Ligao Railway Station is located in Ligao City, Albay, in the Bicol Region of the Philippines. It is part of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) South Main Line to Legaspi. The station primarily serves Ligao City and nearby towns, making it an important hub for local travelers.
The station has a history linked to the expansion of PNR’s railway services toward the southern parts of Luzon. Over the years, operations at Ligao station have been sporadic due to various challenges, such as natural disasters like typhoons and flooding, which have affected the railway infrastructure in the region. Despite these setbacks, there are continuous efforts to revive the train services, and Ligao station remains one of the operational stops in the Bicol region.
The station itself has a simple architectural design, typical of rural railway stations in the Philippines. As part of PNR’s broader modernisation and rehabilitation projects, there are plans to upgrade the services in the Bicol region. These efforts aim to restore regular long-distance train service, potentially bringing more connectivity to Ligao through an enhanced railway network.
On this trip, we spent most of the day aboard the Bicol Commuter train, traveling from Naga to Sipocot in the north, then heading south through Naga to Ligao, before making our return journey north. The crew had a layover in Ligao, giving us ample time to explore and take photos around the station and nearby streets.
Although the iconic Mayon Volcano is usually visible from the station, the weather that day didn’t cooperate. It wasn’t until 2022 that I finally managed to capture a "sort of" shot of the famous landmark from here. Even then, the view was far from ideal.
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Tobgon River Bridge on the outskirts of Ligao.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Approaching Ligao station at the end of our journey from Sipocot and Naga.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Points at the Manila end of the two road yard.
Photo: Brad Peadon
If the weather was favourable you would see the famous Mayon Volcano in the distance. If you look closely you can just make it out amongst all that mist.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Landing at Ligao station.
At the time, this was the southernmost operational part of the Legaspi line. Trains have since return to the terminus.
Photo: Brad Peadon
918 wearing the shortlived Filtrack livery.
White was a questionable choice for a locomotive, but it was a huge departure from the normal designs of the past.
Photo: Brad Peadon
918 begins to run around the train before the crew take a crib break.
Photo: Brad Peadon
While not in the centre of the main business area, the area around the station was always bustling with activity.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Having run around, 918 couples up to the CAR-1 end of the train.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Above and below.
Paul Hornby of the former PRHS (Naga Chapter) takes photos of the commuter train before departing.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Taking advantage of some shade while awaiting departure time.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Locals watching the activity outside the station.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Patiently awaiting the train to leave for Naga and Sipocot.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Me with ol mate David Xuereb for hitching a ride back on 918.
We used to chase trains everywhere in the days of old, but this was the first of two trips to the Philippines together.
Photo: Brad Peadon
CAR-4 A former Japanese coach that became a donation to the Philippine National Railways.
Photo: Brad Peadon
CAR-3.
Photo: Brad Peadon
CAR-1.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Train scenes don't come much more tropical looking.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Back in the cab of 918 and about to depart.
Photo: Brad Peadon
Much more coverage of this trip will be appearing here on the blog. Join our group to be notified of every new post.
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