PH, US sign deal for 'technical assistance' on Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas railway project

US Trade and Development Agency Acting Director Thomas R. Hardy and the Philippines’ Department of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon lead the signing ceremony of the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas Railway Agreement in Arlingon, Virginia, on June 26, 2025. Handout

MANILA — The Philippines on Friday signed an agreement with the US for technical assistance in the construction of the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) railway, which aims to link three major ports in Luzon.

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Officials of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) signed the agreement in Arlingon, Virginia. 

USTDA said the funding includes technical assistance for transport model development, port-rail integration study, and legal and institutional framework analysis, among other areas.

"The Philippine government extends its gratitude to USTDA for their technical assistance in developing the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas Railway. This railway will not only decongest the Manila Port but will also connect the seaport to Subic Bay and Batangas Port," DOTr Secretary Dizon said.

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Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick Go said the railway project will help "drive economic growth by improving connectivity between major ports and industrial hubs along the Luzon Economic Corridor."

"Once operational, the SCMB Railway will attract investments, create new opportunities for businesses, and most importantly, generate quality jobs that will benefit millions of Filipinos," Go said.

The US also said the partnership highlights the vital role of its alliance with the Philippines "in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region."

"By supporting the development of the SCMB Railway, we are ensuring that key infrastructure will flourish, increasing economic cooperation to develop an essential trading route that will mutually benefit American and Philippine citizens,” USTDA acting director Thomas Hardy said.

Previous plans for a Subic-Clark Railway did not move forward due to funding challenges, which led the DOTr to extend the project to include Manila and Batangas.

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