6 firms vie for Poro Point deal

Urban planning firm Palafox Associates and five other companies are vying for the contract to draft a master development plan for the 146-hectare Poro Point Freeport Zone in La Union.

In a statement, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said six companies submitted eligibility documents before the Feb. 25, 2013 deadline for the master plan contract for Poro Point, seen a major growth area in Northern Luzon.

The five other interested companies are Schema Konsult Inc.; a joint venture between CPRM Consultants Inc. and Transport & Traffic Planners Inc.;  a joint venture between Filipinas Dravo Corp. and Key Engineers, Co.; Philipps Technical Consultants Corp., and a joint venture between UP Planades and Philippine Jac. Inc.

BCDA president Arnel Casanova said the agency’s bids and awards committee was evaluating the documents submitted and would prepare a shortlist of companies that would be allowed to submit technical and financial proposals.

“The primary objective of the P8-million project is to produce a new master development plan for the 146-hectare PPFZ that is marketable, viable and effective,” Casanova said.

He noted that the implementation of the masterplan was expected to boost economic growth at the PPFZ, taking into consideration the existence of surrounding recreation and resort facilities, and the availability of  transportation infrastructure support that include the freeport’s twin jewels—the San Fernando Airport and Seaport.

“The airport and seaport make PPFZ an ideal tourist and business destination in Northern Luzon, where passengers and goods can be transported by the convenience of air and sea travel aside from by land,” Casanova said.

Casanova said the master plan would also include a roadmap for the improvement and upgrading of the existing San Fernando Airport and the development of the proposed Terminal Shopping Mall.

According to Casanova, the plan for the airport should include a feasibility study on the construction and development of a terminal shopping mall not only for the airport passengers but also for the general public. Paolo G. Montecillo