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.”