DOTr, LRMC break ground for LRT-1 Cavite extension project

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and private sector operator Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC) on Thursday broke ground for the Light Rail Transit-1 Cavite extension project.

The said project is a government and private sector initiative to add eight passenger stations through an extended alignment of 11 kilometers, passing the cities of Parañaque, Las Piñas, and Bacoor, Cavite, the DOTr said in a statement.

"Mobility and connectivity are the platforms upon which you can be assured of development and growth in any nation. The realization of this project establishes that connectivity. If you have an honest to goodness, well-meaning partnership between government and the private sector, then things will move,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said during the ground breaking ceremony in Parañaque City.

Tugade noted that activities in line with the project had been laid as early as 2006, but it was only this year, that the project started gaining actual momentum.

The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) approved the extension and alignment project in 2011.

“Imagine a situation where in 2011 na-approve na ng NEDA, ngayon pa lang – after 6 years – magi-inaugurate tayo. That is indeed delayed – gargantuan delay. But when you put partnership, well-meaning partnership between private sector and government, then you can fast-track the projects,” Tugade noted.

According to the DOTr, the extension of the railway line is expected to accommodate 410,000 passengers a day on its opening year, and is targeted to be completed in the last quarter of 2021.

However, Tugade appealed to its private partners to consider expediting the project to a sooner date through 24-hour construction period without undermining and sacrificing the quality and intended costs.

“This government, as stated very explicitly by [Finance] Secretary [Carlos] Dominguez and [Budget] Secretary [Benjamin] Diokno, are willing to absorb what we call 'reasonable attrition' because we are making people in construction do work for 24 hours. Nakikiisa po kami dahil paniniwala namin na kung tatapusin ang mga konstruksyon at imprastraktura sa lalong madaling panahon without sacrificing quality and cost, sa lalong madaling panahon, the benefits will immediately accrue to the people," he said.

The eight new stations identified by the LRMC and the DOTr will be Aseana, MIA, Asia World, Ninoy Aquino and Dr. Santos in Paranaque City; Las Piñas and Zapote Stations in Las Piñas City, and Niog Station in Bacoor, Cavite.

Aside from Tugade, LRMC President Rogelio Singson, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar, Ayala Corp. Chairman and CEO Jaime Augusto Zobel De Ayala, Senator Cynthia Villar, Cavite Governor Jesus Crispin Remulla, Cavite Rep. Strike Revilla, Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez, Bacoor City Mayor Lani Mercado-Revilla attended the ground breaking ceremony. — MDM, GMA News