In an interview following the meetings at Taj Mahal Hotel in New Delhi, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Dave Gomez said the priority projects being considered by RITES are the Mindanao Railway Project, a mass rail system in Cebu, and the extension of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) system from Tutuban.
“The priority for the study is the Mindanao Rail System, followed by a mass rail system in Cebu, and the third is the mass rail system in Cebu,” said Gomez, who joined the President during the meetings.
Gomez added that RITES could participate in the projects as a consultant or through a public-private partnership, while also helping the Philippines explore official development assistance.
Own satellite
President Marcos also met with officials of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to discuss cooperation with the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) in support of the country’s long-term goal of launching its own satellite.
Gomez said India could share its technical expertise and experience with the Philippines as the Marcos administration seeks to strengthen the country’s capabilities in space technology.
“It is important to have our own satellite because it can help us in communications, defense and security, and in weather forecasting because of climate change,” he said.
The President was also joined in the meetings by Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Finance Acting Secretary Frederick Go, Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, PhilSA director general Dr. Gay Jane Perez, and Philippine Ambassador to India Josel F. Ignacio.
Before the two meetings, President Marcos met with officials of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure following the Philippines’ entry into the coalition.
Cooperation on strengthening Phl infra vs disasters
The meeting focused on cooperation to help strengthen Philippine infrastructure against disasters and climate-related risks.
President Marcos is in India to attend the two-day BRICS Summit upon the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He is participating in the summit in his capacity as Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations for 2026.
