MANILA – The Department of Transportation is speeding up the construction of housing units for informal settlers affected by the North South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Project in Bulacan and Pampanga.
Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the DOTr to ensure that families affected by the big-ticket project receive just compensation and security to a site with basic, adequate facilities and services.
Lopez explained that despite the project’s accelerated projected timeline, it is crucial to ensure that housing units and community facilities are properly constructed.
“Dapat masiguro natin na hindi lang housing units ang ibibigay natin sa ating mga kababayan na maaapektuhan nitong proyekto, dapat kumpleto ito—may tubig, kuryente, at iba pang basic necessities para sa maayos nilang pamumuhay,” he said.
Transportation Assistant Secretary for Right-of-Way and Site Acquisition IC Calaguas, along with National Housing Authority representative Atty. John Bernardo, conducted an inspection to ensure the construction of housing units is on track.
The DOTr and NHA are currently finalizing social preparations and compensations for affected families.
A total of 1,274 informal settlers will be relocated to sites in Barangays Panipuan and Calulut in the City of San Fernando and Mexico, Pampanga.
Meanwhile, at least 121 families are set to move to row houses in Barangay Panipuan by Nov. 15, 2025, followed by 288 families in August 2026, and the remaining families in 2027.
The transport agency is also expediting relocation efforts in Angeles City, Pampanga and Calumpit Bulacan, where a total of 615 families and 648 families will be relocated, respectively. DOTr-PR
