Morong, Bataan—Construction of the P28-billion Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) headquarters is in full swing after the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and its partner agencies broke ground at the 100-hectare lot within the Bataan Technological Park here Thursday.
The first phase of the project costing P7.5 billion, considered as one of the major infrastructures under the Duterte administration, would be completed by 2024, the BCDA said in a statement.
The activity coincided with the 71st anniversary celebration of the PMC, which highlighted the anticipated transfer of the PMC to its new home.
BCDA Officer-in-Charge Office of the President and CEO Atty. Aristotle B. Batuhan, PMC Commandant MGen. Ariel Caculitan and Philippine Navy Vice Commander MGen. Nestor Herico joined the ground breaking rites.
“Today, just three days from the Philippine Marines’ 71st anniversary, we are laying the foundation not just for the future home of the Corps, but for the Marines’ continued modernization despite the COVID-19 pandemic. BCDA is honored to support the men and women of the Corps despite these trying times so they may serve and protect our countrymen,” Batuhan said.
He added that with the PMC relocation and replication program, the BCDA is giving up 100 hectares of land at the Bataan Technology Park for the PMC.
The PMC headquarters in Fort Bonifacio covers only about 12 hectares.
Unlike its current headquarters, where operations are hindered by traffic and congestion, the Bataan location was deemed ideal for the Marines as it would help expedite emergency response and ease deployment of troops.
The new headquarters will also feature modern, state-of-the-art facilities to ensure more efficient operations.
“The Philippine Marine Corps is excited for this much-awaited groundbreaking ceremony and looks forward to building our new headquarters at the Bataan Technology Park. We see the strategic value of the area as it offers a conducive place for our training and operations especially that we are in the midst of strengthening our Archipelagic Coastal Defense strategy. We thank the BCDA, the local government, and the people of Bataan for accommodating us here,” Caculitan said.