DESPITE still seeking funding, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said that they had started the pre-construction activities for the Mindanao Railway Project (MRP) in Davao City, Digos, and Tagum.

This was despite the ongoing search for project funding sources.

Likewise, the DOTr noted that they had coordinated with the Finance Department for alternative funding sources.

According to the DOTr, they would start with the Phase 1 of the MRP, which is said to be at a length of 100.2 kilometers with over eight stations and an estimated project cost of P81.6 billion.

“We decided to pursue Phase 1 of the MRP despite the withdrawal of the prior funding commitment from the government of China," said Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista.

"While looking for funding sources, various pre-construction activities shows we are not dropping the project.”

Earlier the DOTr said that the land acquisitions along the target alignment and identified resettlement sites for displaced residents.

“The Tagum Train Village is scheduled for turnover to its future residents in the coming months. Livelihood programs are also being prepared for affected families,” the transport chief added.