The long-awaited Mindanao Railway Project (MRP) is set to push through, the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) confirmed, dispelling rumors of its cancellation. This massive infrastructure endeavor aims to revolutionize transportation in Mindanao, fostering economic growth and connectivity across the island.
In a recent press briefing, Secretary Leo Tereso Magno of MinDA announced significant progress in the project. “There are three to four private individuals and companies aggressively showing interest in collaborating on the MRP master plan,” he said, emphasizing strong private sector support.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and MinDA are finalizing the project’s terms of reference, expected to be released by December. Once initiated, Phase 1 of the MRP will cover a 100.2-kilometer stretch connecting Tagum City, Davao City, and Digos City. With a projected cost of PHP 81.6 billion, this segment will feature eight stations, designed to serve 122,000 passengers daily. The railway is expected to reduce travel time between Tagum and Digos from three hours to just one, promising a more efficient transportation option for commuters.
A Vision for Full Connectivity
The MRP, once completed, will span 1,544 kilometers, linking key Mindanao cities such as General Santos, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Cotabato, Zamboanga, Butuan, Surigao, and Malaybalay. This ambitious project is poised to become a cornerstone of Mindanao’s development, fostering trade and mobility across the region.
However, the project has faced hurdles, including funding issues that caused delays. Originally set to commence construction in January 2019, the timeline has been repeatedly adjusted. In 2023, the Philippine government decided to forego Chinese official development assistance (ODA) loans due to stalled negotiations. Instead, the government shifted its focus to modernizing the project with an emphasis on environmental sustainability.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista assured stakeholders of the government’s commitment to advancing the project despite the overhaul in funding and planning. “We are prioritizing a modern and eco-friendly railway system for southern Philippines,” he stated during a recent forum.
Challenges and Hopes
Vice President Sara Duterte, a vocal advocate of infrastructure development in Mindanao, expressed frustration over delays. Speaking in Butuan City, she lamented the missed opportunities, citing the importance of the railway not just for Mindanao but for the entire country. “It pains me because this project could bring immense benefits, not just to Mindanao but nationwide,” she said, recalling her campaign platform of continuity and unity under the “Build Build Build” program initiated during her father’s presidency.
Despite the setbacks, Duterte remains hopeful for the project’s continuation. “We are still hopeful that big-ticket ‘Build Build Build’ projects will push through,” she added.
Moving Forward
The renewed focus on the Mindanao Railway Project reflects the government’s resolve to deliver critical infrastructure to underserved regions. With private sector interest growing and the groundwork being laid, the railway represents a transformative opportunity for Mindanao.
The project’s success could redefine Mindanao’s economic landscape, providing faster, safer, and more sustainable transport solutions while opening new avenues for investment and regional integration. For the people of Mindanao, the railway symbolizes a brighter, more connected future—a vision that is steadily inching closer to reality.
