One of the things I truly enjoyed whenever I was in Divisoria Market with my Nanay Curing was watching the trains arrive at and depart from the old Tutuban Station. After selling our “paninda” of fish and shrimps, I would walk toward the station to catch a glimpse of these mechanical beasts. To my young mind, the trains were like ancient dragons embodying raw strength, especially with their thunderous engines and the rhythmic clatter of their wheels as they rolled on iron rails. It was a sight to behold.

The old Tutuban Station of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) was located at the corner of Azcarraga and Dagupan Streets, right in the middle of Divisoria. It was a bustling district of old Manila where PNR’s train journeys used to start or stop. The northern journey ended at Damortis, La Union, while the southern line stopped at Legazpi City. In a sense, it was the center of the world for many people.

Today, that historic station—the original dream of building an expansive and efficient railway—has been derailed. It has been converted into a shopping center now popular for its bargain and wholesale stands. That dream started on Nov. 24, 1892, when PNR began operating the entire line from Manila to Dagupan. The main line to Southern Luzon was later added in the 1930s to provide efficient transport for people and agricultural products, helping connect provincial economies with Manila as the capital hub.

Despite this promising start, the Philippine railway system has suffered a slow and unfortunate decline over the years. According to the PNR website, the government invested heavily in restoration efforts after World War II, when much of the rail infrastructure was damaged or destroyed. In the 1970s, interest and government support shifted toward road infrastructure such as highways and expressways, which were seen as more flexible and modern at the time. To make matters worse, major natural disasters in the 1990s and early 2000s caused further damage to critical sections of the railway.

Today, PNR trains no longer operate except for some limited and intermittent services in Southern Luzon. Operations were suspended on March 28, 2024, for a five-year period to allow construction of the North South Commuter Railway (NSCR). I remember feeling surprised and sad when our vehicles crossed the intersection of Buendia and Osmeña Highway, and the railroad crossing barrier was no longer there—the rails were covered in asphalt.

Investing in modern and efficient transportation, particularly railways, is crucial for the economic and social development of the Philippines. Railways have the potential to connect the country economically by facilitating the efficient movement of people and goods across regions, reducing traffic congestion, and boosting productivity. We can see this truth whenever we travel to European countries. Europe’s rapid development during the 19th and 20th centuries was fueled by aggressive investments in railway infrastructure that connected rural areas to cities and ports, driving industrialization and economic integration.

Investing in railways today is vital for the Philippines’ future. With a rapidly growing population and the National Capital Region choking on road congestion, railways can offer a sustainable, efficient solution. They reduce travel time, lower emissions, and increase economic productivity by better connecting regions. Well-planned rail systems also stimulate the development of industries and services along their routes, creating jobs and improving quality of life. Imagine packing your bags, taking a Grab to a train station, enjoying the sights of the countryside, and safely arriving in La Union or Quezon for a much-needed vacation. It would have a tremendous impact on improving the nation’s quality of life.

But this is not just an economic decision. If it were simply economics, there would be no debate. This is a question of political will. Perhaps it is time we refocus our energies toward this goal. Instead of derailing each other’s plans, maybe we can unite just like separate train cars connected by a coupler, allowing us to hurtle toward a common goal.