The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) recently recognized 43 landowners in Pampanga for their significant role in advancing the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) railway project by providing land for its implementation.

During a ceremony held at Benigno Hall in the Capitol Complex, City of San Fernando, BCDA OIC-Senior Vice President Richard Brian M. Cepe, representing President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang, handed over 68 Transfer Certificates of Title (TCTs) to project-affected landowners from Porac and Floridablanca.

The event was attended by Board Members Sajid Khan Eusoof and Fritzie David-Dizon, representing Gov. Dennis G. Pineda and Vice Governor Lilia “Nanay Baby” G. Pineda, respectively. Also present were BCDA Vice President Jocelyn L. Caniones, project director for the SCMB railway, and local leaders.

Cepe emphasized the importance of cooperation in addressing one of the biggest challenges in infrastructure projects—securing right-of-way. He acknowledged the landowners’ role in ensuring the project’s progress, citing similar experiences during the construction of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx).

“Isa sa mga pinakamalaking hamon sa pamahalaan ay ang pagseguro ng tinatawag nating right-of-way, kaya napakalaking tulong po na kayo ay handang magpaubaya at makipagtulungan upang mabilis na maisakatuparan ang proyektong ito,” Cepe said.

The SCMB railway, a priority under the Marcos administration’s “Build, Better, More” infrastructure program, aims to connect Subic, Clark, Manila, and Batangas, enhancing the Luzon Economic Corridor. Cepe noted that the railway would boost commerce, improve logistics, and attract investments to the region.

“Sa pamamagitan ng tren na ito, ating pag-uugnayin ang apat na sentrong pang-ekonomiya… Napakalaking bagay po nito upang mapabilis ang komersiyo at daloy ng mga produkto at serbisyo,” he added.

Vice Gov. Pineda, in a message delivered by Board Member Dizon, lauded the landowners for their patience and resilience. She emphasized that the transfer of titles symbolizes the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of its citizens while driving economic growth in the province.

“Ang Transfer of Certificates of Titles ay simbolo ng aming pangako na siguruhing protektado ang karapatan ng ating mga kababayan. Ang proyektong ito ay magbibigay daan sa paglago ng ating ekonomiya,” Vice Gov. Pineda said.

Chairman Randy Guevarra of Barangay Calantas, Floridablanca, expressed the community’s full support for the project, citing its potential to bring economic benefits to Pampanga.

“Ang amin pong mga ka-barangay ay buong-pusong nakipagtulungan sa ating gobyerno dahil alam namin na magbibigay ito pakinabang sa mga kabayanan dito,” Guevarra said, thanking local leaders for their unwavering support.

The BCDA also extended gratitude to Gov. Pineda and Vice Gov. Pineda for rallying Kapampangan cooperation and support for this vital infrastructure project.