The funds will come from the government’s 2018 budget and will be allocated as part of the Department of Transportation’s Rail Infrastructure Programme.

The Pesos 35.26bn first phase involves building a 108km line from Tagum City in Davao del Norte southwest to Digos City in Davao del Sur.

The project was approved by the National Economic Development Authority at the end of June.

Construction will begin by the third quarter of 2018 with the aim of opening the line in 2020.

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