THE RELOCATION of Philippine Air Force (PAF) facilities from Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga goes full swing with next month’s bidding for the initial phase to transfer the housing facilities to an 85-hectare area in New Clark City, Tarlac — estimated to cost about P742 million.
This was confirmed by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) in a statement on Tuesday on the P4.24-billion project aimed at freeing up 300 hectares of prime property in the middle of the Clark Freeport commercial area.
“With the support of the Marcos administration, the BCDA is now ready to commence the relocation of PAF’s housing and operational facilities,” BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang said.
The project is part of the memorandum of agreement the BCDA signed with the Department of National Defense in 2019.
“Once completed, this project will allow us to provide modern and world class facilities for the Air Force,” he added of the plan to transfer the PAF’s operational facilities to a 147-hectare area within the OMNI Aviation near the Clark International Airport (CRK).
With PAF’s facilities relocated from Air Force City, the BCDA would use the freed-up land for more developments such as the proposed 100-hectare Clark Central Business District and the second runway of the CRK.
“The transfer of PAF’s facilities is just the first step to unlocking more opportunities in Clark. We believe that Clark still has so much to offer, and we are committed to bring out its full potential for the benefit of the people of Pampanga and nearby provinces,” said Mr. Bingcang.
Up for bidding in February is the first phase of the project which involves site development works and management services in the 85-hectare lot in New Clark City.
Upon the completion of the first phase of the project, the BCDA will move forward to the construction of PAF’s housing and support facilities which is estimated to cost P3.5 billion. — Justine Irish D. Tabile
