Photo By: BCDA, ARAW-ACI
Pampanga, Philippines – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), in partnership with the Abacan River and Angeles Watershed Advocacy Council, Inc. (ARAW-ACI) and representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), conducted an ocular visit of proposed greening sites in Sapangbato, Angeles City, and the Sacobia Watershed in Mabalacat City.
The activity forms part of the environmental commitments under the Subic-Clark Railway Project (SCRP), a vital component of the North-South Commuter Railway. The SCRP aims to enhance connectivity between the National Capital Region, Central Luzon, and CALABARZON, fostering economic growth and regional integration.
Photo By: BCDA ARAW-ACI
Leading the delegation was DOTr Assistant Secretary Irish Calaguas, joined by BCDA Vice President Richard Cepe, ARAW-ACI Executive Director Mini Arceo, and Sapangbato Ayta leader Henry Pan. The visit underscored the agencies’ collaborative approach in identifying priority areas for tree planting and watershed rehabilitation as part of the project’s Greening Program.
The Greening Program is designed to ensure that the SCRP strictly adheres to environmental regulations while promoting biodiversity conservation and watershed protection. Through sustained reforestation and community engagement initiatives, the program demonstrates the government’s commitment to preserving natural resources for future generations.
Aligned with the vision of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for sustainable and resilient infrastructure, the SCRP integrates environmental stewardship into its development framework. The greening initiatives reinforce the project’s goal of delivering strategic railway connectivity while advancing responsible and climate-conscious development. The DOTr and BCDA reaffirm their dedication to working closely with local communities, environmental advocates, and partner agencies to ensure that infrastructure progress goes hand in hand with ecological protection. (PIA Gitnang Luzon)