BCDA allots P76 M for Poro Point roads

MANILA, Philippines - The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is spending  about P76 million for three road projects for improved access to the  Poro Point Freeport Zone (PPFZ) in La Union. 

In a statement, the BCDA said the three projects, which were recently  launched by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), are the  construction of the road leading to the Poro Point Lighthouse; repair  of the road leading to the Poro Point Management Corp. (PPMC) and  upgrade of the road leading to the San Fernando Airport. 

The BCDA and its subsidiary PPMC identified the Poro Point road  projects which the DPWH would execute. 

BCDA president and chief executive officer Arnel Paciano Casanova said  the initiative is in line with the BCDA’s mandate to be a catalyst for  national growth and development. 

“The PPFZ is a key economic driver in the region, and these road  projects will make it more accessible to tourists and locators,” he  said. 

Under Republic Act (RA) 7917 which amended Section 8 of RA 7227 or the  Bases Conversion and Development Act, the BCDA should set aside 27.5  percent of its earnings for infrastructure projects, including the  construction and upgrade of highways, railways and other transport  facilities to improve access to former military bases. 

PPMC board chairman Ives Nisce said the road projects would   boost tourism and economic activities in the  Freeport zone, particularly the annual Sillag Festival, one of San  Fernando’s biggest tourist draws. 

The projects are scheduled to be completed by February next year in  time for the Sillag Festival.  “The road going to the PPFZ become flooded during the rainy season. 

Through the projects, this perennial problem will be finally solved,”  Nisce said.  Casanova said the BCDA intends to support further development in La Union. 

“Through these infrastructure projects, La Union can maximize its  potentials to become the business and leisure hub in the North,” he  said further. 

Aside from the three road projects, the BCDA is working on the  development of the PPFZ. 

Casanova said earlier the BCDA would bid out the  construction contract for the development of the freeport zone in the  first quarter of next year. 

The masterplan for the PPFZ approved by the BCDA seeks to develop the  freeport as an attractive location for investors. 

The masterplan also covers the improvement and upgrade of the San  Fernando Airport to accommodate direct international flights and serve  as a gateway to the region, and the development of a terminal shopping  mall similar to Singapore’s Changi Airport.