Senator Robin Padilla expressed support for the country’s plan to establish its first spaceport in Cagayan but urged the government to address long-standing transportation problems, including the need for improved rail connectivity, before pursuing major space projects.
In his Kontra-State of the Nation Address (Kontra-SONA) on Tuesday, July 28, Padilla reacted to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s announcement during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) that the Philippines is planning to build a spaceport that could allow the country to launch rockets into space.
Padilla said he appreciates the ambition behind the project, noting that space exploration has long been a dream of nations around the world. However, he appealed to the government to also prioritize projects that directly benefit Filipinos, particularly those in far-flung provinces.
“Ako po'y natutuwa dyan dahil nung bata ako, eh ako din po ay tagahanga nung lumanding ang rocket sa moon... Pangarap yan ng bawat bansa. Pero sana po, ang kahilingan ko lang po, bago po tayo makarating dyan, e maayos muna po yung transportasyon namin sa Bicol,” Padilla said.
The senator highlighted the difficulties faced by residents traveling to Bicol, saying trips to the region can still take around 12 hours due to limited transportation options.
He also lamented the decline of railway services in the area, recalling that trains once provided easier access to Bicol but that residents are now hoping for the return of a reliable rail system.
“Buti pa po nung bata ako, may train kami papuntang Bicol. Ngayon po, wala na po kami yung pag-asa yatang magkaroon na ng train,” he said.
Padilla called for renewed attention to major transport projects, including a possible bullet train system, saying countries such as Indonesia have already developed high-speed rail networks.
“Bago tayo mapunta sa rocket, ay magkaroon din tayo ng bullet train. Ito pong mga ganitong pangarap, kaya po nating abutin agad. Ito po yung gusto natin na maibigay sa mga katulad po namin na nasa malayong probinsya,” Padilla said.
President Marcos earlier said the proposed Cagayan spaceport could position the Philippines as a participant in the global space industry and enable future rocket launches from Philippine territory.
