Politics · Philippines Bureau
Salceda proposes new financing plan for Lucena-Matnog railway revival
Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Secretary Joey Salceda is exploring alternative funding mechanisms to resurrect the long-stalled PNR South Long Haul project, which would reconnect train services across the Bicol region.
LSN Philippines ·
LEGAZPI CITY — A senior government official is moving to breathe new life into a dormant railway infrastructure project spanning Quezon and Sorsogon provinces through an innovative financing approach.
Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Secretary Joey Salceda has unveiled a funding framework known as "Operation Peñafrancia" aimed at revitalizing the Philippine National Railways South Long Haul project. The initiative seeks to restore passenger and freight rail connectivity between Lucena City in Quezon province and the port municipality of Matnog in Sorsogon.
The proposed scheme represents an attempt to overcome financing obstacles that have delayed the project for years. Rail transport advocates view the Lucena-Matnog corridor as strategically important for regional economic development and inter-provincial connectivity in the Bicol region.
Salceda discussed the alternative financing proposal during a radio interview, signaling renewed government attention to infrastructure projects aimed at improving transportation links in South and Southeast Luzon. The official has indicated his commitment to advancing the initiative through legislative and executive channels.