DOTR, NHA build PH first medium-rise relocation

DOTR, NHA build PH first medium-rise relocation | Daily Tribune

To ensure residents affected by the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project have a place to call home, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the National Housing Authority (NHA) will build the country’s first medium-rise relocation project in Angeles City, Pampanga.

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the project is part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to provide residents affected by the NSCR System with basic facilities while ensuring their safety.

Lopez welcomed the development, saying President Marcos wants affected residents to live in community spaces with adequate and decent living conditions.

“Ang sabi ng Pangulong Marcos dapat masiguro natin na ‘yung mga kababayan nating maapektuhan ng mga transport projects ay mailipat sa disenteng tirahan na may basic facilities gaya ng tubig at kuryente para matiyak yung kanilang maayos na pamumuhay,” Lopez said.

("President Marcos said we must ensure that our fellow citizens affected by transport projects are relocated to decent housing with basic facilities such as water and electricity to guarantee their proper living conditions.")

The new medium-rise relocation project will be built on a 2.6-hectare site in Brgy. Cutud and will consist of eight four-story buildings. Each building will have 94 units, accommodating 621 families currently occupying the Philippine National Railways (PNR) right-of-way as informal settlers.

DOTr Assistant Secretary for Right of Way and Site Acquisition (ROWSA) IC Calaguas and Atty. John Bernardo of the NHA inspected the site last week.

According to Calaguas, each complex, valued at P1.2 million, will include essential amenities such as a daycare center, rural health unit, and elementary school to support community needs. Construction is set to begin in March 2026 and is expected to be completed by April 2027.

The resettlement project is part of a larger effort to relocate 2,640 informal settler families affected by the NSCR’s northern segment. Other relocation sites are planned for San Fernando and Calumpit in Bulacan to address the railway project’s impact, Calaguas added.

Pampanga 1st District Rep. Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. and Angeles City Mayor Carmelo "Jon" Lazatin II pledged their support for the initiative, ensuring swift social preparations for relocation and right-of-way projects in Angeles City.