Panay railways revival still hanging — NEDA
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Regional Development Council (RDC) are still waiting for endorsements of local government units (LGUs) that will be affected by the proposed Panay railway system.
NEDA regional director Ro-Ann Bacal explained that until now, they have not acted on the proposed revival of the project because the proponent has not presented the needed endorsements from LGUs “where the railway is going to traverse.”
“Before this is presented to the RDC, it is very important that LGUs first endorse the project. This is part of our decentralization effort so that LGUs will not say that they have not been consulted,” she stressed.
Further, Bacal said there was no feasibility study that was provided their office; only a profile of the project overview.
However, she disclosed that they are about to complete the technical evaluation of the proposed railway.
“At NEDA, we need to look at the financial statements, technical description, also possible effects of the projects,” she explained.
Early this year, Transportation and Communications Undersecretary Guiling Mamondiong said the project’s feasibility study was already submitted to the RDC as he also asked the region’s highest policy making body to take action on the proposed revival of the project.
Under the proposed revival, the railway will now be extended from Iloilo to Roxas City, Capiz and up to Kalibo and Caticlan in Aklan province.
He said the DOTC plan hopes to give tourists and visitors going to Boracay a comfortable, faster and safer means of transportation through the railways. (PNA)
