Citing their significant role as partners for development, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) recently commended at least 43 landowners in Pampanga for sharing their property for the implementation of the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) railway project.

In a simple ceremony, BCDA OIC-Senior Vice President Richard Brian Cepe, representing President and CEO Joshua Bingcang, distributed 68 Transfer Certificate of Titles (TCTs) to the landowners affected by the SCMB railway, which is formerly known as the Subic-Clark Railway Project or SCRP.

Cepe said that one of the biggest challenges in implementing infrastructure projects is securing right-of-way, noting BCDA’s experience in building the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx). He also said that the cooperation of the project-affected landowners paved the way for the speedy completion of the project.

The event was held at the Benigno Hall inside the Capitol Complex in the City of San Fernando and was graced by Board Member Sajid Khan Eusoof and Board Member Fritzie David-Dizon, representing Gov. Dennis Pineda and Vice Governor Lilia “Nanay Baby” Pineda, respectively. From BCDA, present was Vice President Jocelyn Caniones, project director of SCRP.

Cepe thanked the landowners from Porac and Floridablanca towns, extending BCDA’s appreciation for their full cooperation for the realization of major infrastructure projects initiated by the national government.

"Among the biggest challenge to the government is ensuring what we call right-of-way (RoW), thus, giving way to development projects strongly contributes to their immediate completion," Cepe said addressing the landowners.

Cepe added that the SCMB railway is part of the Marcos’ administration’s “Build, Better, More” infrastructure program.

The national government aims to develop the Luzon Economic Corridor to generate more economic opportunities with the assistance of the US and Japan.

“Through this train, we will connect the four economic centers, from the port of Subic, to the airport in Clark, and to the ports of Manila and Batangas. This is a huge step in accelerating commerce and the flow of products and services. In this way, we will be able to attract more investors to our country,” Cepe said.