THE COMMISSION on Higher Education and the Department of Transportation signed a Memorandum of Agreement to provide further training to current and aspiring railway sector workers.

Led by the Philippine Railways Institute, the program aims to provide opportunities for both students and existing railway workers either in pursuing education or further professional training.

In a virtual press briefing, DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade said continuing education of railway engineers and personnel is important in maintaining the railway infrastructure.

“Kung hindi natin gagabayan ng continuing education and training ito, hindi po magtatagal ‘yung infrastructure na ‘yan” Tugade said.

The government plans to augment the current railway infrastructure of 77 to 1,200 kilometers in 2022, resulting in a need for more railway professionals in the future.

“With the goal as enormous as this, we will be needing indeed the help and expertise of quality railway personnel,” Tugade said.

For its part, CHED will develop a system of credits to convert PRI’s certification training into academic units; review PRI’s program and imbed this into existing engineering curricula and/or elective subjects; mobilize top engineering colleges, universities and other higher education institutions to provide trainers in the PRI certificate program and to develop links between the Philippines and Japan for joint research and development projects on railway development.

“This is a long-term initiative. Hindi ito dahil ine-expand lang natin ang railways. Talagang naghahanap ang Komisyon ng magandang pagtutulungan at paano makatutulong sa DOTr para pagtulungan ‘yung pag-develop ng ating rail,” CHED chairperson Propero De Vera III said.

PRI Executive Director Anneli Lontoc said it will provide refresher courses to current railway workers. These courses are available online.

“Sa ngayon, mayroon na tayong tatlong daan mahigit na na-train na rail workers at sila po ay nasa existing rail operators katulad ng MRT-3, LRT-1,” Lontoc said.