# data[].attributes.body
Attached here is the document that discussed the Government initiatives  to improve rail-based transportation and related policies that promote tourism using this mode.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Government initiatives  to improve rail-based transportation and related policies that promote tourism using this mode.

# data[].attributes.body
RAILWAY TRANSPORT OF THE PHILIPPINES

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
System in Governance and Management in Rail Transport and its Role in improving Philippine Tourism

# data[].attributes.body
Attached here is the document that discussed the
Governance & Management in Rail Transport & How it can improve Philippine Tourism

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
System in Governance and Management in Rail Transport

# data[].attributes.body
Good day! Attached here is the document that discussed the attached agencies that managed the railway transport around the country!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Railway Transport and its Attached Government Agency 

# data[].attributes.body
Hi I’m Jaila Atienza, but you can call me Jai. I’m from Pampanga but i’m currently staying in Sampaloc Manila. I’m also a Professional Volleyball player. Medyo nahihirapan lang ako sa schedule ng class kase may training kami minsan ng saturday kaya MIA ako minsan.

Share ko lang, this picture was taken in Japan this was also the first time I tried the bullet train haha na super BILIS, imagine if may ganon dito sa Pilipinas as a commuter din parang ang hassle free lang if meron tayong mga train system na same yung route sa mga provincial buses.

# data[].attributes.body
You can call me Riri if you choose, but my name is Riana May D. Navarra. I am the
fourth of five siblings and I am 21 years old. I was able to join the UP Taekwondo Team since I had been practicing taekwondo for more than ten years. I love both eating out and traveling. Because Kpop and Kdramas affected me, I am currently taking Korean classes. I anticipate getting a lot of enjoyment out of this course while also learning a lot. This semester, my only worry is that because of my weekend part-time job, I could occasionally be unable to attend synchronous classes. But I'll make sure to give it my all and meet all the
requirements in order to pass this course.
I had a lot of fun learning in Tour 161. I discovered a lot of new things. Many people used active transportation, often known as non-motorized transportation (NMT), during the epidemic. As cycling gained popularity, more bike stores popped up, and the government upgraded the bike lanes where they put lights and barriers for safety. Though the weather and a lack of adequate transit infrastructure make it difficult to enjoy walking or using other
forms of active transportation in the Philippines. This will improve the health of many people while also reducing air pollution.

The trip to Japan that I remember the most was when we were riding the train. We were traveling to a ski resort by train when it started to snow while we were on the train. Our first time seeing and
experiencing snow made the scenario seem like something out of a movie, which is why it was so memorable. An issue we encountered was that there were no more seats available inside so we had to seat on the stairs or stand beside the doors. The snow may not be seen because we were still inside the subways but it was already snowing outside.

I also got to try riding our MRT just this September, it was my first time and I can say that it was a great experience. The only issue was that lines were forming because the security system is not working which is why the guards were checking bags manually. But overall, it was great. And they have a separate car for women. Sadly, I was not able to capture a picture when I was inside the MRT.

# data[].attributes.body
Good day, everyone!

My name is Louis Kenneth A. Caguiat and I prefer to be called Louis, and I’m from Quezon City. Currently in my junior year taking up a BS in Tourism.

Commuting has been a big part of my life since I was a kid. I am originally from San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan before we moved here to Quezon City. Since my kindergarten days, and continuing through grade school, and high school, I have been commuting from Bulacan to QC for 13 years to be specific. Well, I must say, I have mastered all levels of commuting strategies; comparing different routes, deciding on a mode of transportation based on points A & B, and estimating travel time to save money and energy. Even though I am aware of how insufficient public transportation is here in the country, I still find it to be entertaining, liberating, and even therapeutic (but only while using rail transit, HAHA!).

[check for part 2]

# data[].attributes.body
LRT (particularly line 2) and MRT line 3 are two of my favorite types of transportation (hoping to see and use the MRT-7 soon). They allow me to experience the panoramic view of Metro Manila from above, including the big buildings, beautiful sunsets, and moving cars. It is also hassle-free when you have a Beep Card which you can load and use anytime without going to the counter.  It is also ideal to take the LRT or MRT while enjoying some good music. Occasionally I simply want the ride would go on longer so I could listen to a few more songs on my playlist. Another advantage is, if I think that I would be running late for a flight because of severe traffic on EDSA, I would rather opt in taking the MRT instead. Of course, there is no traffic in rail transportation but you are unlucky if it malfunctions because it will take a while to be fixed.

I just hope there would be more rail transportation here in the Philippines in the near future,  just like in Japan/Korea. People would save more time, be more productive, and of course, save energy.

Nice to meet you guys!

# data[].attributes.body
In this unit, the group was once again reminded that land transportation indeed plays a pivotal role in meeting the daily demands of Filipino commuters and supporting the country’s tourism. The attached materials also gave us a glimpse of Japan's railway system and Jeju island’s shuttle services –– first world efficiencies that the Philippines is deprived of. With this, the group has agreed to the thought that, as future tourism professionals, it should be in our best interest to advocate for the improvement of the Philippine transportation system so that we can optimize the tourism experience of both our international visitors and domestic tourists. However, in our country, creating a sustainable transport system is being impeded due to the absence of involvement of local communities, lack of accessibility and connectivity, and lack of integration and clear political direction. Moreover, sustainability in terms of transportation still has a long journey, and it would take several tradeoffs that may or may not be substantial to both the tourism industry and society. As we all know, unbalanced tourism made the industry realize the concept of sustainability being the ideal outcome, but this might not be the case if one transportation aspect is still a challenge for the locals and tourists in the destination. Ultimately, it is essential to recognize that transportation development is crucial, and it needs to be affordable, accessible, and convenient to transport people efficiently - because in the end, transportation is not all about the tourism industry but also comes to the holistic development of a country.

# data[].attributes.body
Hey, everyone! My name is Rina Joson. Call me Ri for short!

Just like everybody in this group, I am also a third-year standing BS Tourism student. I live in Las Piñas City.

-----

Living in the southmost of Metro Manila while studying in Taft, buses has become a very big part of my high school years in St. Scho. Back then, whenever my classmates ask me where I live, I always joke around and reply,

“I live on a bus.”

But, it’s true. I travel for almost 2 hours going to Taft and another 2 hours going home to Las Piñas. On bad traffic days, it can even cost you up to 2 and a half hours to three hours of a bus ride. On top of that, the buses are intensely packed due to a large number of commuters from the South (Alabang, Cavite, Las Piñas, Parañaque) who work/study in the North. And for me to be at school at 7:30, I had to be up at 4:30 AM and leave the house at 5. With this, I only get to sleep (at home) for 3-4 hours during high school. Looking back, I do not understand how I had the physical and mental strength to do all that, 5 times a week. Although I feel proud of myself for enduring that routine, I also feel sad that this is the reality of thousands many Filipinos just because we do not have an efficient public transport system that can accommodate the demands of all Filipino commuters.
According to the government, the PITX is one of their attempt to relieve the traffic congestion here in the metro by reducing provincial buses along Roxas Boulevard and EDSA-TAFT. But in my opinion, the PITX did not really reduce the traffic in the metro. It has only widened the roads for the rich people who travel within the comfort of their private cars, of course, at the expense of public transport commuters. It’s disappointing that the government’s remedy to relieve the traffic is to make one big infrastructure where they can crowd all commuters and buses. The long queues inside the PITX is clearly just another burden that the commuters have to carry, not a remedy.

-----

Every time I visit Singapore, I can't help but be awed by their PUVs (buses, taxis, and trains). Everything is clean, convenient, and fast. My favorite thing about SG bus stops are that if they notify the commuters that, “the bus will arrive in 10 minutes”, it really will come on time, as promised.
The Singapore MRT system is top-tier as well. It's clean, fast, cheap and very reliable. It has 8 lines and 187 stations which makes it easier for tourists to reach every attraction in SG shelling out too much money for taxi fares. Their efficient MRT is probably one of the reasons why SG’s total population is almost just a quarter of their international visits. As a tourist myself, I never had issues touring around the city because of their railway. Everything will go smoothly as long as you have a copy of the train network map on your phone.

This is my biggest what-if for the Philippines. What if we had the privileges they enjoy? On a daily basis, could we have been more productive and less agitated as a country?

# data[].attributes.body
Welcome!

I am John Christopher Glenn L. Leones, a second-year BS Tourism student at the Asian Institute of Tourism - UP Diliman; and currently residing in Pasig City.

Traveling is not new to me, especially when it comes to commuting. I seldom use grab, angkas, uber, and even taxis to avoid spending unnecessary money. However, there's more than me refusing to cash out and being cheap. Transportation/ or commuting is an activity most people hate, but not me.

My most memorable rail experience would be at the MRT station the night before it got vandalized by a street artist known by the name of "CRANKZ". The MRT that used to be overcrowded, messy, and smelly; was now almost empty, and squeaky clean. Tags that were on the walls of the train not so long ago are also now gone and scratched off. As the MRT went along EDSA near POEA, my attention was caught by sillohoutes people climbing their way on top of the rails. I knew for a moment that they will probably place some tags because that place is full of it and graffiti. Morning came after that night, and I jokingly asked my friend who partakes in that activity, if they were the ones who climbed the rails. He simply said, "No. But have you seen the news?"

Link:
MRT management looking for witnesses after train vandalism | ABS-CBN News

# data[].attributes.body
Hi! I am Dan Angelo Derla, a third year BS Tourism student. I am 20 years old and currently residing in Caloocan City.

I have always used public transportation since I was young. Living in a city, I already tried different modes of transportation – tricycle and jeepney going to nearer places, bus going to school, as well as train going to my previous work. Among them, my favorite would be the train, the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT). Going to my previous school, I was always riding the LRT 2 and it was very convenient. Even though it was always jampacked during that time, I would still ride the train because it made my travel time shorter and I got to see the city view from above. My friends and I would always chitchat inside (which is strictly not allowed anymore) laughing and enjoying the airconditioned atmosphere inside.

Moreover, during the days when I had work, I used to ride the MRT 1. Compared to MRT, I think that LRT has a more modern design and MRT has a much bigger volume of passengers. I also feel like I am safer in LRT since most of the passengers during my experience were students, compared to MRT where I noticed that the passengers were mostly older people going to their jobs. There’s also PNR which is just beside my previous school but unfortunately, I never got the chance to try it since its path is different from my way home. I hope that the government would recognize that most Filipinos are commuters, who always face life/death situations, and improve the way how the train system works.

# data[].attributes.body
Hello everyone!

I am Paul Christian King C. Cusing, a third year standing BS Tourism Student, from Quezon City.

I once took the old PNR train and most of the time MRT in the Philippines.

My experience before was that sometimes it was too crowded when purchasing a ticket and traveling from one station to another, but it is faster and less expensive than bringing a private vehicle.

I had a good experience using the PNR train that particular time from Tutuban to Alabang since we arrived at our destination without incident, and we were lucky that the train was not very crowded. Daily commuters used the train to get to work or local areas that were served by PNR stations at the time.

Then, I had the chance to go by train across Italy from Naples to Milan while we were there for the 30th Summer Universiade in Napoli in 2019. Overall, the train was smooth to use, quick, modern, and kept clean. The stations are also open to the public, and they have a nice ticket counter. I'm hopeful that one day, train travel in the Philippines will be as good as or perhaps better than this.

# data[].attributes.body
Greetings!

I am Dominic R. Napoles, a second year standing BS Tourism student, 20 and I am currently living in Pangasinan.

Before settling here in the province, we lived in Manila for almost eight years. Living in Manila exposed me to the different realities of life and, in return, trained me to become resourceful and adaptive. Transportation has been a challenge for everyone, especially those who don’t have the capacity to own a private one. I am proud to share that I was raised and trained using public transportation like jeepneys, buses, tricycles, and others. Among these modes of land transportation, the railway or the Manila Light Rail Transit System (LRT) is my favorite mean of transport. During Christmas break or summer vacation, it is our friends’ tradition to visit the Rizal Park and National Museum. Respectively, the LRT is the most convenient and comfortable way to travel to Manila. We will board from Monumento station and get off the train at  United Nations Avenue station, where the museum is nearly located. Regarding the environment, speed, capacity, comfortability, and safety, I think that rail transportation/ LRT provides a better experience than other land transport modes. However, we recognized that there are still issues to solve in our railway system to provide a better transportation experience for travelers and commuters. More often than not, the train is always jampacked with passengers in the sense that you can’t even stretch your arms or feet. More than the negative perception it can give the tourist, it is crucial to recognize that the Filipino masses or commuters struggle daily with these lapses in our transportation system, making their life even more difficult. With that, I hope the government will advance our railway system and its management since it significantly contributes to catering to the demand for public transport.

# data[].attributes.body
Greetings, everyone! Welcome to our discussion board - a safe space for everyone's learnings, takeaways, and realizations on our course Tour 166: Land Transportation Management.

Feel free to read, comment, and interact! We are looking forward to learn with you as we embark the journey of land transportation!

Have a happy and safe trip!