DOTr fast-tracks land acquisition for subway project, commuter railway system

 

Photo courtesy of DOTr

By Jimmyley Guzman 

PASIG CITY (PIA) — In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to speed up major railway projects to immediately benefit thousands of commuters, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has fast-tracked the acquisition of land for the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) and North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) System.

According to DOTr, a total of 90.76% of right-of-way (ROW) and properties for said project have been acquired, while clearing at least 56% of land for free and buildable right-of-way for NSCR System north segment as of December 2025.

“Noong 2025, talagang banner year para sa right-of-way natin dahil mas binilisan pa natin ang land acquisition para agad na mapakinabangan ng mga komyuter itong subway at NSCR,” said Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez.

(In 2025, it was truly a banner year for our right-of-way because we accelerated land acquisition so that commuters could immediately benefit from this subway and NSCR.)

The DOTr has addressed MMSP’s major bottlenecks, including Varilla Properties, and properties in White Plains, Corinthian Gardens, and Metrowalk.

Likewise, the transportation department has accelerated the right-of-way and site acquisition (ROWSA) process through several key initiatives.

The department also augmented its ROWSA personnel from 200 to 900 to expedite the land acquisition process, while also holding capacity-building and training programs to enhance workforce knowledge and skills.

DOTr also noted the increase in acquired properties for the NSCR’s north segment, from 38 parcels recorded in February 2025 to 1,143 in December 2025 through the combined initiatives of former transportation chief Secretary Vince Dizon and current chief, Secretary Lopez. 

Lopez also noted that with its current progress, the DOTr can complete ROW acquisition for NSCR’s north segment by mid-2026. 

Meanwhile, the DOTr said that for the south segment of NSCR, four out of the 19 stations’ ROW are now cleared, namely EDSA, Cabuyao and Sta. Rosa in Laguna, and the Banlic depot.

President Marcos Jr. eyes the inauguration of the Metro Manila Subway project by 2028.

The 33-kilometer line will run from Valenzuela City to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City, cutting travel time from about two hours and 30 minutes to just 40 minutes. (JEG/PIA-NCR)