MANILA — The Philippines and the United States have signed an agreement to develop the proposed Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) freight railway, a key infrastructure project aimed at easing port congestion, boosting logistics efficiency, and promoting economic growth.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon and US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) Acting Director Thomas Hardy formalized the partnership during a signing ceremony held Wednesday in Arlington, Virginia.

The 155-kilometer freight railway is designed to connect three of the country’s major ports—Manila, Subic Bay, and Batangas—and is expected to play a vital role in decongesting the Port of Manila while strengthening inter-port connectivity.

“As a freight cargo railway, the SCMB Railway is seen to solve port traffic and congestion in Manila Port, while ensuring the timely movement of products to and from adjacent major transport hubs,” Dizon said.

USTDA’s technical assistance for the project will include transport model development, a port-rail integration study, and analysis of the legal and institutional frameworks.

Hardy emphasized that the SCMB Railway demonstrates the strength of the US-Philippine alliance and its commitment to 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,” he said.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the project offers a long-term solution to decentralize port activity and reduce congestion in key urban hubs.

“Nakikitang magiging solusyon ang SCMB Railway sa pag-decentralize ng port activity at pagbawas sa port congestion,” Castro said during a Palace briefing on Friday.

Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Secretary Frederick D. Go said the project will help drive investment and generate employment.

“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.