The Department of Transportation is bullish that the railway sector will further improve due to the continuing policy and logistical assistance given to the Philippine Railway Institute or PRI.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista on Friday said that PRI is continuously enhancing the railway capabilities of its operators so it can cope with railway projects in the pipeline.

"The list of railway projects is long. Before these projects start commercial operations, we must qualify the personnel who will operate and maintain these railway lines," Bautista said.

"In the coming years, the PRI will have to level up its quality of training while adapting to the rapidly changing global railway landscape," he added.

Since the start of December, at least 620 railway employees have finished refresher courses at the PRI.

Training ongoing

Additionally, 382 individuals have completed the basic training programs.

Bautista has stated that the PRI is training operators and maintenance personnel for the upcoming LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project, which is expected to begin operations in 2025.

The head of transportation also mentioned the PRI's strategic partnerships, including a Memorandum of Understanding with rail transport companies MERMEC and SPA. The partnership enables personnel to adhere to existing standards and best practices from both local and international railway organizations.

PRI has signed an agreement with the Transportation Science Society of the Philippines to improve research and development capabilities.