UP is Clark Green City’s first locator -- BCDA CL seen to be the next “Brain Capital” of PHL

Central Luzon is set to become the country’s “Brain Capital” with the recent signing (May 19, 2014) of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the University of the Philippines (UP) that would establish a global campus for the premier state university in Clark Green City.

BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Arnel Casanova and UP President Alfredo Pascual signed the MOU in simple rites held at the UP’s Executive House in Diliman, Quezon City.

Casanova said that UP, being the first locator in the country’s soon-to-be most modern, sustainable, hi-tech and globally connected city, has now branded Clark Green City as the knowledge and innovation capital of the country.

He said the UP global campus will serve as a training ground for a generation that will position the Clark Green City as a symbol of innovation—further detailed by its capability of uplifting the quality of life of every human being that will live and work there in the Clark Green City.

“The UP global campus in Clark Green City will position the Philippines as the nation of global citizens—being an English speaking nation in a country hosting a hub for global education and knowledge center. It will also promote the Clark Freeport Zone and soon, the Clark Green City, as an intellectual hub for science and technology education and research,” Casanova said.

BCDA is also inviting the top global educational institutions to establish their Asia-Pacific centers in the Clark Green City. “We expect Ivy-league schools and top European schools to express interest to locate,” Casanova said.

He noted that the new UP global campus will be the melting pot of new technologies, innovation, and creative industries.

Casanova said the UP global campus in Clark Green City will not only produce the country’s best graduates, it will also be the source for the Clark Green City’s excellent human resource. “The presence of a modern UP Global Campus will complement and drive the economic and human development of Clark Green City,” he said.

He pointed out that Central Luzon has 12 million people and will need a new campus for UP to provide them affordable but quality education. “It is about time that we address the growing population in Central Luzon in terms of providing the best education that the country could offer,” he added.

Casanova noted that the establishment of a UP global campus in Clark Green City is consistent with the Phase I development of Clark Green City.

Under the MOU, UP has plans of expanding its academic programs on science, technology and the arts in Central Luzon in the next five (5) years.

 

BCDA shall provide an area within the Institutional Area of the Clark Green City for the establishment of a UP Campus in the city.

UP, on the other hand, shall spearhead the promotion and development of science and technology education and research, consistent with the university’s mandate and the Clark Green City’s overall plan of being the most modern, smart and green metropolis in the Philippines.

Both the BCDA and UP will work toward the internationalization of UP’s academic and research programs for its campus in Clark Green City by linking with international institutions and organizations.

BCDA bids out SCTEX service areas

The state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) announced  that it is bidding out two service areas along the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) that is expected to enhance the convenience  of motorists plying the 94-kilometer toll road.

BCDA President Arnel Paciano D. Casanova said the BCDA is now inviting interested bidders to bid for the long-term lease and development of two separate lots along the SCTEX that will be  developed as service areas.

“We are looking for partners to develop the lots into service areas for the benefit of  the motorists plying the SCTEX,” Casanova said.

Casanova said the prescribed facilities and amenities of a service area would include gasoline station, rest rooms, sufficient and adequate parking slots, emergency First Aid station, potable water and lighting system, emergency vehicle repair shop and convenience stores.
He said that each of the  two service areas namely  the  Concepcion Service Area  and the  Macangcung Service Area consist of   two hectares. The lots are located in Brgy. Santiago, Concepcion, Tarlac. The  Concepcion Service Area is located at the Clark-bound/south-bound direction of the  Clark-Tarlac segment while the Macangcung Service Area is located at the  Clark-bound/north-bound direction of the  Clark-Tarlac segment.

Casanova said interested bidders could opt to bid for both lots or just one.

According to Casanova, the lease term for each lot shall be twenty-five years, renewable for another 25 years upon mutual agreement of the BCDA and the winning bidder.

For her part, BCDA chairperson of the Asset Disposition Program Committee Nena D. Radoc said  the minimum acceptable starting annual Fixed Lease for each service area would be
Two Million Two Hundred Forty Thousand Pesos, VAT-inclusive, effective on the second year of lease and subject to an annual escalation of five percent.

She said that upon contract signing, the winning bidder should pay BCDA the Fixed Lease for the three years covering years 2 to 4 of the lease term.
Radoc added that  starting on the fifth year of lease, the lease amount shall be the higher of either the fixed lease, as adjusted based on five percent  escalation rate per annum, or share in the revenues of the Lessee from its operations and sub-lessees’ revenues, equivalent to 2.5% of net sales plus 0.15% share of net sales of petroleum products and lubricants.

She said interested bidders could purchase the Terms of Reference (TOR) for a non-refundable fee of Fifty Thousand Pesos payable to BCDA in manager’s check from  08 to 19 August 2013 at the BCDA Corporate Center, 2^nd Floor Bonifacio Technology Center, 31^st Street, Crescent Park West, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. The TOR may also be viewed in the BCDA website at www.bcda.gov.ph.

She added that a Pre-Bid Conference, in which the property, TOR, and inquiries from interested bidders would be held on 20 August 2013, 10:00 a.m. at the BCDA Corporate Center.

NEDA approves BCDA’s Clark Green City project

The state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board Committee on Infrastructure (Infracom) has given its seal of approval for the development of some 36,000 hectares in the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone into a new city half the size of Metro Manila.

BCDA President and CEO Arnel Paciano D. Casanova said the NEDA Infracom, chaired by Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director-General Arsenio Balisacan, has agreed to endorse the Clark Green City Master Development Plan to President Benigno S. Aquino III for final approval.

“We are very pleased that NEDA Infracom has approved our plans for Clark Green City, and hope that President Aquino will approve the project. This [project] promises to be one of the most important destinations not just in Central Luzon, but the country as a whole, for local and international residents, locators and investors,” Casanova added.

He said once President Aquino approves the Clark Green City Master Development Plan, BCDA can start the disposition and development of the property by next year.

Casanova added the development of the Clark Green City is expected to contribute in attracting investments, generating more jobs, boosting the economy and sustaining inclusive growth.

“Once at full development, Clark Green City would generate approximately P1.57 trillion per year to the economy of the country,” Casanova said. He added that jobs that will be generated will reach 925,000 jobs.

He said by developing the area which is at the moment idle land, BCDA would be able to unlock the value of the land that will benefit not only people in Central Luzon but in the rest of the country as well. He added that development of Clark Green City will generate inclusive growth because Clark Green City will provide opportunities for everyone.

Casanova noted at the heart of the 36,000-hectare property is a 9,450-hectare metropolis. “We will start by developing 1,321 hectares for the first phase,” he said

According to Casanova an approximate P59 billion will be used for the first five years of development. He clarified that the bulk of the development cost will be shouldered by the private sector since the mode of development will be through Public-Private-Partnership (PPP).

Casanova said Clark Green City is the first project of this magnitude that will be undertaken in the history of the country. “Not only are we building a new city, we are building the most modern city in the entire country,” he said.

He added that Clark Green City will also play a major role in decongesting Metro Manila not to mention sustain the country’s economic growth.

Casanova noted that Clark Green City will completely revolutionize the way people live, work and interact. “It will be a place where one’s home, place of work, and places of recreation are within walking or biking distances from each other. It will be a place where everyone is connected by both culture and technology. And with sustainability as number one priority in building the city, it is truly designed with future generations in mind,” Casanova said.

Casanova also said that the project will also serve as a showcase of what the country can offer in terms of urban planning and sustainable development.

“With the trend in building sustainable and modern cities in major countries across the world, through Clark Green City, we will be able to show our neighbors that the Philippines can likewise make a huge step in modern, sustainable development,” he said.

CJHDevCo lawyer indicted for perjury

The Department of Justice (DOJ) charged the lawyer and spokesperson of the Sobrepeña-led Camp John Hay Development Corporation (CJHDevCo) of perjury before the Municipal Trial Court of Quezon City for knowingly making false accusations against the Directors of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) before the Office of the Ombudsman.

In a resolution penned by Prosecution Attorney Gail Stephanie C. Maderazo and approved by Prosecutor General Claro A. Arellano, the prosecutors found probably cause to charge CJHDevCo Vice President for Litigation Manuel Ubarra, Jr. with the crime of perjury under Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code.

The revised penal code penalized the act of knowingly making untruthful statements under oath or in an affidavit as perjury.

It would be recalled that Ubarra filed a complaint-affidavit before the Office of the Ombudsman against the members of the BCDA Board of Directors for misconduct and neglect of duty. The complaint accused BCDA President and CEO Arnel Paciano D. Casanova of failing to act promptly on letters and requests from CJHDevCo, in violation of Section 5 of RA No. 6713 or the Code of Ethical Standards.

The 16-page DOJ resolution stated that “…respondent Ubarra did not tell the truth.”
The DOJ found that the CJHDevCo letters which were alleged by Ubarra to be either belatedly answered or ignored were not addressed to Casanova. The correspondences were, in fact, made before Casanova assumed office as BCDA President.

According to the resolution, Ubarra’s insistence on Casanova’s liability for failing to answer CJHDevCo’s letters “despite having copies of the letters allegedly sent/ignored” by Casanova where it is reflected that the signatory in fact was that of the former BCDA President and CEO Gen. Narciso Abaya undoubtedly proves that “Ubarra knowingly and deliberately knew that his statements in his Complaint-Affidavit were false.”

The resolution emphasized that Ubarra had been a lawyer for more than fifteen years and is the Vice President for Litigation when he executed and filed the subject Complaint-Affidavit. “He was mandated to study, verify and authenticate all documents and pleadings submitted to him for his company,” the resolution read.

“Most of all, respondent Ubarra is a lawyer. It needs no reiteration that the ethical standards applicable to a member of the bar, who thereby automatically becomes a court officer, must necessarily be one higher than that of the market place,” it further stated.

“We laud the action of the DOJ on finding probable cause of perjury against Atty. Ubarra. It is a victory of truth against falsehood,” Casanova said.

He added that “BCDA is confident in its cause that is founded on the truth and commitment to uphold the interest of the country.”

The BCDA views the filing of various complaints by CJHDevCo against the BCDA Board of Directors as an act of harassment that is obviously intended to derail the BCDA’s efforts in holding CJHDevco accountable for its acts and omissions.

The real issue is CJHDevco’s failure and refusal to pay rentals to the Government for their use of Camp John Hay. The rentals, which already amount to more than P3 Billion, are supposed to be turned over to the National Government and the local government of Baguio City for use in development. The local government of Baguio City stands to get 25 percent of the P3 Billion or some P720-M.

Sobrepeña’s libel case against BCDA dismissed

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has dismissed the libel case filed by William Russell L. Sobrepeña, older brother of Camp John Hay Development Corporation’s (CJHDevCo) Chairman and CEO Robert John Sobrepeña against officials of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) for lack of probable cause.

The libel charge stemmed from a notice published by the BCDA in the Philippine Daily Inquirer last April 2012, stating that CJHDevCo owed the government P3 billion. The notice also stated that the BCDA had filed an estafa case against CJHDevCo because the latter, as supposed partial payment of the debt, paid the state agency property which it had already sold to another party.

The resolution penned by Associate Provincial Prosecutor Christian Gregorio O. Follosco and approved by Provincial Prosecutor Danilo C. Bumacod of La Union state that “In the beset articles, it is effortless to decipher that the publication is a progeny of the lease agreement entered into by BCDA and CJHDevCo over a portion of lot at Camp John Hay.”

The resolution further  read that “Ensuing CJHDevCo fell short of its undertaking even at the gateway of the agreement.  Despite refinement of the provisions of the agreement, the restructuring of its obligations, and the enactment of laws that favoured CJHDevCo causing BCDA backpedalling, still, the former reneged from its contractual duties.”

The prosecutors agreed that “It is because of that invariable failure of CJHDevCo, the discovery of violations on the agreement earlier committed, and the breach unearthed by HLURB that BCDA appears to have acted, under its legislative charter, to report and inform the public of the circumstances transpiring over a property which it is bound to manage and prosper…”

‘No evidence’
In his complaint, William Sobrepeña alleged that the notice “impute various crimes against the whole Sobrepeña family,” prompting him to file the libel case.

But in its six-page resolution, the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor declared that the complainant was not in a position to file a libel case, considering that “the alleged libelous articles, while referring to ‘Sobrepeña-group’ or ‘Sobrepeña-led,’ does not readily ascribe to complainant as the person who was being referred to in the articles.”

The resolution also stated that “Robert John [Sobrepeña] is the appropriate person who should retort to the articles. Interestingly, no evidence was even presented to illustrate that the barrage against Robert John were purely baseless and unfounded.”

BCDA President and CEO Arnel Paciano D. Casanova, one of the respondents in the libel case filed by Sobrepena, hailed the dismissal of the case. “This is another legal and moral victory for the BCDA. The law has prevailed yet again, and we hail the prosecutor’s office for the dismissal of these clearly trumped-up charges,” he said.

It would be recalled that a similar libel complaint  was also filed in Baguio City by the Sobrepena-led CJHDevCo and was dismissed by the Acting City Prosecutor of Baguio City last year.

The BCDA views the filing of various libel complaints by  CJHDevco against the BCDA Board of Directors as an act of harassment that is obviously intended to derail the BCDA’s efforts in holding CJHDevco accountable for its acts and omissions.  

The real issue is CJHDevco’s failure and refusal to pay rentals to the Government for their use of Camp John Hay.  The rentals, which already amount to more than P3 Billion, are supposed to be turned over to the National Government and the local government of Baguio City for use in development. The  local government of Baguio City stands to get 25 percent  of the P3 Billion or some P720-M.

‘Sign of desperation’

Casanova also called the libel case a “futile attempt by Robert John Sobrepeña to delay the wheels of justice,” adding that CJHDevCo and its chief had previously filed two similar libel cases against the BCDA, one of which has already been dismissed.

“It is a pity that Mr. Sobrepeña has resorted to asking his older brother to file yet another libel case against the BCDA. It is a clear sign of desperation. He is no doubt aware that the law is very close to catching up with him,” Casanova said.

“But even with this latest victory, the BCDA will not rest until Sobrepeña and his cohorts pay their debts to the government. It is just a matter of time before they are convicted of their crimes,” he added.

On April 1, 2013, the Department of Justice filed malversation charges against Robert Sobrepeña and three other officials of CJHDevCo for refusing to return government-owned Camp John Hay Manor and Suites units while continuing to earn from them. Robert John Sobrepena was arraigned last June 29, 2013 before the Regional Trial Court Branch 6 of Baguio City presided by Judge Cecilia Corazon S. Dulay-Archog.

PTT bags contract to develop SCTEX Service Area

The state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said it has awarded to PTT Philippines Corporation (PTT) the contract for the long-term lease and development of the SCTEX Macangcung Service Area.

“We welcome PTT Philippines Corporation and expect them to accord the motorists plying the north bound section of SCTEX with better service as soon as the SCTEX Macangcung Service Area is operational,” Casanova said.

He said development of the SCTEX Macangcung Service Area involves the establishment, operation and maintenance of a gasoline station with amenities. The amenities of the service area would include, among others, rest rooms, sufficient and adequate parking slots, emergency First Aid station, potable water and lighting system, emergency vehicle repair shop and convenience stores.

For her part, BCDA chairperson of the Asset Disposition Program Committee Atty. Nena D. Radoc said that PTT’s winning bid for the annual fixed lease starting on the fifth year amounted to Four Million One Hundred Thousand Pesos (P4,100,000.00) inclusive of 12 percent VAT, and subject to a five percent annual escalation.

Radoc said after careful examination of PTT’s submitted documents and statements, PTT was declared as the bidder with the highest ranked and complying bid.

She said that the lease period for SCTEX Macangcung Service Area is 25 years and renewable for another twenty-five years.

The SCTEX Macangcung Service Area lot is located in Brgy. Santiago, Concepcion, Tarlac and at the Clark-bound/north-bound direction of the Clark-Tarlac segment.

Search is on for firm to develop Bataan Technology Park, says BCDA

The state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is looking for a partner to develop 200 hectares of the 365-hecatare Bataan Technology Park (BTP) in Morong Bataan.

“We will be inviting real estate firms and other related development companies to submit their development plan for the area as part of the search for a partner that will develop a sizeable portion of the Bataan Technology Park,” BCDA President and CEO Arnel Paciano D. Casanova.

According to Casanova, the BTP is a Special Economic Zone property. This allows developers and locators in the area to enjoy investment incentives such as a five percent (5%) levy on Gross Income Earned (GIE) in lieu of all national and local taxes and duties; and, tax and duty-free importation of raw materials and capital equipment.

For his part, BCDA Manager for Business Development Arrey Perez said among the development proposals that prospective proponents may consider to submit include, a retirement haven, location for small and medium scale industries and as a research and development center, just to name a few.
He said the BCDA will publish an invitation to submit expression of interest for the development of the said area in the next couple of days.

The 365-hectare BTP is also of great historical significance as it showcases preserved history as the former Philippine Refugee Processing Center (PRPC)—established by the United Nations for Indo-Chinese refugees in the early 1980s.

BTP is within the Manila-Clark-Subic economic triad via the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), and is just a 20-minute drive from Subic and 2-kilometers away from Anvaya Cove.

Flagship project signed by CDC and Singapore Firm

CLARK FREEPORT- Some Php 7 billion was committed by the Singapore based Capilion Corporation Pte .Ltd. after a long -term lease agreement was signed with the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) recently.

Capilion of Singapore agreed to develop as mixed-used facility ideal for business process outsourcing (BPO), residential, commercial, or even retail enterprises in a 3 ha. property inside the Clark Freeport Zone.

After the agreement was signed by CDC president Arthur Tugade and Peter YB Tay, president and CEO of Capilion, the Singapore firm presented to CDC demand drafts totaling almost $ US 4.9 million or approximately Php 215 million to represent the firm’s advance lease, security deposit and performance security plus a reservation for another 8,639 square meters adjacent to its property.

The agreement also required to sign an anti-graft undertaking and exert every effort to hire indigenous people (IP) and persons with disabilities (PWD’s). These provisions bear the unmistakable stamp of Tugade’s advocacy for a graft-free corporation and his genuine concern for the welfare of the IP’s and PWD’s.

The president and CEO of Capilion also presented a bank certification issued by the Union Bank of the Philippines confirming the firm’s fund of Php 2 billion for the property development in Clark.

“This will be the biggest contract to be signed by the new administration in terms of employment generation with a projection of 75,000 that can be accommodated within 7 years”, according to Tugade.

‘’Our target of breaking the 100,000 employee barrier by the year 2016 is projected to be broken by 2015 because of the entry of Capilion to Clark”, Tugade said.

Capilion’s development timelines will be in three (3) phases and is expected to be completed by the end of year 2018.

Capilion Corporation Pte. Ltd. was established by Mr. Peter YB Tay in 2006 in Singapore to act as an International Private Equity and Corporate Finance Advisory firm. It is part of the Capilion Group of Companies, Capilion Financial Limited and Capilion RE Engineering Limited.

The Capilion Group of companies has businesses involved in private equity, corporate services, real estate, financial securities, ship ownership, shipping and shipbuilding, infrastructure development and clean and renewable energy projects. The group has various stakes in different countries such as securities industry in Indonesia, ferry project in China, biofuel in Indonesia, infrastructure in Kyrgyzstan, mono rail project in India, and various other real estate projects in South East Asia.

BCDA set to dispose prime Bonifacio South Lot

The state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is set to dispose one of its prime properties in the Bonifacio South area covering 5,000 square meters through public bidding.
BCDA Officer-In-Charge Aileen An. R. Zosa said the Lawton Corporate Center Lot is located along Lawton Avenue and is between the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority
(NAMRIA) and McKinley West, another high-end development which is a joint-venture project of BCDA and Megaworld.

“We are optimistic and expect this property to draw a lot of interest from top real estate developers because of its strategic location and proximity to various high-end commercial and residential areas like Bonifacio Global City, McKinley, Forbes Park, and Newport City, including the NAIA III,” Zosa said.

She also said that detailed engineering plans are underway by the BCDA to widen Lawton Avenue from the existing dual-2 lane road to a dual-3 lane road to address the increased traffic volume due to the developments in the area.

“This will augur well for the planned development in the Lawton Corporate Center Lot and its neighboring areas,” she added.

For his part, BCDA Manager for Business Development Arrey Perez said BCDA is currently finalizing the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the disposition of the said lot.

“We are currently finalizing the TOR and other bid documents. We plan to officially start the public bidding process by the first or second week of May. We shall be officially announcing it through an Invitation to Bid to be published in the papers,” Perez said.

He said the mode of disposition for the 5,000-squre meter property will be through a 25-year lease renewable for another 25 years.

He added that the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is 12 or a maximum 60,000 square meters of gross floor area.

“Among the possible developments that could be done in the property are commercial/retail and offices/BPO,” Perez said.

BCDA, CIAC AND CDC sign agreement that will address human trafficking

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) and the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), signed a Memorandum of Agreement that will establish a facility that institutionalizes the response to the issues on exploitation/ human-trafficking of women, the socio-emotional costs of feminized migration and institutionalize gender-responsive programs.

The agreement will facilitate the establishment of the GAD Centrale at the vicinity of Buildings7352 and 7253, at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga. The facility will feature (a) Halfway House for victims of human trafficking, (b) AMMA (Ama na Magaling Mag-Aruga sa Anak) Center for women- migrant workers as well as the husbands and children left behind and for other GAD-related training programs, and (c) Childcare Center for young children of employees.

The objectives of the project are to strengthen advocacy for the rights of migrant workers at the national and global level, implement sustainable livelihood and skills training for women, conduct gender training on issues relating to trafficking in women and girls, illegal recruitment and repatriation, and embark on a re-orientation and intensive psychosocial workshop on values, practical gender needs as well as strategic gender interests to help women and men transform themselves into self-actualizing and fully functioning individuals.

Representing the three corporations during signing ceremonies were BCDA President and CEO Arnel Paciano Casanova,CDC President and CEO Arthur Tugade and CIAC President and CEO Victor Luciano, who hosted the said event at the CIAC corporate office in the Clark Freeport Zone.
In his welcome remarks, CIAC President Luciano acknowledged the unity between members of the BCDA Group for the project, which is timely as it falls on the National Women's Month celebration in March.

"These three corporations can unite in purpose to effect meaningful changes in people whose lives are directly affected by the decisions that we make," Mr. Luciano said.

For his part, BCDA President Casanova expressed his appreciation for this initiative, and shared how hard it was being a son of a mother who had to work overseas to help make ends meet.

"Through this project, we show our countrymen that we understand what families go through as they deal with the risks of working overseas. The partnership between BCDA,CIAC and CDC shows our firm commitment to institutionalize a gender-responsive culture in Central Luzon, through a facility that will serve our whole nation."

Under this MOA, BCDA, CDC and CIAC shall create a Technical Working Group (TWG) consisting of the GAD-Focal Point Chair and GAD-TWG Head of each agency to prepare the implementing rules and regulations necessary to ensure smooth and coordinated operations of the GAD Centrale.

Mass in Morong to Commemorate Canonization of Pope John Paul II on April 27

Morong, Bataan.  April 10.- A Mass to be officiated by Balanga Bishop Ruperto C. Santos is to be celebrated on April 27, 2014 at 7:00 a.m. at the Shrine of Blessed John Paul II located at the Bataan Technology Park (BTP) in Morong, Bataan to commemorate his canonization in Rome, sources from the Diocese of Balanga announced.

Blessed John Paul II, together with Blessed John XXIII, are to be declared saints of the Roman Catholic Church by Pope Francis I in a ceremony later that day in Rome.

According to Bishop Santos, the Mass in Morong is particularly significant because it is to be celebrated at the exact place that Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass in February 1981 when he visited Vietnamese and Cambodian war refugees at the former Bataan Refugee Processing Center (now the site of the BTP).

"The province of Bataan is fortunate to have been visited by Pope John Paul II and it is only fitting that we commemorate his canonization with a Mass to be offered at the very spot where he once celebrated Mass and visited refugees as part of his Pastoral Visit to the Philippines," Balanga Bishop Santos said. "The whole shrine is like a veritable relic that was graced by his presence," he added.
April 27 is also a significant day in the life of John Paul II because the Feast of the Divine Mercy is also celebrated by the Catholic Church on that day. Pope John Paul II was the one who established this feast day and made it a universal celebration for all Catholics.

John Paul II's beatification and canonization on April 27 is also considered as one of the fastest processes in the history of the Catholic Church. Expected to participate in the Mass in Morong are provincial and local officials as well as representatives from the Bases Conversion Development Authority which allowed the construction of the Historical Shrine at its present site in 2011, when Pope John Paul II was beatified.

 BCDA bids out two SCTEX bridge projects worth P122M

The state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) owner and builder of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) said it is bidding out two infrastructure projects worth P122.27 million that is expected to ensure the safe and convenient travel of people as well as the efficient delivery of  goods and services via the SCTEX.

BCDA President and CEO Arnel Paciano D. Casanova said the BCDA is inviting contractors to bid for the Long-Term Permanent Works at the Pasig-Potrero Bridge and the Protection Works for Piers 5 & 6 of the SCTEX Gumain Bridge.

“We are calling on all experienced and financially capable construction firms to participate in the public bidding for the two separate infrastructure projects,” Casanova said.

Casanova said the Long-Term Permanent Works at the Pasig-Potrero Bridge involves bridge construction and drainage, slope protection work, as well as earthworks, sub base and base course, and surface courses. The approved budget of the contract is Ninety Nine Million Six Hundred Ten Thousand Four Hundred Seventy-Two and 71/100 Pesos (P99,610,472.71).

It would be recalled that strong river current initiated by the heavy downpour during the height of Typhoon Maring last Aug 2013 set off a massive erosion of up to 10 hectares of land from the banks of the Pasig-Potrero river that caused the damage to a segment of the toll road that serves as an approach to the Pasig-Potrero Bridge.

A bailey bridge was constructed and was opened to the public since September 2013 as a temporary measure to ensure unimpeded traffic flow until such time as the permanent works for the Pasig-Potrero Bridge is completed.

The second project is the Protection Works for Piers 5 & 6 of the SCTEX Gumain Bridge with a contract price of Twenty-Two Million Six Hundred Sixty-Two Thousand Eight Hundred Ninety-Eight and 39/100 Pesos (P22,662,898.39).

The project is a preventive maintenance work for the SCTEX Gumain Bridge. The project consists of earthworks, drainage and slope protection works to ensure that the strong river currents will not affect the integrity of the bridge.

For her part, BCDA Bid and Awards Committee (BAC) Chairperson for SCTEP and Infrastructure Eleanor L. Atienza said bidding is restricted to Filipino citizens/sole proprietorships; and partnerships, corporations, organizations or joint ventures with at least seventy-five percent (75%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.

She added that prospective bidders must have at least a license category “B” and a license classification

“Medium A” from the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (PCAB) for General Engineering on Roads, Highways, Pavements, Railways, Airport Horizontal Structures and Bridges. The PCAB license must be valid and effective at the time of submission of the bid.

Atienza said each complete set of Bidding Documents for the Protection Works for Piers 5 & 6 of the SCTEX Gumain Bridge and the Long-Term Permanent Works at the Pasig-Potrero Bridge may be acquired by interested bidders on March 27, 2014 to May 5, 2014 at the BCDA Corporate Center 2/F Bonifacio Technology Center, 31^st St. cor. 2^nd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, upon payment of a nonrefundable fee of Twenty Five Thousand  Pesos (P25,000.00) and Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000.00) respectively.

She added that the bid documents for both projects can also be viewed at the BCDA website www.bcda.gov.ph.

Both Pre-Bid Conferences for the Long-Term Permanent Works at the Pasig-Potrero Bridge and
the Protection Works for Piers 5 & 6 of the SCTEX Gumain Bridge  will be held on  April 21,2014 at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm respectively at the BCDA  Corporate Center.

BCDA Chairman describes comprehensive development plan for former military base

There are two major economic drivers of new cities in the Philippines: young Filipinos working in Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and sustainable domestic tourism anchored on efficient transportation.

This according to Rolando Gosiengfiao, Chairman of Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), as he unveiled the state-owned agency’s Master Development Plan (MDP) for Poro Point recently in San Fernando, La Union.

Based on figures from the National Statistics Office (NSO), there are more than 11-million residents in Metro Manila. As cities inside this region reach population capacity, there is increased pressure for the national government to develop growth centers outside of it.

BCDA, a government-owned-and-controlled-corporation (GOCC), has recently been exploring the development of Poro Point—a former US station. Gosiengfiao explains, “The planning was led by Palafox Associates and it took several months and iterations to integrate all the districts.”

He continues, “In the end, we espoused a very practical view. We anchored the MDP on young Filipinos, local tourism, and trading and light industry. In line with that, the developmental blueprint plots Poro Point into four dedicated districts for business, commercial, and residential.”

The MDP is geared towards transforming Poro Point into a major growth driver for North Luzon. The bustling city will be filled with restaurants, commercial centers, business centers, schools, and multi-use areas—which are all connected by a strategically located transit hub.

A walkable city
“It will be a walkable city,” describes Gosiengfiao, who was once an executive involved in the development of Hong Kong’s coveted Discovery Bay. “Based on the MDP, the Cliffwalk will be built around the entire Peninsula—allowing visitors to walk around the scenic peninsula without being bothered by cars. This design is a first in the Philippines.”

According to Gosiengfiao, the MDP starts with Phase 1A which focuses on the 14-hectare area of the Poro Point Lighthouse, while Phase 1B centers on the existing 70-hectare industrial area of the former military base. He likewise confirmed that the infrastructure development for both phases would cost around P1.3-billion.

Public-Private Partnership for San Fernando Airport
Gosiengfiao says the BCDA has started projects to develop the city’s transport systems, which will serve as the backbone of the MDP.

“We have already engaged the Public-Private Partnership Center (PPPC) to perform a study to develop the San Fernando Airport,” explains Gosiengfiao. “The new terminal will be connected to a shopping mall, and underneath it there will be a multi-mode transportation center.”

Three road improvement projects, he remarks, have likewise been started by BCDA. He maintains, “These initiatives, which include a road leading to the Poro Point Lighthouse, will improve access to and in the city.”

Gosiengfiao concludes, “I am very enthusiastic about the MDP, and I hope Filipinos can see its potential. The long-term development plan is set for 50 years, but we are optimistic that the results will speak for themselves.”

Ombudsman affirms Casanova appointment, denies Calleja MR

The Office of Ombudsman denied the Motion of Reconsideration (MR) filed by lawyer Howard Calleja on the dismissed criminal and administrative complaints he filed against BCDA President and CEO Arnel Paciano D. Casanova.

“We laud the Office of the Ombudsman for their fair and speedy resolution of this issue,” remarked Casanova. He noted that the decision by the Ombudsman is a legal victory against cases filed against government officials merely for harassment purposes.

It would be recalled that in the criminal and administrative complaints filed by Calleja against BCDA President and CEO Arnel Paciano D. Casanova , he argued that Casanova should be charged with usurpation of authority and violation of the antigraft law, as well as dishonesty and grave misconduct, for performing as the BCDA President, since the BCDA charter stipulates that the agency’s chairman of the board should also be its president. He said that when the position was split between Casanova and then-Chairman Felicito Payumo in April 2011, the law was violated.

In its Joint Resolution dated 30 July 2013, the Ombudsman found that there is no probable cause to file the charges against Casanova, since “it is clear from the appointment letter dated 07 April 2011 issued by Malacañang Palace… that [Casanova] was duly appointed as President and CEO of the BCDA. Thus, respondent Casanova is clothed with the color of title and cannot be considered a “usurper.”

Acting on the Motion for Reconsideration of Calleja on the Joint Resolution, the Office of the Ombudsman issued the Joint Order finding no reason to disturb the findings of the Office as set forth in the said Joint Resolution.

Penned by Graft Investigation and Prosecution Officer I Rachel Rueve M.T. Barroso-Jamiro, reviewed by Director Nellie P. Boguen-Golez and approved by Ombudsman Conchito Carpio-Morales, the Joint Order stated further that “although complainant contends that such appointment is illegal, until and unless a court of justice exercises its power of judicial review in a proper proceeding and declares the act of appointment by the President of the Philippines as illegal, such executive act enjoys the presumption of validity.”

“We are firm practitioners of transparency and good governance, so we have nothing to hide,” Casanova said.

The Joint-Order also said that “All the issues raised by the complainant-movant [Calleja] are mere rehash of the issues already resolved and taken into consideration by this Office.” It further stated that the motion of Calleja “does not contain new evidence that would warrant a reversal of the assailed Joint Resolution” thus the dismissal of the Motion for Reconsideration.

On his appointment as BCDA president, Casanova reiterated that “I am merely fulfilling my duties, and I am obliged to serve as BCDA President as mandated and appointed by President Aquino. This case was clearly an effort to harass me and prevent me from faithfully fulfilling my duty as a public servant. We shall not be deterred from pursuing a path of good governance.”

DOJ junks CJHDevCo spokesman’s MR on perjury charges

The Department of Justice (DOJ) denied the Motion for Reconsideration (MR) filed by Manuel T. Ubarra Jr., the lawyer and spokesperson of the Sobrepena-led Camp John Hay Development Corporation (CJHDevCo) on the perjury charges filed against him by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) before the DOJ.

“Respondent Ubarra, Jr. is a lawyer. It needs no reiteration that the ethical standards applicable to a member of the bar, who thereby automatically becomes a court officer, must necessarily be one higher than that of the market place,” stated the five-page resolution dated 11 February 2014 penned by Prosecution Attorney Gail Stephanie C. Maderazo and approved by Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Richard Anthony D. Fadullon and Prosecutor General Claro A. Arellano.

BCDA president and CEO Arnel D. Casanova welcomed the resolution, adding that the DOJ’s resolution is a “glaring indicator” that Manuel T. Ubarra, Jr. has “zero credibility.”

“We laud the DOJ of its decision to deny the MR, it is indeed a legal victory for the BCDA,” Casanova said adding that the case filed by Ubarra, Jr. was a clear case of harassment.
It would be recalled that CJHDevCo spokesperson and lawyer Manuel T. Ubarra, Jr. was arraigned by the Quezon City Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 41 last 20 January 2014 for perjury. Ubarra’s arraignment came after the court junked his lawyers’ motion to dismiss the perjury case.

The perjury case against Ubarra stemmed from the alleged deliberate assertion of falsehood in a sworn statement given to the Office of the Ombudsman.

BCDA president and CEO Casanova filed a complaint for perjury with the DOJ, citing glaring falsehoods in the affidavit executed by Ubarra, Jr. who is the vice president for litigation of the CJHDevCo, a lessee of the BCDA-owned Camp John Hay, Baguio City which owes government Php3.4 billon in rental arrears.

Casanova’s complaint stated that on July 4, 2012, Respondent Ubarra, Jr. executed a Complaint-Affidavit before Atty. Marlyn T. Galvez, Director of the Public Assistance Bureau of the Office of the Ombudsman in Quezon City, falsely accusing Casanova that he did not promptly respond to CJHDevoCo’s letter dated December 29, 2009; that it took Casanova more than sixty (60) days to reply in a letter dated March 1, 2010.

“In making these statements, Respondent (Ubarra, Jr.) deliberately asserted falsehoods under oath. I only became President and CEO of BCDA when I took my oath of office on April 15, 2011,” Casanova’s complaint read. The imputed acts took place more than a year before Casanova became the BCDA president.

Casanova’s complaint emphasized that “Respondent’s (Ubarra, Jr.’s) affidavit was required by law. The Rules of Procedure of the Office of the Ombudsman, Administrative Order No. 7, require that complaints filed before the Office of the Ombudsman should be under oath or, if not, substantiated by the affidavit of the complainant or those of his supporting witnesses.”

Several firms express interest in SCTEX Service Area bid

The state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said several firms have expressed interest in the long-term lease of a two-hectare property along the 94-km Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and its development into a service area.

BCDA President and CEO Arnel Paciano D. Casanova said the firms that attended the pre-bid conference last March 07, 2014 for the SCTEX Macangcung Area were Double Dragon Properties Corporation, LBC Express Business Solutions/Development, Manila North Tollways Corporation, Northern Star Energy, and Northwalk Land, Inc., PTT Philippines Corporation, and Seaoil Philippines, Inc.

“We look forward to the eventual submission of bids by these firms when the BCDA undertakes the public bidding for the SCTEX Service Area,” Casanova said.

BCDA chairperson of the Asset Disposition Program Committee Atty. Nena D. Radoc said interested parties may still buy the Terms of Reference (TOR) until April 02, 2014, the new deadline for purchase of TOR.

She said interested bidders could purchase the TOR for a non-refundable fee of Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000.00) payable to BCDA in manager’s check until April 02, 2014 at the BCDA Corporate Center, 2nd Floor, Bonifacio Technology Center, 31st St. corner 2nd Avenue, Bonifacio Global City. The TOR may also be viewed in the BCDA website at www.bcda.gov.ph.

Earlier, Casanova said the development of the SCTEX Macangcung Service Area involves the establishment, operation and maintenance of a gasoline station with amenities. He said the amenities of the service area would include, among others, rest rooms, sufficient and adequate parking slots, emergency First Aid station, potable water and lighting system, emergency vehicle repair shop and convenience stores.

The SCTEX Macangcung Service Area lot is located in Brgy. Santiago, Concepcion, Tarlac. It is located at the Clark-bound/north-bound direction of the Clark-Tarlac segment.

Radoc said the minimum starting annual fixed lease would be Three Million Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (P3,500,000.00), starting on the fifth year and subject to a five percent annual escalation. Thus, there will be a rent-free period from the first to fourth year of the lease period.

She said that upon contract signing the winning bidder shall remit to BCDA a Security Deposit equivalent to the winning bid and shall post a Surety Bond with a face value of Seven Million Pesos (P7,000,000.00).

The deadline for the submission of the eligibility documents and final proposal by bidders is on April 04, 2014 at 12 pm.

PHOTO: Asia-Pacific Diplomats tours Clark and Subic for economic familiarization

Display News by: All • SCTEX • Investment & Projects • Freeports & EcoZones • Corporate Social Responsibility

PHOTO: Asia-Pacific Diplomats tours Clark and Subic for economic familiarization

Author: BCDA
Posted: March 13, 2014 | Category: General News

Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) Chairman Rolando P. Gosiengfiao presents the concept of the Clark Green City Project during the Economic Familiarization Tour of Clark and Subic for Asia-Pacific Diplomats held at the Holiday Inn-Clark last March 8, 2014.  Over 60 participants comprised of Ambassadors, Commercial Attaches and other diplomats from the 21 Asia Pacific Region embassies attended the event which aims to promote Subic and Clark as trade and investment destinations.  The activity is conducted by the Department of Foreign Affairs, in partnership with BCDA, Subic Clark Alliance for Development (SCAD), Clark Development Corporation (CDC), Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), Global Gateway Logistics Corporation (GGLC), PhilExport, the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, North Luzon Expressway, Nayong Pilipino, Betis Crafts and Tours, Philippine National Police Pampanga and Region III. 

PHOTO: Sharing the long-term vision for Poro Point, La Union

Rolando Gosiengfiao (right), Chairman of state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), shares the Master Development Plan (MDP) for the Poro Point Freeport Zone (PPFZ) to the thousands of attendees of theSillag Poro Point Festival of Lights on March 8, 2014. According to Mr. Gosiengfiao, the MDP is a 50-year development plan for the former US station which starts with the establishment of dedicated zones for business, commerce, transit, tourism and residential.  The PPFZ is home to key infrastructure projects—the San Fernando International Seaport and the San Fernando Airport—and is the country’s gateway in Northern Luzon.  Looking on are supporters of the 3^rd Sillag Festival led by ABONO Party List Representative Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” Ortega (fourth from left) with officials of the Poro Point Management Corporation (PPMC) led by Chairman Ives Nisce (beside Rep. Ortega) and President Florante Gerdan (second from right), and Thunderbird Resorts Pilipinas Chief Operating Officer Angel Sueiro (beside Nisce).

Arnel Paciano Casanova (third from left), President and Chief  Executive Officer of the state-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), joins the inauguration of three road projects worth P75.95 million.  The roads opened to the public include the street leading to the historic Poro Point Lighthouse, which serves as a beacon of lighting guiding fishermen to safety, and the newly rehabilitated Mayor Lorenzo L. Dacanay Avenue, San Vicente-Pagudpud Road along the San Fernando Airport.  These roads are expected to help boost tourism and business in Poro Point Freeport Zone and serve as a catalyst in generating business in the region. Shown standing before the Poro Point Lighthouse are (from left) Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Engineer Melanio Briosos, PPMC President and CEO Florante Gerdan, Casanova, La Union Governor Manuel Ortega, La Union First District Board Member Francisco “Kit” Ortega, Jr., PPMC Chairman Ives Nisce, PPMC Director Mitchel Verzosa, Governor Ortega’s wife, Geraldine, PPMC Director Nicolas Tabora, and PPMC Vice President for Human Resources, Administration and Finance Vicky Soriano.

PHOTO: Unveiling the Master Development Plan (MDP) for Poro Point

Government leaders and members of the private sector jointly unveil the master development plan (MDP) of the Poro Point Freeport Zone during the annual Sillag Poro Point Festival of  Lights last March 8, 2014 at San Fernando, La Union. The MDP is a strategic 50-year blueprint prepared by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), in coordination with the Poro Point Management Corporation (PPMC) and Palafox Associates, and is geared towards spurring the economic growth of the former US station through the development of specialized zones for business, transport, commercial, and residential. Shown in photo are (from left): PPMC Director Vladimir Rodriguez, BCDA Director Elmar Gomez, PPMC Director Jorge Banal, BCDA Chairman Rolando Gosiengfiao, ABONO Party List Representative Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” Ortega, La Union Governor Manuel Ortega, PPMC Chairman Ives Nisce, Thunderbird Resorts Pilipinas Chief Executive Officer Angel Sueiro, PPMC President Florante Gerdan, and BCDA Head for Business Development Arrey Perez.

PHOTO: Coloring the night sky with hope and prosperity

Arnel Paciano Casanova, President and Chief Executive Officer of state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA),  joins thousands of tourists in releasing LED-powered hope lanterns during the third annual Sillag Poro Point Festival of Lights last March 7, 2014 at San Fernanco, La Union. The festival which has drawn over 20,000 tourists is expected to boost the tourism and business industry in the region.  With Casanova are (from left): Jamie Agbayani, President and CEO of the John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC); Jenny Ortega-Manguiat, co-chairman of Sillag Executive Committee; Ives Nisce, Chairman of Poro Point Management Corporation (PPMC); and PPMC directors Jorge Banal, Mitchel Verzosa, and Vladimir Rodriguez.   The release of hope lanterns to the sky is symbolic of the Filipino people’s capability to achieve their aspirations.  The Sillag Festival is seen as a game changer in La Union’s tourism and business landscape.

Poro Point San Fernando Airport secures PPP funding

The state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said the development of the Poro Point  San Fernando Airport  at the Poro Point Freeport Zone in San Fernando, La Union into an international gateway is now among the projects under the government’s public-private-partnership (PPP) program.

BCDA President and CEO Arnel Paciano D. Casanova said the Project Development and Monitoring Facility (PDMF) Board of the PPP Center  has approved funding support for the engagement of Transaction Advisory Services (TAS) for the development of the  said airport.   

“We are confident in the expertise of the PPP Center to take the lead in bidding out the development of the  Poro Point  San Fernando Airport,” Casanova said adding that “with the project under the PPP Center, the development of the airport will be fast-tracked.”

Casanova said the proposed project shall have two components, namely, the upgrading of the airport facilities to meet the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements for  safety and to serve larger aircrafts for international flights; and the construction of airport terminal with commercial complex.

He said the PPP Center is now preparing the necessary documentation for the procurement of the TAS or consultant to do the feasibility study, prepare bid documents, and assist in the bidding process until the financial closure of the project with the private developer/investor.

He noted that the project development phase is an important first step as it will define the parameters for the next phase which is the design and construction phase. The construction phase is seen to start by the middle of 2015.

According to Casanova, the development of the Poro Point San Fernando Airport is envisioned to establish it as a regional airport that can also accommodate direct international flights, serving as gateway to La Union, Baguio and other tourist spots within the region. It is also aimed at providing link with and complementing the operations of the Clark International Airport.

“An airport terminal shopping mall will be constructed similar to Changi Airport of Singapore, but much smaller in scale,” Casanova said.

He added that  the development of the airport will include, among others,  development works such as removal of obstructions such as hills, trees, transmission lines; provision of  air navigation system; and the  construction of a new terminal building, fire stub taxiway and new apron.

BCDA to fund P76M Poro Point road projects

San Fernando, La Union – The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is allocating nearly P76 million of its revenues on three road projects to improve access to the Poro Point Freeport Zone (PPFZ) and boost tourism.

The three projects, which were launched recently by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in a groundbreaking ceremony, include the construction of the road leading to the Poro Point Lighthouse; repair of the road leading to the Poro Point Management Corp. (PPMC); and upgrading the road leading to the San Fernando Airport.

BCDA president and CEO Arnel Paciano D. Casanova said that “this initiative is in line with the BCDA’s mandate to be a catalyst for national growth and development.  The PPFZ is a key economic driver in the region, and these road projects will make it more accessible to tourists and locators.”

R.A. 7917 sets aside 27.5 percent of the BCDA’s earnings for infrastructure projects, including the construction and upgrading of highways, railways and other transport facilities to improve access to former military bases. The BCDA and its subsidiary, PPMC, identified the Poro Point road projects which the DPWH will execute.

According to Ives Q. Nisce, PPMC Board Chairman, the road projects will be instrumental in boosting tourism and economic activities in the Freeport zone, particularly the annual Sillag Festival, one of San Fernando’s biggest tourist draws.  The projects are scheduled to be finished by February 2014, in time for the Sillag Festival.

 “The road going to the PPFZ  become flooded during the rainy season. Through the projects, this perennial problem will be finally solved,” Nisce said.

Planning for the project started in 2012 while funds were appropriated last July.

The road projects have been given support by the local government, with Vice Governor Aureo Nisce saying, “I hope to continue this good partnership with PPMC to further develop our province.”

Casanova reiterated the BCDA’s support of further development in La Union, adding that “through these infrastructure projects, La Union can maximize its potentials to become the business and leisure hub in the North.”

BCDA and PPMC to spearhead PPP for airport upgrade

 

The state-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and its subsidiary, Poro Point Management Corporation (PPMC) is looking to launch another PPP (public-private partnership) project, this time for the upgrading of La Union’s San Fernando Airport to meet the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements for catering to larger aircrafts for international flights. The upgrade will also include the development of an airport terminal with mall complex, touted to become a small-scale version of Singapore’s Changi airport. Rebel Group International BV is set to conduct the feasibility study until the financial close for the PPP project. In photo (seated right to left): BCDA president and CEO Arnel Paciano D. Casanova, PPP Center of the Philippines Executive Director Cosette Canilao, and Rebel Group International BV Team Leader Jeroen In’t Veld ink the contract for the Transaction Advisory Services. Witnessing the signing are (standing right to left) PPMC president and CEO Florante Gerdan, PPMC Director Jorge Banal and vice president for airport operations Josefa Catherine Bada.

BCDA to earn P1.9-B from development of Taguig lots

The state-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is set to earn P1.9-billion in 25 years for the long-term lease of the 5.2-hectare Pamayanang Diego Silang (PDS) commercial lots located near the C-5 road in Taguig City. The consortium of R-II Builders, Inc. and MGS Construction, Inc. won the bid last year for the development of the properties. In photo: BCDA President and CEO Arnel Paciano D. Casanova (seated in the middle) inks the contract with the winning bidders: (seated from left) from R-II Builders, Inc., Mr. Jerome Canlas, Executive Vice President and Mr. Victor Songco, President; and from MGS Construction, Inc., Mr. Marcelino Mendoza, President and CEO and Ms. Rowena Reclosado, Senior Vice President for Special Projects. Also in photo are (standing from left): from BCDA, Director Elmar Gomez; Arrey Perez, Head of Business Development Department; and, Director Vice Admiral Ferdinand Golez (Ret). The deal is the first contract signed by BCDA for 2014.

Total disposition generated for Metro Manila camps hits P60.21-B. AFP gets P1.52 Billion for CY2013

The state-owned Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) has generated P60.21 billion in disposition proceeds for the period May 1993 to end-December 2013 or a P3.5 billion increase from the P56.70 billion it generated from May 1993 to end-December 2012 from the disposition of former Metro Manila camps the biggest of which are Fort Bonifacio and Villamor Airbase.

Of the generated P60.21 billion in disposition proceeds for the past 20 years, the AFP got the lion’s share at P25.36 billion. The amount comprises P13.98 billion remittances for the AFP modernization program and P11.38 billion spent for the Military Replication facilities. An additional P1.52 billion is set to be remitted to the National Treasury for the AFP modernization program on GOCC Day for CY 2013.

“The additional P1.52 billion generated for the AFP will be remitted to the National Treasury soon. Once remitted, the AFP can draw this amount from the National Treasury to fund its modernization program,” BCDA President Arnel Paciano D. Casanova said.

Casanova noted that the BCDA is ever mindful of the critical funding requirements for the AFP Modernization Program.  “Rest assured, the BCDA will always work for the interest of the Filipino soldier in delivering the much needed funds to ensure and sustain a strong and well-equipped armed forces,” he said.

Casanova said that of the generated P60.21 billion in disposition proceeds for the period May 1993 to December 2013, BCDA’s share amounted to P12.52 billion while the share of the 14 government beneficiary agencies under A.O. 236 was at P7.36 billion. The remaining amount represents payments for taxes and fees related to disposition, replication of non-military facilities, share of the contiguous municipalities and direct expenses consisting of relocation of informal occupants, construction of site development projects, and administrative expenses. 

He pointed out that the shares of the AFP and the 14 government beneficiaries were directly remitted to the National Treasury.  In turn, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is responsible for the programming and releasing the appropriation to the AFP to finance their modernization program. 

The 14 government beneficiaries include the  1) National Housing Authority, National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation and Home Insurance and Guarantee Corporation; 2) Philippine Health Insurance Corporation; 3) Department of  Public Works and Highways and the Department of Transportation and Communications;  4) Philippine Veterans Affairs Office; 5) Commission on Higher Education; 6) Department of Science and Technology;  7) Office of the Secretary, Department of Justice and the Ombudsman; 8) Mount Pinatubo Assistance, Rehabilitation and Development Fund; 9) Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Corrections, Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Jail  Management and Penology; 10) Supreme Court of the Philippines and Lower Courts, Sandiganbayan, Court of Appeals and Court of Tax Appeals; 11) Department of  Education, Culture and Sports, Department of Social Welfare and Development; 12) Department of Labor and Employment; 12) Department of Social Welfare and Development; 13) Mount Pinatubo Assistance, Rehabilitation and Development; 14) Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

Top global business school completes strategic marketing plan for Clark Green City--BCDA

The state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said a top US-based business school it had signed an agreement with has completed the comprehensive blueprint that outlines the strategies and tactics in marketing the country’s planned first and only smart and green metropolis called Clark Green City making it the center for innovation, sustainability and inclusive growth for its residents, partners and the world.

BCDA President and CEO Arnel Paciano D. Casanova said the Stephen M. Ross School of Business of the University of Michigan formulated the Strategic Marketing Development Plan that complements the Master Development Plan of the Clark Green City. He said the Strategic Marketing Development Plan was presented to the BCDA last December 17, 2013.

 “We are happy to have partnered with the Stephen M. Ross School of Business, being perhaps the world’s top business school, which delivered a top notch global strategic marketing development plan for the Clark Green City,” Casanova said. He added that the plan will undoubtedly redound to the ability of BCDA to successfully market Clark Green City in a global scale. 

He added that  team from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business, lead by Dr. Andrew Lawlor,  was in the country last October to undertake  meetings, data collection and other preparatory activities for the study.

According to Casanova the scope of the market study undertaken by the Stephen M. Ross Business School team include, among others, the review of financial and economic assumptions in the Master Development Plan; a market attractiveness assessment, sizing analysis and branding formulation; and the five-year Strategic Marketing Development Plan.

Casanova said the NEDA Infracom, chaired by Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and

NEDA Director-General Arsenio Balisacan has already endorsed the Clark Green City Master Development Plan to  President Benigno S. Aquino III for final approval.

“Once we get the green light from President Aquino, we can now implement both the Strategic Marketing Plan and the Master Development Plan for the Clark Green City,” Casanova said.

Casanova noted that the University of Michigan has a long standing relationship with the Philippines in terms of developing the country’s educational system. He explained that graduates from the University of Michigan composed a large number of the first American teachers or Thomasites who taught and chartered the course of the Philippine educational system.

He said that no less that the founder of the University of the Philippines College of Law, Justice George A. Malcom was a graduate of the University of Michigan and a lot of known Filipino leaders are educated there.

“This time, the University of Michigan and the Stephen M. Ross School of Business has assisted the Philippines in developing the country’s most modern and intelligent city,” Casanova said.

According to Casanova, considering that the greatest asset and competitive advantage of the Philippines is its young population, the Clark Green City shall serve as the country’s brain capital as it aims to host the most inquisitive, creative and innovative minds.

Clark Green City involves the development of some 36,000 hectares of land or approximately half the size of Metro Manila.

At the heart of the 36,000-hectare property is a 9,450-hectare metropolis. BCDA  will start by developing 1,321 hectares for the first phase.

Earlier, Casanova said Clark Green City is the first project of this magnitude that will be undertaken in the history of the country. “Not only are we building a new city, we are building the city for the modern Filipinos, aware of their rich and diverse history, yet forward looking and global thinking,” he said.

Said Casanova: “We are building a city not defined by physical space alone but on how this space uplifts the quality of life of every human being that will live and work there.”

He added that development of the Clark Green City is expected to contribute in attracting investments, generating more jobs, boosting the economy and sustaining inclusive growth.

Casanova said at full development, Clark Green City would contribute approximately P1.57 trillion per year to the economy of the country and will generate  925,000 jobs.

The BCDA has extensive experience in building a city. It is coming from the success of developing  the Bonifacio Global City, the country’s most beautifully planned and developed city using the best practices around the world. “Compared to BGC, Clark Green City will be of a much larger scale,” Casanova said.