Abadilla

Advance site clearing works  on the  USD$3 Billion Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-funded North-South Rail Commuter Railway project (NSCR) started yesterday,  led by Department of Transportation (DOTr) and local government officials from Marilao and Bocaue, Bulacan.

This includes clearing the site, grading of unleveled surfaces and demolition of obstructing structures of the NSCR, a 38-kilometer railway.

Along with the Metro Manila Subway Project, NSCR is part of the mass transit backbone forming the North-South Corridor advocated in the Roadmap for Transport Infrastructure Development Study for Metro Manila and its Surrounding Areas, a study under the National Economic Development.

Already, the DOTr has marked the railway’s stations middle of last year at Marilao and Meycauayan in Bulacan, and Valenzuela, Caloocan and Tutuban in Metro Manila.

The agency has also awarded the contract of the construction supervision consulting services for the project to NS Tren, a consortium led by Oriental Consultants Global in December, 2017.

Furthermore, the DOTr has partnered with local government units (LGUs) to address right of way acquisition so the construction can begin on time.

Then the JICA  handed the detailed engineering design of the project to DOTr, signaling the project’s transition from planning to actual construction. This will expedite the construction work of contractors to be employed using the JICA loan.

“We will continue supporting the Philippine government’s efforts to ensure that the future generation reaps the benefit of an integrated, seamless, and resilient transport infrastructure system through the NSCR project, “ remarked JICA Chief Representative Susumu Ito.

JICA believes that the project is a ‘game changer in Philippine transport infrastructure by helping kick start the administration’s large-scale investments in modern railways.’

The new railway will also use Japanese seismic designs to ensure commuter safety low emission electric trains for sustainability.

The 3-billion dollar project should be completed within the current administration and is expected to reduce travel time from two hours via traditional transportation to 35 minutes from City of Malolos, Bulacan to Tutuban, Manila.

“In the future, we are confident that this project, once completed, will help improve mobility and connectivity of emerging growth centers near Metro Manila while also creating jobs and attracting investments in other areas,” Ito added.

Since the 1960s, JICA has been supporting Philippine transport infrastructure system through hundreds of roads and bridges to encourage investments and sustain economic growth.

(UPDATED) The detailed design study of the North-South Commuter Railway Project (Malolos-Tutuban) using the System Map, courtesy: OpenStreetmap, while the all stations architectural - key and setting out plan and section, also the Site Development Plan - Ground Level, Architectural Plan - Ground Level, Concourse and Platform Level.

Transportation dept clears site for North-South commuter railway

THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) led the ceremony on Friday that marked the start of its pre-construction activities for the mobilization of the PNR North-South Commuter Railway Project Phase 1.

The NSCR is a 38-kilometer railway that will connect Tutuban, Manila to Malolos City, Bulacan, and is expected to accommodate around 340,000 passengers daily once it starts operations in 2021.

The work includes clearing the site, grading of uneven surfaces and the demolition of obstructing structures.

“Manila will be within 35 minutes from Malolos,” Transportation Assistant Secretary for Rails Timothy Batan said.

The second phase of the project, which will connect Malolos to Clark, will be completed in 2022, according to Batan.

The NCSR is part of the mass transit backbone forming the North-South Corridor advocated in the Roadmap for Transport Infrastructure Development Study for Metro Manila and its Surrounding Areas, by the National Economic and Development Authority in 2014.

The project, which costs $3-billion, will be funded through official development assistance from Japan.

“The ceremony will allow people to see actual clearing of the site and witness the project entering into the implementation stage,” Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) Chief Representative Susumo Ito said.  REICELENE JOY IGNACIO

TRAIN TO BULACAN | DOTr breaks ground for Tutuban-Malolos segment of PNR Clark project

The Department of Transportation broke ground Friday (Jan. 5) for Phase 1 of the Philippine National Railways line linking Metro Manila to Clark Field, with this first segment running from Tutuban station in Manila to historic City of Malolos in Bulacan.

The groundbreaking was held Friday morning for the Advance Construction Mobilization for Phase 1 of the Clark railway at an open area in Maria Socorro, Marilao, Bulacan, and graced by transportation and local officials.

Also gracing the event was Bulacan’s first senator in 20 years, Joel Villanueva, who cited the PNR Manila-Clark project as a boon to economic activity and to commuters.

The project is seen to ease the legendary vehicular traffic in Metro Manila and speed up travel to north of the metropolis, especially key areas of Central Luzon where modern townships are being developed.

According to DOTr Assistant Secretary for Railways Timothy John Batan the pre-construction phase will be handled by an interagency group and the local government, particularly the site clearing, road levelling and the removal of structures that obstruct the rail lines.

Phase 1 of the PNR Clark project runs 38 kilometers from Tutuban to Malolos.

It has 10 stations and is expected to serve on average 340,000 people daily.

The project, envisioned to cut travel time from Tutuban to Malolos to only 35 minutes, is part of the Duterte administration’s flagship Build, Build Build program.

‘FINALLY, A TRAIN TO BULACAN’

Senator Villanueva lauded the start of the PNR Clark project linking Tutuban in Divisoria, Manila, to his home province Bulacan.

“Sa wakas, mayroon nang ‘Train to Bulacan’ at malaking ginhawa po ito sa ating mga kababayan sa Gitnang Luzon higit lalo sa minamahal nating mga Bulakenyo [Finally we have a Train to Bulacan that brings relief to our people in Central Luzon, especially our fellow Bulakenyos],” said Villanueva, first Bulakenyo in more than 20 years to become a senator.

“The construction of Clark Railway increases connectivity within Metro Manila and the Central Region. Not only will this afford convenience to our commuters but will also improve economic activity in the area,” Villanueva added.

Villanueva, an advocate of job creation, further underscored how the railway project can strengthen the economy and generate employment.

“Ang pinakamagandang magiging bunga po ng Build, Build, Build ay Jobs, Jobs, Jobs. Dala po ng tren na ito ay trabaho. Dala po ng tren na ito ay negosyo. Dala po ng tren na ito ay progreso [The best fruit of Build Build Build is Jobs, Jobs, Jobs. This train brings jobs. It brings commerce. It brings progress],” Villanueva said.

He said it will also ease congestion and traffic in Metro Manila.

In November last year, the DOTr took a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to finance the north-south commuter railway project’s Tutuban-Malolos component.

The Tutuban to Malolos segment is targeted to be partially completed by 2020 and fully operational by 2021.

Stations list:

1. TUTUBAN 
2. Mayhaligue (PNR Tutuban Executive Building) 
3. Tayuman 
4. SOLIS 
5. Hermosa 
6. C3 
7. Asistio Avenue (named after the first general of MRR) 
8. CALOOCAN
9. Acacia-Malabon 
10. Tinajeros (Goldendale Busineess Park) 
11. Tugatog
12. Malinta 
13. Dalandanan 
14. VALENZUELA 
15. Meycauayan College (Calvario) 
16. MEYCAUAYAN 
17. Saluysoy 
18. SM Marilao 
19. Saog 
20. Lolomboy 
21. Bunio 
22. BOCAUE 
23. Bigaa (Original stations site) 
24. BALAGTAS (Closer to Cabanatuan Line Junction) 
25. Cruz Guiguinto (Original Guiguinto station) 
26. GUIGUINTO 
27. Tabang 
28. Bulacan Industrial City 
29. Bulacan Sports Complex 
30. Cofradia 
31. MALOLOS

Commencement of Works for PNR Clark Phase 1 ( Tutuban-Malolos ) Railways Project.

CLARK, Pampanga, Jan 5 --Today, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Philippine National Railway (PNR) will be undertaking advance construction mobilization for PNR Clark Phase 1 (Tutuban-Malolos), which includes pre-construction activities such as site clearing, grading of unleveled surfaces, and demolition of obstructing structures in the PNR alignment.

To realize early completion of infrastructure projects under the Build Build Build program, the DOTr continuously explores and pursues acceleration measures, such as doing in parallel activities that were previously done sequentially.

This event is an example of DOTr’s acceleration measures.

As compared to previous practice, site clearing works had to wait for the general contractor, but, since DOTr understands the need to complete this project faster, DOTr pursues these works in parallel with the procurement of the general contractor, which is scheduled to be selected by the 2nd quarter of 2018 for PNR Clark Phase 1.

Phase 1 of the PNR Clark Project entails the construction of the rail systems along the 38-kilometer segment from Tutuban, Manila to Malolos, Bulacan. It will have 10 stations and is expected to service around 340,000 passengers daily during its opening.

Once this project is completed, commuters from Tutuban will reach Malolos in 35 minutes. (DOTr)