Baguio export zone leases BCDA property

The Baguio Export Processing Zone (BEPZ) is set to annex the 6.5-hectare property of the bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to be able to accommodate more locators according to Tereso O. Panga, officer-in-charge of the BEPZ.

The BEPZ and the Philippine Export Processing Authority (PEZA) had already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) covering the 6.5-hectare property last Nov. 22, 2005.

The property is adjacent to the BEPZ and is located right at the back of the Texas Instrument facility in Barangay Apugan, Sitio Kadaclan.

At present, Panga said, the BEPZ covers only 113 hectares, 60 percent of which is allocated for industrial purposes with the remaining land allocated for residential purposes.

The BEPZ, Panga said, will further negotiate with the BCDA for additional lots since there is still a big demand from investors.

In fact, of the 6.5 hectares to be annexed by the BEPZ, Panga disclosed, 3.5 hectares has alreadybeen reserved by the American aviation parts manufacturer Moog Controls Inc.

The BEPZ would lease the 6.5 hectares from the BCDA.

However, it has offered a rental sharing agreement to the BCDA as a form of payment.

The BCDA has still not agreed to the proposal. The BCDA has an additional 22 hectares adjacent to the BEPZ which is currently being managed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The 22 hectares property is currently being used as a training ground by the Department of Defense. There is also the possibility that it may be overrun by informal settlers and government would prefer that it is used as an ecozone.

Aside from Moog, Panga said, there are several other interested located such as Ingasco and ACI which want to expand their operations in Baguio.