Discussions at the unveiling of Metrobank’s newest brand campaign mantra, “Let’s Grow Together”—a continuation of its more than 30-year-old slogan, “You’re in Good Hands”—centered on the President’s decision to temporarily halt the much-criticized two-year closure to “rebuild EDSA,” the country’s main thoroughfare.

It’s not entirely about the bad optics or the public's negative reactions, but I believe the realization that a partial closure could disrupt business flow might contribute to an economic slowdown, as seen with the temporary closure of the San Juanico Bridge.

Though the importance of optics cannot be overstated, the exchanges during the event also delved into the President's empathy regarding the travel difficulties and additional costs and burdens on commuters. More importantly, they focused on the further development of the country’s railway system.

Those were the days when the Philippine National Railways (PNR) operated inter-provincial and inter-city commuter trains, with lines reaching as far as Laguna, Quezon, and Bicol in the south, and from Tutuban to Dagupan and San Fernando, La Union, in the north.

Based on the Global Competitiveness Report of 2019, the Philippines was considered a laggard in this particular mode of transportation, with the lowest efficiency score among its regional peers in terms of train services.

From what I've heard along “da riles,” the Marcos administration is seriously considering an unprecedented push for comprehensive railway development across the archipelago.

Described as a “railway renaissance,” PNR Chairman Michael Ted Macapagal explained that the plan spans the entire country, aiming to modernize public transportation and boost economic connectivity.

“The railway renaissance under the Marcos administration represents more than just infrastructure development. It embodies the President’s vision for national progress, economic growth, and improved quality of life for all Filipinos.”

The success of these railway initiatives will be bolstered by strategic international partnerships, particularly with allies like the United States, Japan, South Korea, and the European Union.

The laundry list of railway projects could reach a staggering trillions of pesos in total cost. This includes the ongoing Metro Manila Subway at ₱488.5 billion; ₱873.62 billion for the North-South Commuter Railway; ₱64.19 billion for the LRT-1 expansion; ₱9.5 billion for the LRT-2 East Extension; and the MRT-3 expansion at ₱29.6 billion; and MRT-4 at ₱100 billion.

Meanwhile, MRT-7 is a project of diversified food conglomerate San Miguel Corporation Chair Ramon S. Ang, with a total cost of ₱77 billion.

On the other hand, the U.S. government will bankroll the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) Freight Railway, a flagship project that represents the administration’s commitment to creating efficient cargo corridors across Luzon. The SCMB project exemplifies how the Philippines’ railway development has earned international confidence and support.

Additionally, there’s a plan to link Subic Bay’s strategic port facilities with Clark’s economic zone, Manila’s commercial hub, and Batangas in the south, supporting the province’s growing industrial sector.

This project is designed to further facilitate freight movement and reduce logistics costs for businesses operating in these key economic corridors. The total project cost, based on the feasibility study, is around ₱200 million.

Also, the North-South Commuter Railway project, designed to connect Metro Manila with surrounding provinces, has set ambitious completion targets for its various phases.

Anchored on the vision of a shift towards mass transportation, the Metro Manila Subway, which is currently causing traffic in the heart of the Pasig-Ortigas area, will serve key areas from Quezon City to Pasay. For us commuters, it will provide high-capacity transportation solutions for thousands daily.

This 36-kilometer underground railway, representing the country’s most ambitious underground transit project, is expected to commence initial operations by 2028, with full system completion shortly thereafter.

In the words of Macapagal: “The main aspiration is to improve the lives of our fellow citizens through safe, comfortable, accessible, and efficient travel while focusing on an integrated transportation network that supports economic growth and reduces traffic congestion.”

This thrust aligns with the new Metrobank brand-marketing slogan of “You’re in good hands” and transcends to “Let’s grow together.”

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