Citing their significant role as partners for development, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) recently commended at least 43 landowners in Pampanga for sharing their property for the implementation of the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) railway project.
In a simple ceremony, BCDA OIC-Senior Vice President Richard Brian M. Cepe, representing President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang, distributed 68 Transfer Certificate of Titles (TCTs) to the landowners affected by the SCMB railway, which is formerly known as the Subic-Clark Railway Project or SCRP.
The event was held at the Benigno Hall inside the Capitol Complex in the City of San Fernando and was graced by Board Member Sajid Khan Eusoof and Board Member Fritzie David-Dizon, representing Gov. Dennis G. Pineda and Vice Governor Lilia “Nanay Baby” G. Pineda, respectively. Also present from BCDA was Vice Pres. Jocelyn L. Caniones, project director of SCRP.
Cepe thanked the landowners from Porac and Floridablanca towns, extending BCDA’s appreciation of their full cooperation for the realization of major infrastructure projects initiated by the national government.
Cepe said that one of the biggest challenges in implementing infrastructure projects is securing right-of-way, noting BCDA’s experience in building the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx). He also said that the cooperation of the project-affected landowners paved the way for the speedy completion of the project.
“Isa sa mga pinakamalaking hamon sa pamahalaan ay ang pagseguro ng tinatawag nating right-of-way, kaya napakalaking tulong po na kayo ay handang magpaubaya at makipagtulungan upang mabilis na maisakatuparan ang proyektong ito,” Cepe said addressing the landowners.
Cepe also said that the SCMB railway is part of the Marcos’ administration’s “Build, Better, More” infrastructure program. The national government aims to develop the Luzon Economic Corridor to generate more economic opportunities with the assistance of the US and Japan.
“Sa pamamagitan ng tren na ito, ating pag-uugnayin ang apat na sentrong pang-ekonomiya, mula sa pantalan ng Subic, sa paliparan ng Clark, hanggang sa mga pantalan ng Maynila at Batangas. Napakalaking bagay po nito upang mapabilis ang komersiyo at daloy ng mga produkto at serbisyo. Sa ganitong paraan, mas makakahikayat tayo ng maraming namumuhunan sa ating bansa,” Cepe said.
The BCDA also expressed gratitude to Gov. Dennis G. Pineda and Vice Gov. Lilia for their support to the project and for soliciting the cooperation of the Kapampangans.
Meanwhile, Board Member Dizon read a brief message from Vice Gov. Pineda lauding their constituents’ cooperation in the implementation of this national project.
“The Transfer of Certificates of Titles is a symbol of our commitment to ensuring that the rights of our citizens are protected and respected. As these certificates will be turned over, we recognize the challenges that our lot owners have faced and we acknowledge the patience and resilience they have shown. We also recognize the importance of this project in driving economic growth and development in our province,” Vice Gov. Pineda said. She added that the provincial government thanks the stakeholders including its partners in the national government and private sector.
In response to the efforts of BCDA and the provincial government, Chairman Randy Guevarra of Barangay Calantas, Floridablanca said that they support the project with utmost trust that it will bring more economic activities in Pampanga.
“Ang amin pong mga ka-barangay ay buong-pusong nakipagtulungan sa ating gobyerno dahil alam namin na magbibigay ito pakinabang sa mga kabayanan dito. Nagpapasalamat din po kami kina Gov. Dennis Pineda at kay Vice Gov. Nanay Baby sa kanilang malasakit sa Pampanga at sa aming mga kabalen,” Guevarra said.
