President Marcos seeks India expertise for PH railway, space project

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is seeking India’s technical expertise and cooperation on major railway projects and space technology development in the Philippines.

On the sidelines of his participation in the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India on Saturday, Marcos held separate meetings with Rail India Technical and Economic Service Ltd. (RITES) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Acting Secretary Dave Gomez said Marcos met with RITES representatives to explore possible cooperation on at least three railway projects.

The priority projects being considered by RITES are the Mindanao Railway Project, a mass rail system in Cebu and the extension of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) system from Tutuban commercial center in Tondo, Manila.

Gomez said RITES could participate in the projects as a consultant or through a public-private partnership (PPP), while also helping the Philippines explore official development assistance (ODA).

““So, titingnan nila ‘yun at pag-aaralan natin (they will look into them and we will study them),” he said after the meeting.

RITES, a Government of India Enterprise under the Ministry of Railways, provides consultancy services in the fields of transport, infrastructure and related technologies.

It has been listed as among the top 500 Indian companies, establishing itself as a preferred choice for clients in over 55 countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.

Marcos also met with ISRO officials to discuss cooperation with the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) in support of the country’s long-term goal of launching its own satellite.

Gomez said India could share its technical expertise and experience with the Philippines as the Marcos administration seeks to strengthen the country’s capabilities in space technology.

“Importante talaga na magkaroon din tayo ng sarili nating satellite dahil maraming gamit, maraming tulong ‘yan (It is really important for us to have our own satellite because it has many uses and can provide a lot assistance), from communications to weather forecasting because of climate change, kailangan natin ‘yan (we need it, as well as for), defense and security,” Gomez said.

“So, talaga ‘yun ang aspiration ng administrasyong Marcos (that is really the aspiration of the Marcos adminsitration) -- to eventually launch our satellite. So, tutulungan nila tayo (they will help us),” he added.

ISRO is India’s space agency responsible for developing space technology and its applications for national needs, including communications, meteorological services, resources monitoring and space-based navigation.

Marcos was scheduled to meet with three Indian companies on Saturday afternoon to discuss potential investments and job opportunities in the Philippines.