LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – The Philippines is hosting the prestigious 43rd annual Association of Southeast Asian Nations Railway Chief Executive Officer's Conference from October 16 to 20 in Makati City.
Philippine National Railways information officer Dallain Dethan Dario said that the event is meaningful as it will elevate the global railway industry in the country.
Dario said that PNR representatives will be joined by at least 200 delegates from railway authorities across the region.
"It is anticipated that this conference will be graced by the foremost leaders of railway agencies from the Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam," he added.
Participants will engage in insighful dialogues and share their domain's latest developments, achievements and innovative practices.
"Under the ‘Sustainable Solutions for Railway Transportation’ theme, this year's ARCEO promises to be an intellectual beacon. With a specific focus on United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 9 and 11, the conference will spotlight the visionary sustainability plans devised by participating nations and their strategies for advancing technological prowess," Dario said.
The country is hosting the ARCEO for the second time since 1996, Dario said.
"After renewing its membership in 2019, the Philippines is committed to extending the warm embrace of Filipino hospitality to all attendees at this prestigious gathering. Beyond the rich cultural immersion, the PNR, led by General Manager Jeremy S. Regino, will take center stage to highlight the monumental North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project," he said.
"This transformative undertaking is heralded as one of Southeast Asia's paramount railway projects of the century. The NSCR, a cutting-edge, 147-kilometer railway system, is poised to connect Metro Manila to Clark International Airport in Pampanga and Calamba City in Laguna. Under the leadership of the Department of Transportation through the PNR, tentative plans are underway for partial operation by 2027, with full-scale operations envisioned by 2029," Dario added.
Dario said that this occasion will symbolizes the Philippines' commitment to fostering regional railway excellence and it signifies a pivotal journey towards safe, sustainable, comfortable and cheap railway transportation across ASEAN nations.