Saludo sa Sundalo - Issue No. 5 2023

BCDA contributes P3.31 B to the AFP

By Richard Vargas, Division Head-Public Relations, Public Affairs Department

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) remitted Php3.31 billion to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) this year, representing a major share from the state firm’s disposition proceeds as proof of its commitment to help strengthen the country’s troops.

“Recognizing the AFP as our major stakeholder, the BCDA always ensures that our Armed Forces receive the biggest chunk from our gross disposition income every year. Our consistent contribution to the military is possible through great efforts to sustain our robust financial standing, bolstered by excellent collection efforts and sound management,” BCDA

Acting President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua

M. Bingcang said.

This year’s contributions declined by 54 percent as compared to last year’s level of Php7.21 billion due to the delay in the clearing and turnover to the developer of a portion of the Bonifacio South Pointe property caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since its establishment in 1992, the BCDA’s cumulative contributions to the AFP amounted to Php59.71 billion, accounting for 44.34 percent of the Php134.66 billion disposition proceeds as of end-2022.

Pursuant to its mandate under Republic Act 7227 or the Bases Conversion

and Development Act, the BCDA generates income from the sale, lease, or joint venture arrangements with private sector partners in former military camps in Metro Manila.

These proceeds are remitted to the Bureau of the Treasury every year, which are then allocated and distributed by the Department of Budget and Management to the AFP and other beneficiary agencies.

Aside from the AFP, other beneficiary agencies also received Php235.08 million in

contributions from the BCDA. These include the National Housing Authority, National Home Mortgage Finance Corp., Home Insurance Guaranty Corp., Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Transportation, Philippine Health Insurance Corp., Department of Science and Technology, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Department of Labor and Employment, among others.

Meanwhile, the contiguous cities of Makati and Taguig, and the municipality of Pateros were provided Php4.79 million.

Breakdown of Gross Disposition Proceeds

AFP is the biggest beneficiary receiving Php59.71B or equivalent to 44% of the total disposition proceeds generated since 1993.

Shown above is a graph representing BCDA’s disposition since 1993.

MOA Signing for Bantayog ng Kabayanihan

CAMP AGUINALDO, QUEZON CITY

The Civil Relations Service Armed Forces of the Philippines (CRSAFP) entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), Fort Bonifacio Development Corporation (FBDC) and Bonifacio Arts Foundation, Incorporated (BAFI) on June 9, 2023, Friday at the Headquarters, CRSAFP for the establishment of the “Bantayog ng Kabayanihan” in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

“Bantayog ng Kabayanihan” is a monument that will symbolize the sacrifices and heroism of the soldiers who have fought for peace and freedom, and for the living heroes who are continuously dedicating their lives in protecting the country and serving the Filipinos. It aims to awaken the sense of patriotism of Filipinos, and to help them realize that addressing insurgency and social issues is a shared responsibility. This project is also aligned with BCDA’s Historical Markers Project under the “Saludo sa Sundalo” Program.

Brigadier General Arvin R Lagamon PA, Commander of the CRSAFP; Atty. Gisela Z. Kalalo, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer of the BCDA; Ms. Maria Lourdes R. Reyes, Chief Financial Officer; and, Mr. Alfonso Javier

D. Reyes, Chief Operating Officer of FBDC, respectively; and, Ms. Maria Isabel O. Garcia, Managing Director/Curator of BAFI signed the MOA.

The event was graced by BCDA Chairman Delfin N Lorenzana, together with other guests, such as Lieutenant General Charlton Sean M Gaerlan PN (M), Deputy Chief of Staff, AFP; Police Major General Edgar Alan O Okubo, Regional Director of National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO); Major General Gilbert F Saret (Ret) of Armed Forces and Police Savings and Loans Association, Inc. (AFPSLAI); BCDA Director Reghis M. Romero III, and Brigadier General Ferdinand S Razalan (Ret) of the Armed Forces and Police Mutual Benefit Association, Inc. (AFPMBAI). The fund for the establishment of the monument was donated by the AFPSLAI and AFPMBAI.

BGen Lagamon said, “Bantayog ng Kabayanihan is a fitting tribute for the sacrifices and heroism of our sailors, airmen, soldiers and marines to include the police and other uniformed service—past and present, active and retired—who work silently and remained loyal and true to their oath in fighting those who threatened to destroy the freedom and independence of our country. And to those who remained loyal to their oath of defending

(Front row, from left) Ma. Lourdes R. Reyes, Chief Financial Officer of the Fort Bonifacio Development Corp. (FBDC); Maria Isabel O. Garcia, Managing Director and Curator of Bonifacio Art Foundation Inc. (BAFI); BGen Arvin R. Lagamon PA, Commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Civil Relations Service (CRSAFP); Atty. Gisela Z. Kalalo, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA); and Alfonso Javier D. Reyes, Chief Operating Officer of FBDC, sign the memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the establishment of the “Bantayog ng Kabayanihan” monument in Bonifacio Global City.

Serving as witnesses are (back row, from left) Reghis M. Romero III, BCDA Director; Maj Gen Charlton Sean Gaerlan PM, AFP Deputy Chief of Staff; Delfin N. Lorenzana, BCDA Chairman; PMGen Edgar Alan O Okubo, Regional Director of the National Capital Region Police Office; MGen Gilbert F Saret (Ret), Senior Vice President of the Armed Forces and Police Savings and Loan Association Inc.; and BGen Ferdinand S Razalan (Ret), Head of Administration Division of the Armed Forces & Police Mutual Benefit Association Inc. Photo by Samuel Luke M. Galivo (BCDA)

By Civil Relations Service, Armed Forces of the Philippines

our country and our people with our lives if necessary.”

“This monument will keep the soldiers inspired, motivated especially those who are in the isolated distant posts, those who are manning the isolated islands at the West Philippine Sea, our personnel who are patrolling the skies, seas and streets and our personnel who have to leave their respective families not knowing if they will be able to return safely,” he added.

Chairman Lorenzana stated, “As a soldier who served for three decades, I have seen firsthand the sacrifices a soldier had to make in furtherance of its solemn duty of defending our country and protecting our people. The “Bantayog ng Kabayanihan” is one way of empowering our soldiers through immortalizing their stories of heroism and sacrifices.”

The “Bantayog ng Kabayanihan” will be the second historic marker that will be built in BGC in honor of the military. In 2018, the BCDA, together with partners FBDC and BAFI, installed the “Alab ng Puso” by sculptor Daniel de la Cruz, which portrays a Filipino soldier who is reading a letter from his family. The installation of these markers are part of the BCDA’s BGC Historical Markers Project, which aims to consistently and continuously share stories about patriotism and the rich history of Fort Bonifacio—a former military camp that now houses the country’s premiere business district.

BCDA Chairman Delfin Lorenzana (left) receives a token of appreciation for his support for the cause of honoring the military from the Commander of the Civil Relations Service Brigadier General Arvin R Lagamon PA.

Photo by Samuel Luke M. Galivo, BCDA

AFP Civil Relations Service Commander BGen Lagamon (right) and AFP Spokesperson Col Medel Aguilar (2nd from left) greet the guests and signatories of the MOA Signing for the “Bantayog ng Kabayanihan” namely, FBDC Chief Financial Officer Ma. Lourdes Reyes, BCDA Legal Services Group Officer-In-Charge Atty. Ritchie Paclibar, BCDA Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Atty. Gisela Kalalo. Photo by Samuel Luke M. Galivo, BCDA

BCDA Chairman Delfin N. Lorenzana delivers his closing message during the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the installation of the “Bantayog ng Kabayanihan” monument in Bonifacio Global City. He said that the “Bantayog ng Kabayanihan” is one way of empowering our soldiers through immortalizing their stories and sacrifices.”

Photo by Samuel Luke M. Galivo, BCDA

DND, AFP, and BCDA strengthen information exchange through forum on modernization

By Chrisee dela Paz, Public Relations Division, Public Affairs Department

The leadership of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Department of National Defense (DND) aim to strengthen their respective organization’s public information capabilities by enhancing information exchange and linkages among them.

In a message read during the 26 th AFP Forum hosted by the BCDA, former Defense Secretary and current BCDA Chairman Delfin N. Lorenzana stressed the significance of government communicators, especially in the defense and security sectors, as “bearers of truthful and accurate information.”

“We highlight the crucial role of public information officers in communicating to our stakeholders our commitment to help build a community that is peaceful, secure and livable through the support of a strong and reliable armed forces,” pointed the BCDA Chairman.

Over 90 public affairs and information officers from the DND and AFP, led by DND Spokesperson Arsenio Andolong, participated during the forum to hear updates on BCDA’s current efforts to contribute to the AFP Modernization Program and on its replication projects for the military.

“The BCDA is all about helping strengthen the Armed Forces while building great communities, like Bonifacio Global City,” said former BCDA President and CEO Aileen R. Zosa. She added that by building recurring revenues through these developments, the BCDA will be more conscious in generating revenues for the modernization of the AFP and expediting the completion of much-needed military facilities.

Representing AFP Civil-Military Operations (CMO) Deputy Chief-of-Staff (DCS) MGen Gabriel Viray, CMO Assistant DCS BGen Fermin Carangan expressed appreciation to BCDA for organizing the forum that generated constructive dialogue among the attendees.

“[This

opportunity] enhances

engagement and exchange of information geared towards the achievement of common goals and interests,” BGen Carangan said, reading MGen Viray’s prepared message.

As a testament to its mandate, the BCDA in 2022 contributed a total of Php7.206 billion to the AFP or Php4.562 billion higher compared to the 2021 remittance of Php2.644 billion. Of BCDA’s gross disposition proceeds from 1993-2022, 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.

Other than contributions to the AFP Modernization Program, the BCDA also provides support by modernizing military facilities as part of its replication program. In 2022, the BCDA turned over modern facilities to the Army Support Command of the Philippine Army, in order to relocate the unit’s headquarters in Camp Servillano Aquino in Tarlac.

‘Big boost to AFP readiness’

CMO Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff BGen Fermin Carangan expressed his gratitude to the BCDA for its invaluable contribution to the military’s modernization program.

“As our partner, the contribution of BCDA is a big boost to our readiness to perform our mandates. Moreover, key impact projects such as New Clark City are definitely a step in the right direction of our goal of providing better services for the Filipino people,” said BGen. Carangan during the 26 th AFP Forum.

Led by DND Spokesperson Andolong, members of public affairs and public information offices of the DND and the AFP also toured the sports facilities and disaster-resilient government center within New Clark City to stay informed and updated on the existing and future developments in zones where BCDA operates.

(From left) Representing BCDA Office of the Chairman MGen Arnel M Duco AFP (Ret); Vice President for Public Affairs Leilani Barlongay-Macasaet; Executive Vice President and COO Atty. Gisela Kalalo; DND Spokesperson Arsenio Andolong; former BCDA President and CEO Aileen Zosa; CMO Assistant DCS BGen Fermin Carangan PAF; BCDA Director David Diwa; Corporate Services Group Senior Vice President Arrey Perez; and, Engineering and Social Support Services Vice President Engr. Mark Torres poses for a group photo during the conduct of the Forum of the Role of BCDA in AFP Modernization for the DND and AFP Public Affairs Officers and Public Information Officers.

Photo by Samuel Luke M. Galivo, BCDA

Former BCDA President and CEO Aileen Zosa (right) handover a certificate of appreciation to DND Spokesperson Arsenio Andolong for his invaluable support to the conduct of the Forum on the Role of BCDA in the Modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and in honor of his remarkable leadership as the DND Chief, Defense Communication Service.

Photo by Samuel Luke M. Galivo, BCDA

BCDA vows continued support to AFP under new chief Brawner

By Garry Cativo, CSR and Stakeholder Relations Division, Public Affairs Department

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has committed to continue its support to the modernization efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) under the leadership of its newly appointed AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo S. Brawner Jr.

“The BCDA welcomes the appointment of General Romeo S. Brawner Jr. as the new AFP Chief of Staff. The AFP, under the leadership of General Brawner, can be assured of BCDA’s usual commitment and support to modernize our armed forces,” BCDA Chairman Delfin N. Lorenzana said.

The former defense chief added, “We believe that with the strong leadership and proven professionalism of General Brawner, the AFP

will maintain its reputation as a professional organization and will be able to sustain its significant accomplishments.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. appointed General Brawner as the 60th AFP chief on July 21 during the change of command ceremony at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Lorenzana also expressed confidence that the new AFP chief will demonstrate resolute commitment in fulfilling the marching orders of the President of modernizing the armed forces.

Pursuant to Republic Act No. 7227, the BCDA is mandated to raise funds for the AFP Modernization Program and to convert former US military bases into economic hubs.

Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) Chairman and former Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana presiding over the Philippine Army Change of Command Ceremony in December 2021, when General Romeo Brawner Jr assumed as the 65th Commanding General of the Philippine Army. Source: Department of National Defense

Since its establishment in 1992, BCDA’s contribution to the AFP has reached Php 59.71 billion. Of this amount, Php 48.59 billion went to the AFP Modernization Program and Php 11.12 billion to the replication of military facilities.

General Brawner is the third AFP chief to be appointed by President Marcos, Jr. He succeeded General Andres C. Centino, who was appointed as Presidential Adviser on the West Philippine Sea.

Before taking the helm of the AFP, Brawner was assigned as the Commanding General of the Philippine Army. He also served as AFP Spokesperson, Battalion Commander of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion, Operations Officer of the Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), and Public Affairs chief of the Philippine Army, to name a few.

The new AFP chief is part of the Philippine Military Academy “Makatao” Class of 1989 where he graduated second in his batch.

Photo above: Gen Brawner, former commanding general of the Philippine Army, delivers his message during the partial ceremonial turnover of the constructed facilities to Army Support Command (ASCOM) last March 7, 2022 at Camp Servillano Aquino, Tarlac.

Photo below: Former AFP Chief of Staff Gen Andres Centino (2nd from right) turnover the ceremonial key that symbolizes the partial turnover of constructed facilities to then former Philippine Army Commander Gen Brawner. Witnessing the turnover are: (from right) BCDA Chairman Lorenzana, Gen Centino, Gen Brawner, former ASCOM Commander MGen Glenn Cruz and former North Luzon Command Commander LtGen Ernesto Torres.

Photo by Samuel Luke M. Galivo, BCDA

LtCol Rufina Sophia Iglesias PA

Her Vocation, Her Life Changing Decision

By Maricar Gay Villamil, Division Head-CSR and Stakeholder Relations, Public Affairs Department

Q. How is it like being a woman in the Armed Forces? Tell us about your journey?

A. Being one of the few women who has given the opportunity to be part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is both a privilege and a challenge. It is truly an honor to be in the AFP. I am privileged to be given the chance and be part of the organization; wear the noble uniform and be part of the noble profession of arms who plays a crucial role in preserving peace and security in our country. With the long list of applicants then, I am honored to be chosen and be given the opportunity to serve the Filipino people and protect the national territory.

However, it was also a challenge for me, being a woman in a male-dominated organization, especially in the early stage of my career, wherein I entered in

the late 90’s and as I can remember, Gender Equality at that time was not fully established, understood and appreciated. Being in a core of male-dominated institution, women must prove her worth in the organization and there was an unwanted disparity before. Leading a group of men in a “Filipino Culture” was truly a challenging task.

Likewise, I also considered it as a challenging experience to be physically separated from our love ones. Though during our trainings, it was emphasized and part of our indoctrination the nature of our profession, but I cannot do away of the fact that I am a woman, a daughter and a wife. I struggled emotionally to be separated from my family, especially my elderly parents, for a longer period of time. It is a challenge on how to balance time so that I could give my parents and my husband

Lt Col Rufina Sophia Iglesias Deputy, G4, Army Support Command Philippine Army

a sufficient and quality time without sacrificing my responsibilities as a soldier and as a leader. Workpersonal life balance is a challenge.

Though today, the organization is totally transformed and professionalized. With the mainstreaming of GAD in the military, women in the military would no longer pose gender issues that cannot be resolved. Also, the organization has implemented several programs to address issues like physical separation from the family, female biological existence and other issues will be attended accordingly.

Q. Do you think the world has evolved for the better in terms of gender equality in the workspace?

A. I believed so. The 36 other nations who are signatory to the United Nations Security Council Resolutions number 1325 & 1820 had their own share of mainstreaming this UN charter.

With the recent passing of the Republic Act 11313 in April 2019 otherwise known as Safe Spaces Act which covers all forms of gender-based sexual harassment (GBSH) committed in public spaces, educational or training institutions, workplace, as well as online - is a lucid manifestation that the government is serious in its quest to eliminate all forms of gender discrimination, particularly in the workplace.

Thus, gender equality in a workspace is but a continuing effort, to address similar issues.

Q. What more can we do to provide a wider space for women in the workplace? Has the new ASCOM facilities been responsive to the needs of women troops?

A. The new ASCOM facilities in Tarlac are designed to address the peculiar needs of the female personnel of ASCOM.

While a more ideal workspace may not be fully provided, workspaces are decent enough to cater the workspace needs of our personnel. These spaces are tailored-fit with the organizational requirements of the Unit. One of the obvious examples is the design

of the female billeting facilities wherein each room has each own Toilet and Bath, the building has a separate and exclusive Laundry Area and Visitors Lounge wherein the needs for privacy of the female is considered.

Q. How do you balance your role at home and your role at work? Is it harder for women to have worklife balance?

A. As I mentioned, a work-life balance is truly a challenge and will always be a challenge to every working woman most especially in the core of the male-dominated institution.

Meeting deadlines at work should be in congruent to meeting ends at home. Time Management and proper planning beforehand are important. Though the organization is fully aware of it, thus, creating Morale and Welfare programs for the personnel in order to reduce stress and be able to appropriately attend both work and personal life obligations.

Q. What advice can you give young women who want to join the Armed Forces?

A. For me, “Soldiery is not just a Job, it is a Vocation”. A calling which requires great dedication and true service. The motivation to join would define how far can an individual grow in the service; hence, one must be physically, emotionally, psychologically prepared. But, Joining the Armed Forces is a noble and a life-defining decision.

Q. If you weren’t a soldier, what would you be? Why?

A. As a licensed Civil Engineer, I would have probably pursued this career path.

At the end of the day, there is no one but you, who will shape your ver own destiny. You can only reap what you have invested and it is what it is.

But then, I chose the path of a noble profession. A path that defines who I am as a person and as a female leader in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Living his childhood dream

By Maricar Gay Villamil, Division Chief-CSR and Stakeholder Relations, Public Affairs Department

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has completed the relocation and replication of the headquarters of the Army Support Command (ASCOM) from Fort Bonifacio to Camp Servillano Aquino in Tarlac.

The plan for ASCOM facilities revolve around the construction of 44 structures within a 29.8-hectare lot in Camp Aquino. These include the Service Support Training Center headquarters, two classrooms, student mess hall, two student barracks, commander’s quarters, deputy commander’s quarters, chief of staff’s quarters, three security barracks, senior officers’ quarters, junior officers’ quarters, and sergeant major’s quarters.

The modern facilities are now being used by BCDA’s stakeholders from the ASCOM. The said project will also pave the way for the generation of modernization funds anchored on the development of the 33.13-hectare Bonifacio South Pointe Property in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

BCDA sat down with the new director of its Research and Development Center, LtC Vladimir D Sta Maria OS (GSC) PA to ask for his feedback on the facilities that were improved by BCDA for the benefit of the Philippine Army.

Before his assumption as Research and Development Center (RDC) Director, LtC Sta Maria served as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics, ASCOM, PA, which is responsible in providing logistics support to all units of ASCOM. He is an alumnus of the Philippine Military Academy “Sanghaya” Class of 2000 and took the AFP Command and General Staff Course in 2012. He holds a Master’s Degree in Public Management major in Development and Security.

Q: Briefly take us through your journey on why you decided to become a soldier. What is your current position and how many years have you been with the AFP?

A: It has always been a childhood dream of mine to be a soldier. I can clearly remember when I was still a kid how I and my cousins would wave at soldiers passing by our house. It was then when I started dreaming of becoming a soldier. This was further reinforced when soldiers assisted us during the funeral of my grandfather by letting us use their military vehicle. That thought of being able to help people never left my mind as I pursued my dream of being a soldier.

I have been in the AFP for 27 years now.

Q: What are you looking forward to with BCDA’s completion and turnover of modern facilities for the ASCOM here at Camp Aquino? What key differences were experienced between the old and replicated facilities?

A: The completion and turnover of replicated facilities is a fruition of a two-decade effort to transfer ASCOM from Fort Bonifacio to Camp Aquino. Finally having our new home is something that every ASCOM personnel including myself, has been looking forward to. Seeing our new facilities now, it was truly life altering, literally.

BCDA really did a great job of not only replicating our old dilapidated buildings but also of greatly transforming them into world-class facilities that we are really proud of. From work-enhancing operational facilities to very comfortable billeting areas; well-lit and wide roads; fully-functioning water and electrical system; and well -manicured grounds, you can truly feel BCDA’s desire to give the best to us. Even the environment was taken care of, as a standard sewage treatment plant is included among our new facilities. It is really a far cry from our old facilities in Fort Bonifacio.

Q: How will these facilities benefit you and fellow troops in the Army in the performance of duties?

A: Known by our monicker as “The Providers,” our unit’s mission is to provide proactive, integrated and sustained quality logistics support services to Philippine Army units in support to the Philippine Army’s mission. As we say it, we provide wombto-tomb support to all Army units and personnel. Our capabilities are wide-ranging and include supply, transportation, maintenance, explosive ordnance disposal, CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear), mortuary, and other field

services. Our units are deployed all throughout the archipelago and wherever there is an Army unit, ASCOM is there to provide logistics support to them.

Central for accomplishing this mission is a home base with the needed facilities where our assets and resources can project to the different areas of the country to provide logistics support. The vast supplies and equipment that we have need proper infrastructure to store and maintain them so that they are ready every time we need them. Our most important asset—our personnel—also needs proper facilities not only to shelter them but also to train them on much-needed skills. We do not have these before. ASCOM has long been last among the priorities when it comes to facility development in the Philippine Army due to its pending transfer. As such, mission performance was greatly affected. If not for the ingenuity and resilience of ASCOM leaders and their personnel, we would have actually failed. And that is the benefit of the new ASCOM facilities. We now have world class facilities that will ensure a more effective and efficient performance of our duties.

Continued on page 12

One of the modern facilities replicated is the storage facility of the ASCOM which helps in its logistical support services for the Philippine Army.

Living his childhood dream... from page 11

Q: What facility is your personal favorite in terms of scope and benefit? Why?

A: I have always been pushing for improving our work environment as this will directly enhance our mission accomplishment. As such our operational facilities, particularly the warehouses, maintenance and transportation bays, as well our office buildings are my favorites. The Army has long embarked on a transformation program that seeks to make us a world-class Army that is a source of national pride. While ASCOM strived hard to provide world-class logistics service, it was still handicapped by the limitations of its previous operational facilities.

Our warehouse space now is eight times bigger than our previous warehouses. That enabled us to follow standard warehousing procedures where we can maximize our material handling equipment to hasten our supply operations. We are proud to say that our warehouses are now comparable to industry leading logistics companies. Our maintenance facility now has handling equipment and features that we’ve long identified as a requirement for our maintenance operations. Our transportation personnel can now work efficiently on their trucks to ensure

their readiness at all times. And no more wayward parking for our trucks as there is enough space to aptly park 100 trucks in our new transportation unit area. Undeniably world-class indeed!

Q: What can you say about BCDA’s efforts to build modern facilities for our troops? Where can we step up/improve, if any, under our mandate of helping strengthen our armed forces while building great cities?

A: As a soldier, it is heartwarming to know that an agency such as BCDA exists to help in strengthening our Armed Forces. I have been given the privilege to manage the implementation of AFP Modernization Projects in a different capacity before, and, as such, I am aware of the contributions that BCDA is giving towards that effort. Also as a previous unit commander before, I have utilized personally some of the equipment that were acquired by the AFP using the proceeds from BCDA. On the other hand, the output of BCDA, as shown by the economic activities generated in the areas it covered, such as the Bonifacio and Clark Global Cities, is truly enormous. I think the returns that the country has made from the conversion of these former military already far outweighs their worth before. It’s a win-win solution for everyone.

SNAPSHOTS

Donation of Toys “Masayang Bata sa Pasko, Masayang Pamilya ng Sundalo,” December 15, 2022

A roundup of events by the BCDA for the Armed Forces of the Philippines

BCDA Yuletide Committee, led by Information and Communications Technology Department Vice President Virgil Alvarez, spearheads a gift-giving activity that aims to support material and non-material needs of personnel of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army (CMOR, PA) amidst physical and psychological pressures of the military profession. Around 150 dependents of the CMOR, PA troops and children from select communities benefitted from the said project. Photo by Samuel Luke M. Galivo, BCDA

Food provision for the Philippine Army’s “Battle of the Bands,” December 14, 2022 BCDA provides 200 packed meals for the military participants and organizers of the Army Battle of the Bands 2022 organized by the Philippine Army at the Market! Market!, BGC. Photo shows the champion team, Headquarters and Headquarters Support Group, PA. The Army Battle of the Bands 2022 allowed our military to connect with the general public this Christmas season and touch the hearts of citizens through music that promotes positive values anchored on original song compositions of performing troops at the event. Photo by the Philippine Army

We build great cities while we help strengthen our Armed Forces.

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is a government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC), which lives by its core function: to strengthen the Armed Forces while building great cities.

It is vested with corporate powers under Republic Act (RA) 7227 or the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992: “An Act Accelerating the Conversion of Military Reservations Into Other Productive Uses, Creating the Bases Conversion and Development Authority For This Purpose, Providing Funds Therefor And For Other Purposes.”

The Republic Act 7227 was signed into law by former President Corazon C. Aquino, on March 13, 1992. The BCDA Charter was amended by RA 7917 in 1995, and further amended by RA 9400 in 2007.

EDITORIAL TEAM

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Leilani Barlongay-Macasaet

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Maricar Gay S. Savella-Villamil

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Annie Rose A. Laborte

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Garry A. Cativo WRITERS

Richard C. Vargas

Chrisee Jalyssa V. dela Paz

Maricar Gay S. Savella-Villamil PHOTOGRAPHY

Samuel Luke M. Galivo

BCDA Corporate Center

2/F Bonifacio Technology Center

31st Street corner 2nd Avenue

Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City Philippines

TheBCDAGroup www.bcda.gov.ph