Source: ABS-CBN News, 30 March 2012
MANILA, Philippines – The government’s plan to extend the Light Rail Transit 1 (LRT-1) from Baclaran to Bacoor, Cavite is generating a lot of interest from businessmen and residents south of Metro Manila, according to Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Cayetano Paderanga.
“This is going to open up the whole south corridor, where you already have a lot of people and economic activities. We are quite excited about this. This will serve a few million,” Paderanga said, in an interview on Mornings@ANC, Friday.
Businesses and residents are talking about how the LRT 1 south extension will boost economic activities in the area.
The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) board recently approved the P61.53 billion LRT 1 South Extension project from Baclaran to Bacoor, Cavite. Bidding for the project is expected next month.
Paderanga said the LRT 1 extension is expected to benefit 250,000 riders.
“Well, the first estimate is to benefit around 250,000 riders per day and that’s only the first hit. There might be other connections that will be affected, that will be more efficient,” he said.
Under the project, there will be 8 stations beyond the Baclaran station. This includes Redemptorist Station; MIA Station; Asia World Station; Ninoy Aquino Station; Dr. Santos Station; Las Pinas Station; Zapote Station; and Niyog Station.
Paderanga said the project will be undertaken in several phases, but it is expected to be completed by 2015.
“There will be several phases and they will build slowly. I think the full completion will be by 2015. In fact, the President said he would like to ride the complete sections before he leaves office,” he said.
The LRT 1 South Extension project is one of 12 projects, worth P133 billion, that were approved by NEDA.
Paderanga said these projects will stimulate economic growth.
“Very much. You know bringing P133 billion, just the numbers, it won’t be spent all at the same time, but more importantly, it will draw in a lot of complementary investments from the private sector. I would think that people along the south corridor are already starting to think about what would happen when the LRT 1 would be extended that way,” he said.
One of the projects is the E-Trike project, which involves spreading 100,000 energy efficient electric tricycles throughout the country.
Another project, Paderanga said, is the P2.6 billion Agus VI Hydroelectric Power Plant Uprating Project, which involves rehabilitating the plant and boosting capacity to help ease the power shortage in Mindanao.
“We need it very urgently,” he said.
The P11.4 billion Land Transportation Office (LTO) infrastructure and information system project is aimed at connecting the 300,000 LTO offices under one database. “Once this is done, the DOTC, LTO and own police services will become more efficient,” he said.
Paderanga also expressed confidence that the government’s public private partnership projects will finally take off this year.
“This year would be the breakout year for the PPP,” he said.
