LRT-1 extension eyes expanding labor access

The land donation by the Villar family for the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 Cavite Extension will help reduce commuting costs for workers traveling from suburban communities to Metro Manila.

According to Metro Pacific Investments Corp. chairperson Manuel V. Pangilinan, expanding public transit infrastructure addresses a critical economic imbalance for suburban workers.

While major employment opportunities remain concentrated in Metro Manila, high housing costs make living near commercial districts prohibitive for many families.

“I think it will help out the population in the outlying areas if you have good public transportation because the jobs are here in Manila, right?” Pangilinan said.

The Villar family donated land to the Department of Transportation to support infrastructure for the railway expansion, which aims to improve transit links between Cavite and the capital while offering relief from severe road congestion.

Pangilinan cited that strong transit connections allow workers to reside in lower-cost areas outside primary business hubs while maintaining reliable access to employment.

“When you are close to the jobs, you save on expenses,” Pangilinan said. “But you need to have good public transportation.”

The first phase of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension is currently operational, stretching south from Baclaran Station in Pasay City to Dr. Santos Station in Parañaque City via five newly constructed stops — Redemptorist-ASEANA, MIA Road, PITX, Ninoy Aquino Avenue and Dr. Santos.

Subsequent development phases will extend the rail line further south with additional stations in Las Piñas, Zapote and Niog.