Arlington, VA – The U.S. Trade and Development Agency is deepening its strategic partnership with the Philippines by supporting the development of a railway project along the Luzon Economic Corridor. Today, the Agency announced funding for technical assistance to develop the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) Railway, a proposed 132-mile line connecting three of the Philippines’ most critical ports, including Subic Bay. The railway is envisioned to be the backbone of the Luzon Economic Corridor, which will accelerate critical infrastructure investment and drive economic transformation in the Philippines.

“This project underscores the U.S.-Philippines alliance’s vital role 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,” said Thomas R. Hardy, USTDA’s Acting Director. “Our partnership with the Philippines exemplifies the strength of American leadership in the Indo-Pacific and underscores our commitment to advancing our shared interests.”

USTDA is partnering with the Philippines’ Department of Transportation (DOTr) to provide U.S. technical expertise related to transportation modeling, port-rail integration analysis, and legal and institutional planning. This project preparation work will help mobilize financing for the railway’s implementation by addressing Asian Development Bank lending requirements. The SCMB Railway will also generate significant U.S. export opportunities, particularly by providing secure high-tech rail technologies, equipment, and services. Virginia-based The Cadmus Group LLC will conduct the assistance.

The SCMB Railway will also decentralize port activity, ease freight congestion, and enable potential passenger services in the future. The project complements broader efforts under the Luzon Economic Corridor to enhance connectivity and economic resilience across key logistics hubs, alongside contributions from regional allies and partners like Japan.

Philippine Secretary of Transportation Vince Dizon said: “The Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas Railway is a transformative project that will modernize our logistics infrastructure, decongest Metro Manila, and stimulate economic growth in the Philippines. We appreciate USTDA’s support in advancing this critical initiative, which exemplifies the strong cooperation between the Philippines and the United States in developing high-impact infrastructure and preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific region.”

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The U.S. Trade and Development Agency strengthens U.S. national security by developing overseas infrastructure projects that make America safer, stronger and more prosperous. USTDA is the starting point for critical infrastructure. By funding the upfront work that sets projects in motion, the Agency accelerates the deployment of trusted U.S. technology to advance the shared priorities of the United States and its overseas partners.

MEDIA INQUIRIES: Paul Marin | press@ustda.gov