Key rail projects generate 30K+ jobs

The country’s two flagship railway projects have generated at least 30,000 jobs for Filipinos, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

The 147-kilometer North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) employs 21,031 Filipinos, while the 33-kilometer Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) has hired 10,122 local workers.

DOTr has been using mega infrastructure projects to create jobs and address unemployment in the communities along and around the alignment of the NSCR and subway railway line, in accordance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s “Build Better More” infrastructure program.

To prioritize local hiring, DOTr teamed up with foreign project contractors to recruit Filipino engineers, architects and technical professionals for project management offices and consulting firms. Contractors and subcontractors also hire local laborers and skilled workers for construction sites.

DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez said they encourages foreign contractors to prioritize hiring locals due to their competence, talent and skills.

“At DOTr, when we build a project like this, they need workers and we tell them to prioritize not only the Filipino workers but also the workers, the employees in the area. Filipinos are really good. That’s the kind of job generation and job employment that these big projects should bring,” Lopez said.

The projects also offer better work-life balance for some professionals transitioning from the private sector.

MMSP finance officer Sharlene Guyo expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work on an impactful government project that allows her more personal flexibility.

“It’s a big difference from my previous job. I also have more time to spend with my family. We are thankful and grateful that we were given the chance to work on this project,” Guyo said, noting she struggled to spend time with her family during her previous employment at a bank.

Once fully operational, the 35-station NSCR will be able to carry approximately 800,000 passengers daily, cutting travel time between Clark, Pampanga and Calamba, Laguna to 2 hours from the current 4 to 5-hour land travel.

The 17-station Metro Manila Subway will run from Valenzuela City to Parañaque City, ending at Bicutan Station in Taguig City with a spur line at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City.

The subway will cut travel time to 45 minutes from the usual 1 hour and 38 minutes. The line expects a daily ridership of about 519,000 passengers when it becomes fully operational in 2032.