Vice President Sara Duterte shared her deep disappointment on Wednesday about delays in the Mindanao Railway Project, a long-awaited infrastructure plan meant to boost Mindanao’s connectivity and economy. The project, which has faced funding setbacks, was a key part of the “Build, Build, Build” program initiated during the administration of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Speaking in Butuan City, Sara expressed her frustration, explaining that she ran for Vice President in 2022 with hopes of continuing her father’s infrastructure legacy.
“I feel bad because I campaigned on continuity and unity, particularly for projects like ‘Build, Build, Build.’ Seeing these delays hurts me deeply, especially since projects like the Mindanao Railway can bring so much progress—not just to Mindanao, but to the entire country,” she said.
The Mindanao Railway’s Phase 1, a 100.2-kilometer stretch connecting Tagum, Davao, and Digos with eight stations, was initially slated for construction in 2019. The project, costing ₱81.6 billion, promised to provide a faster, modern transportation system for the region. However, its funding from China fell through due to stalled negotiations.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista later announced that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) was redesigning the project to incorporate eco-friendly and modern railway solutions.
Sara Duterte remains hopeful that the railway—and other crucial “Build, Build, Build” projects—will eventually come to life. “We still hope these big-ticket projects will push through,” she emphasized, underscoring her commitment to infrastructure growth for Mindanao and beyond.
For now, she continues to call for attention and support to make these dreams a reality, echoing the sentiment of countless Mindanaoans waiting for progress.
