The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) distributed 68 transfer certificates of titles (TCTs) to landowners affected by the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) railway project, formerly known as the Subic-Clark Railway Project (SCRP).
BCDA OIC-senior vice president Richard Brian Cepe commended 43 landowners in Pampanga for their cooperation in advancing the project during a ceremony at Benigno Hall in the City of San Fernando, The provincial government of Pampanga expressed gratitude to landowners from Porac and Floridablanca, highlighting their role in overcoming challenges like securing right-of-way, a common obstacle in infrastructure projects.
“Securing right-of-way is one of the biggest challenges for the government, but your willingness to cooperate and make sacrifices has been crucial to the swift realization of this project,” Cepe said.
The landowners were compensated under RA 10752, the Right of Way Act, based on land assessment and valuation by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) or independent real property valuers.
Cepe said the titles were not paid under expropriation but through negotiation.
He said the SCMB railway is part of the Marcos administration’s “Build, Better, More” program, aiming to connect key economic hubs—Subic, Clark, Manila, and Batangas.
The railway is expected to improve trade, attract investments, and strengthen the country’s position as an investment destination, with support from the U.S. and Japan.
“The Transfer of Certificates of Titles symbolizes our commitment to protecting citizens’ rights while fostering growth,” said Pampanga vice governor Lilia Pineda in a speech read by board member Fritzie David-Dizon.
Barangay Calantas chairman Randy Guevarra expressed local support, noting that the project will spur economic development in the province.
“We wholeheartedly cooperated, knowing this project will benefit our communities,” he said.