Ang Pahayagan

MANILA – Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez on Wednesday ordered the fast-tracking of the construction of 16,725 housing units that will be used for the relocation of families affected by the 147-kilometer North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR).

In a statement, Lopez said the quick pacing of the project is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s order to ensure the immediate provision of well-built housing for project-displaced families.

“Bukod sa housing units ay pinopondohan din ng DOTr (Department of Transportation) ang kumpensasyon at pangkabuhayan ng mga relocated na pamilya (Aside from housing units, the DOTr also funds livelihood support for relocated families),” he said.

Once such relocation site is “The Meadows Housing Project” in Barangay Langkiwa in Biñan, Laguna, with 80 housing units already turned over to beneficiaries in a ceremony on Tuesday.

During the event, DOTr Assistant Secretary for Right-of-Way and Site Acquisition IC Calaguas said the event is one of several housing projects that will be completed within the year.

“Kami po ay magiging kaagapay ninyo every step of the way at sisiguraduhin po namin na gagaan ang inyong buhay (The DOTr is willing to support relocated families every step of the way and we will ensure that your lives will change for the better) throughout the relocation process,” Calaguas said. 

Aside from The Meadows Housing Project, around 2,030 housing units in 26 buildings have so far been constructed by the DOTr in partnership with local government units and other partner agencies.

These include the Sining Residence I with 528 units and Sining Residence II with 1,920 units in San Pedro, and Rizal Ville with 2,130 units in Calamba, both in Laguna.

There will be another housing site in Naic, Cavite with 5,452 units.

For the NSCR North Segment, the DOTr has partnered with the National Housing Authority for the construction of three relocation sites in Pampanga.

In addition, a total of 4,515 informal settler families are expected to be relocated to housing sites in Angeles City and San Fernando City in Pampanga and in Calumpit, Bulacan. (PNA)

📸 UNDER CONSTRUCTION. Workers build an apartment building that will be divided into housing units for families affected by the North-South Commuter Railway System in this undated photo. Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez on Wednesday (Feb. 4, 2026) ordered the fast-tracking of construction of over 16,000 housing units for those affected by the construction of the NSCR. (Photo courtesy of DOTr)