Taguig transport-linked learning hub eyed

A transit-oriented Education City at the 13-hectare DepEd Complex in Taguig City is in the works under a new partnership among the Department of Transportation (DoTr), Department of Education (DepEd), and the Embassy of the United Kingdom.

The DoTr on Monday said the project, called the Senate DepEd Transit Oriented Development (SEED) Project, will feature a transport hub connected to the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) and North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR).

It will feature green and educational spaces to encourage public transport, walking, and cycling.

“It is important for the entire country because this project will pave the way for better projects in the future — not only transportation projects but also education projects,” Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said during the project signing with Education Secretary Sonny Angara and British Ambassador Laure Beaufils.

Dizon cited the importance of collaboration, saying, “Our partners will be critical to the success of very important projects.”

For his part, Angara said the SEED Project is expected to drive development not only in Taguig but in the transport sector nationwide.

“This project will have the same catalytic effect not only on Taguig but definitely on Philippine transportation. We have the DoTr to shepherd and speed up this project,” Angara said.

The MMSP will have 17 stations and a 30.34-hectare depot in Valenzuela City, which also houses the Philippine Railway Institute. Spanning 33 kilometers, it will connect Valenzuela to Pasay City, with a spur line to NAIA Terminal 3.

The line will link with LRT-1, MRT-3, MRT-7, LRT-2 at Anonas, and the NSCR Extension at FTI and Bicutan.

Meanwhile, the Economic Development Council has approved a P229.32-billion public-private partnership for the operation and maintenance of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), a 147-kilometer elevated line connecting Central Luzon, Metro Manila, and Calabarzon. The NSCR is expected to serve 800,000 passengers daily in its first year, eventually reaching one million.