BSP sees move to new Tarlac facility in 2022

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine central bank will break ground on a new complex that will house its mint and production operations at a new government center in Capas town, Tarlac province by the second quarter of 2022 as part of its efforts to build a facility more secure than its existing one in Quezon City.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno, at an online briefing on Tuesday (June 8), made the announcement during the launch of a design competition for the BSP’s “eco-friendly currency production facility” in New Clark City.

“The new BSP complex design competition will enable the central bank to benefit from multiple design ideas for the construction of its iconic, smart, green and modern facility,” he said.

The new complex will be built on 31 hectares of land. It will house structures for currency and security documents production, executive offices, information technology, security, training, wellness, and sports activities. The complex will also house an academic building, BSP’s research academy and a museum.

The new complex is BSP’s contribution to the national government’s vision to decongest Metro Manila and establish a modern National Administration Center in New Clark City.

Actual construction is projected to start during the second quarter of 2022.

Diokno said the central bank’s current headquarters along Roxas Boulevard in Manila will be retained, while a study group has been formed to determine the fate of its sprawling Security Plant Complex in Diliman, Quezon City.

He added that the regulator may opt to either retain the sprawling Quezon City property, sell it to the private sector, or jointly develop it with a third party.

The design contest—which officially began on Tuesday—will have two stages: the eligibility screening and shortlisting and submission of technical and financial proposals and conceptual design. To promote participation in the competition, architectural firms are invited to send proposals.

“The proposed project design should be sustainable and incorporate Green Building measures to promote efficient use of resources such as power, water, and materials. These are intended to foster the health of its occupants and to protect the environment,” Diokno explained.

In accordance with Republic Act 9184, or “The Government Procurement Reform Act” and its “2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations,” the winner shall be awarded the contract through competitive bidding to design the BSP complex in New Clark City.

TSB