On March 28, 2025, the Angeles City Government, led by Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr., extended manpower assistance to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) for their clearing operations in front of SM City Clark and along the Philippine National Railways (PNR) property. The area is part of the future site of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project, which aims to improve regional transportation links.
The clearing efforts are crucial to the ongoing right-of-way (ROW) preparations for the Clark-Angeles-Calumpit segment of the railway project. Mayor Lazatin responded promptly to the request for local government support to ensure smooth implementation of this major infrastructure development.
DOTr Assistant Secretary IC Calaguas, speaking on behalf of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, expressed gratitude to Mayor Lazatin and city officials for their swift and full cooperation. Calaguas emphasized the importance of local coordination in addressing ROW issues that could otherwise delay the project timeline.
It can be recalled that Secretary Dizon had earlier requested the city’s assistance in expediting the resolution of right-of-way challenges affecting the project. With the city government’s active involvement, the operations were carried out efficiently and without major setbacks.
Several departments from the Angeles City Government participated in the clearing operations. These included the City Engineer’s Office, led by Helen Ayro; the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, headed by Jenifer Castro; the Angeles City Traffic Development Office, managed by Francis Pangilinan; and the Public Transportation and Regulatory Office, under Ferdinand Calma.
Also assisting the effort was Rowel Nava, Deputy Head of the Angeles City Human Settlement and Urban Development Office. Their coordinated participation ensured that clearing activities were performed in compliance with safety and environmental standards.
This collaborative effort underscores the strong partnership between national and local government agencies. It also reflects Mayor Lazatin’s commitment to supporting infrastructure projects that will bring long-term economic and mobility benefits to the people of Angeles City.
Source: Angeles City Information Office
