AMIDST the need to accelerate development in Mindanao, a political analyst explains the significant problem if projects in the region are delayed due to alleged funding shortages, including the Mindanao Railway Transit Project.
It can be remembered that in 1936, the initial proposal to establish a railway system in Mindanao was advocated.
This was proposed during the administration of Manuel L. Quezon to strengthen the Commonwealth’s presence in Mindanao against Japanese imperialism, but it was later postponed.
According to a Political Analyst, due to an alleged lack of funds, this infrastructure project in Mindanao may experience delays.
“A decade has passed. I mean if you look at it from 1936, it’s been a decade, there have been proposals in 1950, 1990, 2000, and finally in 2018, but why doesn’t it push through? Is it because it’s not in Luzon? Is it only in Mindanao? Or is it sad because if you look at the production, 40% of our agricultural products come from Mindanao, so you can see where it’s going?” according to Ms. Malou Tiquia, Founder/CEO, Publicus Asia Inc. | Political Strategist.
She mentioned that the Mindanao Railway Transit Project has already been reviewed by NEDA and has completed the investment coordinating council, but it has been delayed due to funding issues.
“All of that has been completed, it went through NEDA— it went through the Investment Coordinating Council. In fact, it has been funded for the first phase, the first phase being Tagum-Digos, and it was supposedly partially opened in 2022. However, there were issues with the funding, and because of the funding problems, construction was affected. The total project consists of 17 segments to be completed by 2030, so if there are delays—it’s a waste,” Tiquia added.
Mindanao Railway Transit Project may halt due to lack of funds—Political Analyst
She also clarified that the search for funds for the said project should not be halted.
“The road right of way is a problem in all flagship programs. It’s not a problem that should make you stop seeking funding. You’re the ones who canceled it, right? If you canceled it— as part of due diligence, you should have already figured out where to get the funds,” Tiquia stated.
She further added that the continuous implementation of a project is crucial because it not only benefits the job sector but also the country’s economy.
“If you push through with the project, there will be labor involved. If you proceed with the project, there’s a multiplier effect when constructing the train. If you continue with the train project, these 6 factors will boost the economy because the nation’s funds circulate to make the train [project] happen. Isn’t that better than diverting it to aid or corruption?” she stressed.
However, she emphasized that undertaking a large project requires compassion and dedication.
“We need the strength of vision and the willingness to do this because if you don’t have the courage to undertake such a large project, you won’t be able to accomplish significant endeavors,” she added.
