Businessmen cite benefits of LRT South expansion

Businessmen hailed the planned extention of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) southwards to the cities of Parañaque and Las Piñas and the town of Bacoor, Cavite, saying this will stimulate economic growth in south Metro Manila and Cavite. They said construction of the rail system should immediately start to perk up the economy considering the project’s massive requirements for building materials and laborers. They said any delay in the project, will not only be costly but will also dampen economic recovery.

"The multiplier effect of the project will be tremendous, boosting both the local and national economies," said Norberto Sauco, a businessman from Las Piñas. Sauco said being capital-intensive, the project will bring major economic and social benefits. "The requirement for laborers alone is big that it will partly solve the unemployment problem," he added.

Jose de Nava, an entrepreneur from Silverhomes, Bacoor, Cavite, said the news about the LRT south extension project has buoyed up business confidence in the province.

"The project, once completed, will signal the development south of Metro Manila, creating new growth centers in the province," De Nava said.

The proposed rail system, a joint venture between the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) and SNC-Lavalin Intl. of Canada, will pass through highly populated residential, commercial and industrial areas in Pasay, Parañaque, Las Piñas and Bacoor, greatly easing traffic in these places.

The planned LRT will not only ease traffic but will result in less travel time, fuel consumption and noise pollution as well. Since the expensive project will be privately-funded, it will not create a financial burden on the government.

The south rail system will have 10 stations: Redemptorist, MIA, Asia World, Ninoy Aquino Ave., Dr. Santos Ave., Mayuno Uno, Las Piñas, Zapote, Talaba and Niyog. The route will start from the existing LRT Baclaran station, and turn west at Redemptorist Road towards Roxas Blvd.