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.”