Asia is seeing rapid growth and urbanization, and there is an increasing need to develop transport services to match. And rail is an increasingly viable option to meet the demand for both urban commuting as well as long distance travel. Throughout Southeast Asia, countries are making upgrades to increase freight and passenger rail capacity, extending and rehabilitating existing rail infrastructure, developing urban rail, and pursuing cross border rail and transport linkages.

The Philippines stands at a pivotal juncture in its infrastructure development journey. With rapid urbanization, a population exceeding 115 million, and chronic traffic congestion costing the economy ₱3.5 billion daily, the need for a robust, modernized rail network has never been more urgent. The Build Better More program, the successor to Build, Build, Build, prioritizes rail as the backbone of national connectivity, aiming to transform mobility, drive economic inclusivity, and meet climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.

Philippine Rail Expansion and Technology Summit 2026(PRETS 2026) scheduled on Mar. 25-26, 2026, Manila, Philippines will gather 300+ rail authorities & operators, rolling stock, signalling solutions, civil engineering and construction, railway equipment providers, investment banks and consultants, payments & ticketing systems and ect. to discuss the most pertinent issues and facing opportunities & challenges today.