MANILA – From only 38 parcels in February, acquired properties of the Department of Transportation for north segment of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) System increased 1,143 at the end of December 2025, significantly contributing to the department achieving a banner year for right-of-way and site acquisitions (ROWSA).
With its current progress, the DOTr can complete ROW acquisition for NSCR’s north segment by mid-2026.
For the south segment of NSCR, four out of the 19 stations ROW are now cleared namely EDSA, Cabuyao and Sta Rosa in Laguna and Banlic depot.
“Noong 2025, talagang banner year para sa right-of-way natin dahil mas binilisan pa natin ang land acquisition para agad na mapakinabangan ng mga komyuter itong subway at NSCR,” noted Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez.
Following the order of direction President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. early last year, the DOTr has acquired a total of 90.76% ROW and properties for the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) as of December 2025, while clearing at least 56% of land for free and buildable right-of-way for the NSCR System north segment.
Under the leadership of former DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon and incumbent Secretary Lopez, the DOTr has addressed MMSP’s major bottlenecks, including Varilla Properties, and properties in White Plains, Corinthian Gardens and Metrowalk.
The DOTr accelerated the ROWSA process through several key initiatives, including the appointment of Assistant Secretary for ROWSA IC Calaguas who oversees the acquisition of necessary lands for these projects.
The agency likewise augmented its ROWSA personnel from 200 to 900 to expedite the land acquisition process, while also holding capacity building and training programs to enhance workforce knowledge and skills. Punto News Team/DOTr
