BANLIC, Calamba, Laguna – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has officially launched the Livelihood Restoration and Improvement Program (LRIP), a component in the implementation of the North-South Commuter Railway Extension (NSCR-EX) project — the government’s biggest infrastructure project, thus far.
The LRIP seeks to address the livelihood needs of communities affected by the clearing of the project right of way (PROW) alignment for the 147-kilometer elevated railway from Clark, Pampanga, to Calamba, Laguna.
Through an event bearing the slogan, “Walang iwanan, sama-samang pag-angat ng kabuhayan” (No one left behind, uplifting livelihoods together), the LRIP aims to uplift the income and economic conditions of individuals and households affected by the project, as part of the project’s social safeguards.
The launch ceremony, held in barangay Banlic, was joined by representatives of the local government of Calamba, regional and provincial officials of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) of CALABARZON, top executives of global brand, Food Panda, and technical-vocational school, St. Peregrine Institute (SPI), among others.
Collectively, they pledged their support to the project by way of providing the project-affected-persons (PAPs) of the NSCR-EX, skills development trainings, livelihood promotion and actual employment after their completion of appropriate skills assessment, workshops and or trainings.
Erick Wagan, Project Manager of the DOTr for the South Commuter segment of the NSCR from Manila to Calamba, Laguna, thanked all the participating groups.
“This day is a milestone for the project which is people-centered. A day when a new leaf is turned in the lives of people who have willingly given way for this landmark rail infrastructure project to final take place.”
“With the supervision of our new undersecretary for railways, Jeremy Regino, and the guidance of our secretary, Jaime Bautista, we are inspired more than ever, just as we are determined to move forward in full speed,” Wagan continued.
Newly-designated Presidential Communications Undersecretary Cesar Chavez, during his previous stint as undersecretary for railways of the DOTr, championed the implementation of the LRIP, as part of the strict provisions of the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP).
This is under the social safeguards provisions of the country’s loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) together with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
TESDA regional director for CALABARZON, Baron Jose Lagran, said: “TESDA, at the very least our regional office, is committed to support this national flagship project of our government, the same way we consistently support communities that need new employment and livelihood skills and opportunities.”
During the event, TESDA provided soap-making, donut-making, perfume making, empanada-making workshops and welding training to some one-hundred barangay residents.
Barangay Banlic will be home to the railway’s depot in the South, which is set to commence construction early next year.
Meanwhile, online delivery giant Food Panda donated 20 mountain bike units for the PAPs who are willing to become delivery partners of the global brand.
Ruben Mariano, Operations Manager of Delivery Hero Logistics Philippines, the delivery arm of Food Panda, said: “We are deeply thankful for the invitation extended to us by the DOTr with the help of their consultant, the GCR, to become one of the partners of this major and life-changing project.”
“True to our core, we support government projects that give ease and speed to goods and services to communities. Today, we welcome the twenty new delivery partners of Food Panda from the community of Banlic,” Mariano added.
Lotte Gulermark EEI Joint Venture, the contractor for the Banlic depot, said they are ready to employ PAPs who are willing to join their workforce, based on their available manpower requirements and qualifications.
The LRIP launch is expected to usher in continuing training and other livelihood-promotion activities designed to restore and enhance the economic standing of the affected individuals and households by the project.