Jusmag area dev’t pushed

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said last week that it would proceed with the proposed development plans for the Jusmag area at the Bonifacio Global City (BGC).

BCDA president and chief executive officer Arnel Casanova said in a statement that the development will generate funds that will also help modernize the country’s Armed Forces.

“We are bound by our mandate to generate funds for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program. The AFP is in dire need of modernization funds to ensure that our country is safe and protected from both internal and external threats,” Casanova said.

The BCDA is now clearing the former compound of the Jusmag—the defunct Joint US Military Assistance Group—which will not only complement the BGC central business district but raise revenues for the military modernization program.

Several informal settlers used to occupy the area but many have availed of the relocation program offered by the BCDA, which is considered by social workers as one of the best relocation programs offered by the government.

Casanova disclosed that there are still informal settlers who remain in the area, whose structures need to be lawfully dismantled so the project can proceed.

“We have been transparent and lawful in the process,” he said.

The City of Taguig issued a Certificate of Compliance (COC) on Demolition last July 18, 2012.

Casanova explained that a court order is not needed to lawfully dismantle illegal structures.