Angara pushes for Mindanao railway

Sen. Edgardo Angara called yesterday for the establishment of a P1-billion rail network that would span the entire Mindanao and boost the economic development of the resources-rich but strife-torn and underdeveloped region.

"The rail network, which will crisscross Mindanao, will benefit the whole island’s populace, accelerating economic activity," Angara predicted.

He has filed Senate Bill No. 1279 seeking to establish the Mindanao Railways Corp., which will provide the railroad and the transportation system needed by the whole island.

The railroad will connect major urban centers and provincial capitals such as Davao City, Iligan City, Cagayan de Oro City, Zamboanga City, Cotabato City, Marawi, Pagadian, Butuan and other cities.

"Many urban centers in Mindanao are booming. The railway will certainly increase considerably the mobility of people and goods in Mindanao," Angara said.

He added that the rail system would also link remote and underdeveloped areas to the main commercial and industrial centers.

Aside from enhancing economic activity, the creation of the Mindanao Railways would also convince the people of Mindanao that the national government sincerely cares for them, according to the opposition leader.

Angara has been championing the cause of Mindanao, which he envisioned to be transformed into the country’s food basket and export base for agricultural products.

During his term as agriculture secretary, Angara worked hard for the implementation of P34 billion worth of integrated area development projects for Mindanao.

The projects were designed to boost agricultural productivity with full marketing, transport and product-processing support.

"Economic development is the missing link, the key to ending the centuries of strife, bloodshed and hostilities in Mindanao," Angara said. – Efren Danao