PHL Army, BCDA inaugurate new fitness hub in Laguna

By Ryan Carl Mangubat

Helping troops to stay physically fit during the pandemic, the Philippine Army’s 202nd Infantry (Unifier) Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division, and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) recently inaugurated a new fitness hub in Laguna province. The project was initiated by former brigade commander, Lieutenant General Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos Jr. Brigadier General Alex Rillera, commander of the 202nd Infantry Brigade, led inauguration rites for the new facility on February 23, 2021, at the Army’s headquarters in Barangay West Talaongan, municipality of Cavinti. The joint project was launched to foster fitness, fun, and strong bonding among the officers and enlisted personnel at the base, while keeping them physically ready to secure peace in the Calabarzon region. “BCDA is one with the military community in rising above the pandemic and the challenges that lie ahead,” BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Vince Dizon said. “As a testament to BCDA’s commitment, our contribution to the Armed Forces of the Philippines over the past four years has already reached PHP 15.16 billion, exceeding the previous administration’s PHP 13 billion overall contribution.” Dizon assured the brigade and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that the fitness hub is just one of the many initiatives that the BCDA, under the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte, has lined up to support and honor our soldiers’ sacrifices in the name of freedom and democracy. BGen. Rillera said, “The BCDA has long served as our partner in rendering selfless service to the Filipino. Your continuous support has truly been helpful in the AFP modernization. This project will not only make our soldiers physically fit to face the vicious Covid-19, but it will also help them to relieve the stress brought upon by continuous hard work to serve our country.” As part of its mandate under Republic Act 7227, BCDA generates funds for the modernization program of the AFPDepartment of National Defense (AFPDND). It has contributed a record-high PHP 15.16 billion to the AFP in four years, under the administration of President Duterte— surpassing the previous administration’s PHP 13 billion overall contribution.