Include Mindanao railway in PPP, Aquino told

MANILA, Philippines - Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez urged the Aquino administration the other day to include the proposed Mindanao railway project in its PPP (public-private partnership) program.

Rodriguez said the Mindanao railway is a viable project and private investors may be interested in undertaking it with government help.

He said the government had already spent P71 million for a feasibility study that was completed in October 2009.

“The study covers a total length of 124 kilometers from Jasaan, Misamis Oriental to Linamon, Lanao del Norte. The railway system aims to link two vital Mindanao gateways, the Laguindingan International Airport and the Mindanao Container Terminal. It will have passenger and cargo operations,” Rodriguez said.

“However, until today, not a single rail is in place. This railway system has been the dream of many Mindanaons. It will be a tremendous boost to the economy and tourism industry of Mindanao, and it will provide our people with a more convenient and faster means of travel and transport for goods,” he added.

He pointed out that the inclusion of the planned Mindanao railway system in the PPP program would mean the “realization of the dream of Mindanaoans.”

The railway system would link major cites including Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Zamboanga City, Butuan, Surigao, Davao and General Santos.

Rodriguez also asked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to build new or rehabilitate existing roads leading to the new international airport in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental.

He said the Laguindingan airport would boost tourism and trade in Northern Mindanao.