BCDA awards new master plan contract for CSEZ

MANILA, Philippines - The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has awarded the contract to come up with a master plan for the development of 36,000 hectares of the Clark Special Economic Zone (CSEZ) to PROS Architects and Engineers Co. and Woodfields Consultants Inc (PROS and Woodfields).

Arnel Paciano Casanova, president and chief executive officer of the BCDA, said in a statement yesterday the Notice of Award was given to PROS and Woodfields last Friday (Aug. 10).

“This is the first stage in creating the country’s most modern city,” he said.

The consulting services for the creation of a master plan for the CSEZ has an approved budget contract of P26 million.

The services of a consultant is needed by the BCDA to prepare a new master development plan that is marketable, effective, viable and in harmony with current and planned developments for the CSEZ.

Casanova said earlier the new master plan for the CSEZ is seen to promote development in Central Luzon.

The master plan is likewise seen to help promote Clark as the investment destination in Southeast Asia.

BCDA chairman Felicito C. Payumo said the new city to be built in Clark would support the economy by attracting more investments and creating new jobs.

Apart from the promotion of Clark as an investment destination, the master plan would also develop a plan for the adoption of a green building system that would encourage certain practices and techniques from architectural design to the construction of the buildings as well as the use of renewable energy in all buildings and facilities.

The master plan would likewise involve the development plan for a clean and affordable transportation system; production of organic food; provision of a state-of-the-art information infrastructure for communication network system; provision of a district to accommodate facilities for the development of cutting-edge technology which should house laboratories for computer innovations; and protection of natural habitats.

The BCDA said the master plan is seen to be completed over a six-month period.

“Clark will be a beautiful, highly integrated, high-tech, green community where Bonifacio Global City meets Silicon Valley amidst a lush greenery,” Casanova said.