The Philippines and the United States have signed an agreement to advance the proposed Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) freight railway, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at easing port congestion and spurring economic growth across key trade corridors in Luzon.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said the 155-kilometer railway is seen as a key solution to decentralizing port activity in Metro Manila.
“The SCMB Railway is viewed as a strategic response to port congestion and a catalyst for trade and economic development,” Castro said Friday during a Palace press briefing.
The agreement was signed Thursday in Arlington, Virginia by Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon and US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) Acting Director Thomas Hardy.
The USTDA committed technical assistance for the project, including transport modeling, a port-rail integration study, and analysis of legal and institutional frameworks.
“This project highlights the vital role of the U.S.-Philippine alliance in preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Hardy said.
“By supporting the SCMB Railway, we strengthen infrastructure that boosts economic cooperation and benefits both nations,” he added.
Designed to link the ports of Subic Bay, Clark, Manila, and Batangas, the freight railway aims to streamline cargo movement and improve regional connectivity.
Dizon said the rail line will address persistent congestion in Manila’s port while facilitating more efficient logistics between major economic zones.
Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go said the SCMB Railway is a cornerstone project under the Luzon Economic Corridor initiative.
“Once operational, the SCMB Railway will attract investments, create business opportunities, and generate quality jobs for millions of Filipinos,” Go said.
