Activities to Improve LRT-1 Services to Go Full Swing in May
By: Zalda R. Gayahan
April 21, 2021 – The Department of Science and Technology-Metals Industry Research and Development Center (DOST-MIRDC) entered into a partnership with the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) with the shared goal of improving the services of the Light Rail Transit – Line 1 (LRT-1).
The LRMC sought the expertise of the DOST-MIRDC in the areas of fabrication of obsolete or difficult-to-source spare parts and conduct of structural repairs of light rail vehicles (LRVs). Even before the signing of the MOU, the LRMC and the DOST-MIRDC have already began the inspection of the LRVs. After the initial inspections, the DOST-MIRDC conducted preliminary analysis which gave the MIRDC team a better perspective of the technological interventions needed. Succeeding inspections are set to be conducted beginning in May, when hopefully the NCR will be placed in a less stringent community quarantine.
The LRMC expressed excitement and optimism in the partnership. The LRMC shared that they tried to look for a partner, either local or foreign, who will be able to help them address the technical issues with the LRVs. ‘We looked everywhere,’ says LRMC Chief Operating Officer, Enrico Benipayo, ‘but unfortunately…the interest of foreign companies is not really there.’
Engr. Robert O. Dizon, DOST-MIRDC’s Executive Director, imparted the agency’s appreciation of the partnership with the LRMC. Director Dizon said that the DOST-MIRDC’s services are open to the LRMC, to help create improvements for the LRT-1 and also to pursue the Center’s mandate of assisting the local metals, engineering, and allied industries. ‘We are optimistic that the establishment of a competitive railway industry will be one of the outcomes of this partnership,’ Dir. Dizon added.
