The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has broken ground for a 65-hectare (ha) housing hub for the Philippine Air Force in New Clark City, Tarlac, marking the latest development in the construction of the P4.24-billion development.
“It is our pledge to ensure that our soldiers are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve by delivering replication projects that are modern, world-class and sustainable. This is not merely a task, it is a debt we must repay,” BCDA chair Hilario Paredes said in a statement on Wednesday.
READ: BCDA still finalizing plans to re-develop Market! Market!
The groundbreaking ceremony was held on Nov. 19. Aside from Paredes, the event was attended by BCDA president and CEO Joshua Bingcang.
“We owe our national security to the military. We assure you that the projects we undertake for the military will be world-class and will serve as a model of military camps,” said Bingcang.
“We don’t want to lose sight of our focus on helping strengthen the Armed Forces. We will continue to share revenues and support the [Armed Forces of the Philippines] modernization program,” he added.
The BCDA said the housing hub, which it considers as a relocation project, will be divided into two phases.
Phase 1 will be the site development of the 65-ha property, which is slated for completion by September 2025. The contract was awarded to R.D. Policarpio and Company in August 2024.
Phase 2 will involve construction of housing and community facilities, including churches, clubhouse and administrative building. This phase will be implemented by 2026.
Since May 1993 up to December 2023, the BCDA has contributed a total of P59.71 billion to the AFP, helping with its modernization efforts and the replication of its military facilities in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, and the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City. INQ