MANILA, Feb. 6 -- The first phase of the Mindanao Railway Project (MRP) is set to begin with pre-construction activities in Davao City, Tagum and Digos while the search for the project's funding continues.

During a town hall meeting on the railway sector in Davao City Tuesday, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista said alternative funding sources are being sought such as official development assistance (ODA) from foreign governments and international banks.

"We decided to pursue Phase 1 of the MRP despite withdrawal of prior funding commitment from the government of China," Bautista said.

To date, he said land acquisitions for the project are ongoing from Tagum to Digos via Davao City.

Resettlement sites have al...