Commuter-rail system for Pangasinan mulled

• Source: http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/commuter-rail-system-for-pangasinan-mulled/
• Thursday, June 29, 2017

By Orly Guirao

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan—With agricultural production on a steady rise and commercial activities expanding year in and year out, investment planners are now pushing for the construction of a commuter-rail system that will service the province’s four cities of Dagupan, San Carlos, Urdaneta and Alaminos.

The proposal has won the nod of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan which passed a resolution authorizing Gov. Amado I. Espino III to enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Hongkong-based Masz Corp. Ltd. and the Philippine National Railways (PNR) to have a feasibility study started on the railway project, dubbed as PNR-Pangasinan Railway and Land Development Project (PPRLDP).

The PNR tapped the Hong Kong firm which offers a full-range of construction-related services to initiate the proposed railway project envisioned to maximize the development of the province’s land assets.

Resolution author Board Member Generoso Tulagan Jr. said when implemented, the project “would usher in a tremendous boost to the province’s economic development by providing better opportunities for local employment and livelihood, and increase the exchange of trade and commerce from the eastern to the western parts of the province”.

Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Benita Pizarro echoed Tulagan’s statement, as she noted the PPRLDP will become a flagship project in Pangasinan that aims to provide ease in the movement of people and the transport of the province’s produce.

“The project also intends to explore the potentials of other projects that could be developed in the province,” Pizarro added.

For three consecutive years, Pangasinan maintained its status as one of the country’s top 5 achievers in rice and corn production.

On his first 100 days in office after the May elections, Espino launched a massive P100-million irritation program to pave the way for an ambitious agro-industrial enterprise development agenda that would transform Pangasinan as a major investment hub north of Manila.

Earlier a team from PNR and Masz Corp. Ltd. visited prospective locations for the project that will be subjected to a feasibility study.

Along with Espino, signatories of the MOU included Masz Corp. Ltd. President Li Li and PNR Chairman Roberto T. Lastimoso.