BCDA targets turnover of 192 homes to soldiers
State-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) targets to complete its P700-million “replication” program within the year to be able to turn over a total of 192 residential units to soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and their families.
BCDA issued the statement on Saturday following its turnover last week of the first batch of 32 newly completed condominium-type units to Army soldiers with their families, who were former residents of the Jusmag [Joint US Military Assistance Group] property in Taguig City.
The second batch of another 32 condominium units are now undergoing finishing touches and will be turned over soon, the BCDA said.
The replication program involves the construction of 12 five-story condominiums within the AFP’s retention area in Fort Bonifacio and Villamor Air Base.
Each building has 16 residential units, while each unit has three bedrooms and a maid’s quarters, comparable to the pricey condominiums in nearby areas that can be rented up to P25,000 per month.
Ten of the 12 buildings, which will have a total of 160 units, are being constructed at the Fort Bonifacio for the Army, while the remaining two buildings, which will have a total of 32 units, are being put up in the Villamor Air Base for the Air Force.
“The replication program is part of our commitment to give back to the military establishment its fair share of the proceeds of the BCDA’s asset disposition and property development efforts as mandated by Republic Act 7227, also known as the BCDA Law,” said BCDA president and chief executive officer Arnel P. Casanova.
“BCDA is honored to be able to bring dignity and honor to our soldiers by providing them with decent and quality condo units. While our nation’s soldiers are away in the battlefields defending the sovereignty and security of our country, their families are secure and contented in their new homes,” he added.
According to Casanova, the bigger picture shows that the BCDA has been “performing its role in the overall nation-building by transforming former military camps and baselands into virtual beehives of economic and social activities, showcasing a harmonious blend of trade and commerce and upscale residences.”
The 34.5-hectare Jusmag property in Fort Bonifacio was auctioned years ago by the BCDA. Property developer Megaworld Corp., after submitting the highest bid, was then chosen by the BCDA as its joint-venture partner for the property, which is on Lawton Avenue, close to Forbes Park and the Manila Polo Club.
