State-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority said Monday it building a P283.4-million state-of-the-art facility for two units of the Philippine Army in another area at Fort Bonifacio as part of its relocation and replication program for the transfer of military structures from the Bonifacio South Pointe lot in Taguig City.
A five-story office building—equipped with a helipad, roof deck, lower ground parking and a bridge connecting to the Army headquarters—will house the Special and Technical Staff of the Special Services Center and Division Administrative Command Center.
BCDA said it included the helipad in the project as an upgrade to the SSC and DACC facilities, although it was not part of the original structures to be replicated. The new Special and Technical Staff Building for the SSC and DACC is scheduled for completion by December 2022.
BCDA earlier announced plans to develop the 33.13-hectare Bonifacio South Pointe through a joint-venture agreement with SM Prime Holdings in line with its mandate under Republic Act 7227 to generate funds for the Department of National Defense/Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program,
“BCDA continues to support our troops by providing them with modern facilities and increased funding. In the process, like in the case of the replication and relocation of the SSC and DACC, we are also paving the way for business growth in Fort Bonifacio that would help spur economic recovery from the pandemic,” said BCDA officer-in-charge president and chief executive Aristotle Batuhan.
Army chief Major Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said part of the command’s thrust is to uplift the morale and welfare of army troops while pursuing the modernization program.
“The Philippine Army continuously looks for better ways to serve their interests while they perform their duties. Fortunately, we have the DND and BCDA, who share these same goals. We thank the DND and BCDA for this project as it symbolizes the Command’s commitment to uplift the well-being of its human resource. Providing our men and women with better and modern facilities will surely translate to more efficient and productive soldiers and Civilian Human Resources of the Philippine Army,” he said.
The Philippine Army’s SSC, DACC and Army Support Command occupy some 11.5 hectares in the Bonifacio South Pointe property.
BCDA and the DND broke ground on the P1.5-billion ASCOM development in Camp Gen. Servillano Aquino in Tarlac City in February 2021. A total of 44 structures will be built on a 29.8-hectare lot inside the camp.
“At the end of the day, all these earnest efforts towards modernizing our facilities and equipment is our modest step closer to becoming a world-class Armed Forces that is a source of national pride. As Chief of Staff, AFP, I am looking forward to seeing the completion of this project as this will surely enhance the Philippine Army’s administrative and training facilities,” said Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Andres Centino.