BCDA unveils P1.3B Poro Point plan

MANILA, Philippines—The Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) has unveiled a P1.3-billion comprehensive development plan to make Poro Point in La Union a tourist magnet.

BCDA chair Rolando Gosiengfiao said in a statement the state agency had engaged Palafox Associates to execute the design.

“We anchored the (plan) on young Filipinos, local tourism, and trading and light industry,” Gosiengfiao said. “In line with that, the developmental blueprint plots Poro Point into (separate) dedicated districts for business, commercial, and residential.”

The intention is to build restaurants, commercial centers, business centers, schools and multi-use areas that are connected by a strategically located transit hub.

One phase of the plan is focused on the development of the 14-hectare area of the Poro Point Lighthouse while another phase covers the existing 70-hectare industrial area of the former military base.

Gosiengfiao said that the plan boasts a feature that would be seen for the first time in the country, referring to a “Cliffwalk” that will be built around Poro Point and would allow visitors to walk around the peninsula without being bothered by vehicular traffic.

Also, the executive said the BCDA had started projects to develop the city’s transport systems, which serve as the backbone of the envisioned Poro Point.

“We have already engaged the Public-Private Partnership Center to perform a study to develop the San Fernando Airport,” he said.

“The new terminal will be connected to a shopping mall, and underneath it there will be a multi-mode transportation center,” he added.

Further, three road-improvement projects have been started, including a road leading to the Poro Point Lighthouse.

“The long-term development plan is set for 50 years, but we are optimistic that the results will speak for themselves,” Gosiengfiao said.