DOTr leads groundbreaking of LRT-1 Cavite extension project

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) in partnership with the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) led the groundbreaking Thursday of the LRT-1 extension project traversing through Baclaran in Paranaque City to Cavite province. (Photo by Philippinerailways (Philippinerailways) [CC0])

MANILA—The Department of Transportation (DOTr) in partnership with the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) led the groundbreaking Thursday of the LRT-1 extension project traversing through Baclaran in Paranaque City to Cavite province.

The LRT-1 Cavite extension project is a joint initiative of the government and private sector that will create eight additional train stations through an alignment measuring 11 kilometers passing through the cities of Paranaque, Las Pinas and Bacoor in Cavite.

The groundbreaking ceremony was spearheaded by DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade and LRMC President and CEO Rogelio Singson.

“Mobility and connectivity are the platforms upon which you can be assured of development and growth in any nation. The realization of this project establishes that connectivity. If you have an honest to goodness, well-meaning partnership between government and the private sector, then things will move,” Tugade said in his address at the event.

The transportation secretary stated that the start of the construction of the railway project is a manifestation of the successful partnership of the government and private sector.

He noted that activities were laid as early as 2006, but it was only this year, during the term of President Rodrigo Duterte, that the project is gaining actual momentum. The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) approved the extension and alignment project in 2011.

“Imagine a situation where in 2011 this was approved by NEDA but we only inaugurated it after six years. That is indeed delayed — gargantuan delay. But when you put partnership, well-meaning partnership between private sector and government, then you can fast-track the projects,” according to Tugade.

The PHP65-billion railway line with stations in Aseana, Manila International Airport (MIA), Asia World, Ninoy Aquino and Dr. Santos in Paranaque City; Las Piñas and Zapote Stations in Las Piñas City and Niog Station in Bacoor, Cavite can accommodate 410,000 passengers daily. It is expected to be completed on the last quarter of 2021.

However, Tugade appealed to the project contractor to consider expediting the project at an earlier date through 24 hour construction period without undermining and sacrificing the quality and intended costs.

Other personalities who attended the ceremony are Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar, Ayala Corporation’s Chairman and CEO Mr. Jaime Augusto Zobel De Ayala, Sen. Cynthia Villar, Cavite Gov. Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla, Cavite 2nd District Representative Strike Revilla, Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez, Bacoor City Mayor Lani Mercado-Revilla and officials from the LGUs of Parañaque, Las Piñas and Bacoor, the DOTr, LRMC, DPWH, the PPP Center and private partners.