In such a short span of time, the PNR has proven that it is truly exerting all means possible to bring back the glory days of the country’s railways.

Early December, we were marking the milestones of the Philippine National Railways (PNR).

This month, we have witnessed the arrival of six Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) rail cars from Indonesia — a historic moment for the Philippines as this was the first time in about four decades that the country has bought new train sets using government funds.

A week after, the train sets were formally launched and had a smooth and successful run from the Dela Rosa Station in Makati City to Tutuban in Manila.

And what seemed like a series of Christmas presents arriving for commuters, these breakthroughs were followed by more good news: on 18 December, the Department of Transportation (DoTr), through the PNR, had signed the contract for the delivery of new train sets for PNR Bicol.

In such a short span of time, the PNR has proven that it is truly exerting all means possible to bring back the glory days of the country’s railways. It’s a grand and ambitious dream for the Philippine railways, but for the DoTr and PNR, it is a rather attainable goal.

However, no matter how much we dream and execute ways to improve our railways, we are still faced by the realities of a bumpy road ahead.

Recently, a spate of stone-throwing incidents has been reported. The incidents left our refurbished PNR trains damaged. From 2 to 21 December 2019 alone, there have been 14 incidents of people indiscriminately throwing rocks at PNR coaches, resulting in shattered glass windows and chipping of train parts. These dastardly acts not only put in danger the safety of train passengers, but also haphazardly damage trains that are providing the riding public with a comfortable and convenient mode of travel.

Apart from the incidents of pelting on the PNR’s tracks, there were also attempts at sabotage by some people who have recklessly left debris on the railway tracks.

The new DMU trains from Indonesia have been spared by far from these malicious attacks, but are obviously also targets of these incidents.

The reported cases have quickly circulated on social media, and reaped the censure of netizens. Many have expressed their dismay, while some have called out the people behind the irresponsible actions as “resistant to change.”

While we strongly condemn the misdeeds and are in the process of holding accountable the perpetrators, we need to do three things first.

Indeed, the stone-throwing incidents and placing of harmful objects on the railway tracks are disdainful and unacceptable acts of disrespect. This does not only disrupt the operations of the PNR, but also the progress that we want to achieve in our mass public transport system.

Looking requires seeing beyond what we have now as a nation. We need to look ahead and truly assess our direction. Why are we doing all these improvements and enhancements in our public mass transportation? It is plain and simple. Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade has stressed this many times over — the goal is to provide the Filipinos with a comfortable life as mandated by our beloved President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.

And in providing a comfortable life, it encompasses even the generations yet to come. We want them to also enjoy a better, safer, more reliable and more convenient transportation system. It is for this reason that we need to take care of our railways. It is first and foremost, ours.

Listen to your government. The Duterte administration has been unwavering in its drive to provide Filipinos with modern transport infrastructure. We need to heed the call to cooperate and observe vigilance. We need the public to help report these malicious and destructive activities.

Listen to your fellow countrymen. They have long been waiting for a transportation system that is modern, comfortable and safe. In terms of infrastructure, we are sadly trailing behind other countries. Therefore, there is no better time to catch up more than now. And if we are to disrupt this progress, it is the people that will be ultimately suffering for it.

As we usher the Philippines to a better and progressive future, we have to do our fair share as citizens. While your government continues to roll up its sleeves to deliver an improved mass transport system, it is high time that we also do our part.