Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Lopez has ordered the accelerated processing of payments for landowners who have accepted the government’s offer to buy their properties for Phase 1 of the Mindanao Railway Project (MRP), in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to fast-track land acquisition for the long-awaited rail line.

As of November 26, the Department of Transportation has served 3,291 Notices of Taking—equivalent to 92% of the 3,548 affected land parcels across Davao, Panabo, Tagum, Carmen, Santa Cruz, and Digos. A total of 1,105 landowners have accepted the Offer to Buy, while 381 have signed the Deed of Sale.

Lopez said the agency is expediting all necessary procedures while ensuring compliance with proper protocols, emphasizing the railway’s critical role in improving Mindanao’s connectivity and mobility. Funding for land acquisition has already been secured, and the project’s feasibility study is being updated to ensure long-term viability.

The DOTr continues to coordinate closely with local government officials through Assistant Secretary for Right of Way and Site Acquisition IC Calaguas, who has been holding regular consultations with leaders in Davao del Norte and Davao del Sur to facilitate the smooth implementation of the project.