DOTr speeds up housing for railway-affected settlers

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is expediting the construction of housing units for informal settlers affected by the North South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Project in Bulacan and Pampanga.

A statement made by Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez on Tuesday revealed that a total of 1,274 informal settlers will be relocated to sites in Barangays Panipuan and Calulut in San Fernando City and Mexico, Pampanga.

He said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the DOTr to ensure that families affected by the big-ticket project receive just compensation and security to a site with basic, adequate facilities and services.

He added that despite the project's accelerated projected timeline, it is crucial to ensure that housing units and community facilities are properly constructed.

The official cited that aside from the infrastructure, the housing units should have water, electricity and other basic necessities to be livable for the affected families.

Transportation Assistant Secretary for Right-of-Way and Site Acquisition (ROWSA) IC Calaguas, along with National Housing Authority (NHA) representative Atty. John Bernardo, conducted an inspection to ensure the construction of housing units is on track.

The DOTr and NHA are currently finalizing social preparations and compensations for affected families.

Meanwhile, at least 121 families are set to move to row houses in Brgy. Panipuan, San Fernando City by 15 November 2025, followed by 288 families in August 2026, and the remaining families in 2027.

The transport agency is also expediting relocation efforts in Angeles City, Pampanga and Calumpit Bulacan, where a total of 615 families and 648 families will be relocated, respectively.