CLOSING 2022 STRONG WITH P7.53B IN REMITTANCES TO GOV'T

Despite the economic uncertainty and disruption caused by the pandemic, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) delivered a strong financial performance after its remittances to the national government reached Php 7.53 billion in 2022, an increase of Php2.94 billion or 64 percent from Php 4.59 billion in 2021. This was mainly driven by continuing cash inflows from existing joint ventures, leases, and other income-generating activities of BCDA.

Bulk of BCDA’s remittances to the national government came in the form of disposition proceeds amounting to Php 6.38 billion. This amount came from the income generated by BCDA in 2021 from the sale, lease, or joint venture development of former military camps in Metro Manila, pursuant to Republic Act 7227 or the Bases Conversion and Development Act. It will then be allocated and distributed by the Department of Budget and Management to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other beneficiary agencies.

The other Php 885 million came in the form of dividends, while the remaining Php 269 million were from guarantee fees and other obligations.

This strong financial performance is driven by our commitment to our mandate of improving the quality of lives of those not just in our properties, but also those in the surrounding communities. After a very difficult two years, doing more with less will be the underlying principle of all our efforts in BCDA as the national government copes with tightening budgets. Now more than ever, we will be very conscious in generating revenues for the modernization of the AFP,” said BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Aileen R. Zosa.

Fueled by BCDA’s strong financial performance, the gross disposition proceeds also increased by Php 7.11 billion or 6% to Php 134.66 billion during 1993-2022 period, from Php 127.55 billion in 1993-2021. The Php7.11 billion disposition proceeds is subject for distribution to the beneficiary agencies scheduled in the 2nd quarter of 2023 upon approval of the concerned government agencies.

In 2022, BCDA contributed Php7.206 billion to the AFP or Php4.562 billion higher compared to the 2021 remittance of Php2.644 billion. Of the gross disposition proceeds from 19932022, 42 percent or Php 56.40 billion is allocated to the AFP for its modernization program, giving a boost to military forces who respond to crises and defend the country against all threats.

Some Php 9.02 billion was remitted to the other beneficiary agencies, while Php 560 million was remitted to the contiguous cities of Makati and Taguig, and the municipality of Pateros. CJVDP

PLANNING VIROLOGY AND VACCINE INSTITUTE FOR A PANDEMIC-RESILIENT PH

The COVID-19 was a bitter pill to swallow for the Philippines, as for most countries in the world, particularly in realizing the importance of capacitating local health systems against diseases or threats to health that are invisible to the naked eye. It further taught leaders that effective policy-making and government response should be grounded on evidencebased and data-driven research.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. announced during his first State of the Nation Address the creation of the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VVIP) as among his priority legislative agenda. This is a bold move for the country to adapt to global scientific research standards while recovering economically from the recent pandemic. The VVIP is one of the three health system structures eyed to augment the government's ability to prepare for and respond to diseases that concern public health. The other two are the Center for Disease Prevention and Control and the Philippine Public Health Laboratory System.

To facilitate this, the heads of Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in November agreed to work together for the smooth and imme diate completion of the VVIP that will strategically be located in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.

Advancing PH capabilities

An institute that will be attached to the DOST, the VVIP is set to be the principal virology laboratory in the country tasked with the detection, identification, and response to viruses that affect people and the environment.

BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer (PCEO) Aileen

Anunciacion R. Zosa and DOST

Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr. discussed the details on the initial phases of the project, among which are the fencing and construction of an access road and dormitory. The Biosafety Level 3 and 4 laboratory building will be constructed in Phase 3. Meanwhile, Phase 2 will include the development of the main buildings and laboratories, as well as the utilities and support facilities of the site.

"We welcome this development as we are equally excited to work with DOST for this project. Learning from the pandemic, I believe the VVIP is a significant step towards advancing the country’s capabilities in managing viruses and viral diseases," said BCDA PCEO Zosa.

The proposed design and structure of buildings for the VVIP will follow the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO), and its high containment laboratories will undergo international certifica-

Several facilities will comprise the VVIP complex. These include an administration building, lecture hall, good manufacturing product building, human and animal virology laboratory, plant virology laboratory, animal isolation, Biosafety Level 3 and 4 laboratory building, plant cultivation area, dormitory, power station, and a sewage treatment plant.

In a Memorandum of Understanding signed in July 2022, the BCDA allocated a five-hectare parcel of land at the National Government Administrative Center in New Clark City to house the VVIP for a period of 50 years, extendable for another 25 years.

Funds were allocated by the national government to the Department of Public Works and Highways for the design, site development, and construction of the VVIP buildings and facilities.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives passed on December 5, 2022, the third and final reading of House Bill No. 6452, the consolidation of 31 bills seeking the establishment of a virology institute. —RCV