<div class="image-550">
<img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.kahimyang.com/resources/manila-dagupan-line-t.webp" alt="Manila to Dagupan railroad" />
</div>
<h3>
The projected system
</h3>
<p>
<ol>
<li>
A line running north from Manila through the Provinces of Bulacan, Pampanga and Pangasinan.
</li>
<li>
A line running south from Manila and then along the Laguna de Bay shore eastwards through Tayabas, Camarines and Albay Provinces.
</li>
<li>
A branch from  line (2) on the Laguna de Bay shore to run almost due south to Batangas.
</li>
</ol>
</p>

<p>
In 1885,  the Government solicited tenders for the laying of the first line of railway from Manila to Dagupan in Pangasinan, a port on the Gulf of Lingayen. The distance of the railway line is 196 kilometres. The contract to build the line was taken up by a London firm of contractors. This line was to be completed within four years from the 21st of July, 1887.
</p>
<p>
The first stone of the Central Station in Manila (Bilibid Road in Tondo) was laid by Governor-General Emilio Terrero on July 31, 1887.  
</p>
<p>
In 1890, the contractors failed and only the first section of 45 kilometers was opened to traffic on the 24th of March, 1891.  Finally, on November 23, 1892, Governor-General Despujol in Tarlac in an energetic speech,  declared that the first Philippine Railway, the Manila to Dagupan line is open to traffic.
</p>


<p>
Source:
</p>
<ol class="article-sources">
<li>
Philippines News Agency archives
</li>
<li>
The Philippine Islands, 
John Foreman, F.R.G.S, 1899
</li>
</ol>



June 26, 1875: a Royal decree was issued authorizing the preparation of a general plan for a railroad in Luzon