At least one more government agency is planning to move to the Clark Freeport Zone following the transfer of the Department of Transportation yesterday.
The DOTr said in a statement that it would be followed by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), which has its headquarters in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, Metro Manila, within a month.
The DOTr started the move from its office in Mandaluyong City in Metro Manila yesterday, part of a broader government-led effort to cut road congestion in Metro Manila.
“This is the first wave of transfers that the DOTr seeks to complete by yearend, making it the first national agency to transfer outside of Metro Manila,” the DOTr said in its statement.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said the department wanted to take the lead in this area, adding “the greater good must prevail over personal interests.”
He added that the welfare of the DOTr’s employees were considered in the transfer.
Apart from giving employees the option to transfer or be detailed to DOTr attached agencies without loss of seniority or diminution of salaries and benefits, implementation of a flexible working schedule and four-day work week were also welcomed by management in order to give the employees enough time to spend with their families.
Free shuttle services were also provided by the Department to ferry employees to and from Clark. The DOTr management also signified its intent to give the management of the office cafeteria to the employees’ union.
“The greater the conflict, the more glorious is the triumph. That is why I ask you today to trust me. Trust the decision,” Tugade said.
The DOTr first announced a plan to move to Clark in 2016.
The government has also laid down aggressive plans to develop the Clark Freeport Zone. By 2020, it would complete a new passenger terminal in Clark International Airport. Moreover, the administration is building a railway link that will connect Clark to Manila before the term of President Duterte ends in 2022.