Next government should include Metro Manila decongestion in priority program – BCDA

MANILA, Philippines - The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is urging the 2016 presidential aspirants to include Metro Manila decongestion plans in their respective platforms.

BCDA president and chief executive officer Arnel Paciano Casanova said clear plans on how to ease the congestion in Metro Manila must be part in the programs of governance of presidential candidates as these problems are causing the economy billions of pesos daily in potential income.

“The respective platforms for next year’s elections will surely point to improving the lives of Filipinos. But if we truly wish to achieve the quality of life, let us work toward easing the congestion in Metro Manila,” he said.

Citing a report from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, Casanova said Metro Manila loses some P2.4 billion daily due to congestion.

“Our future national leaders need to initiate efforts to arrest urban decay, to resolve a host of perennial traffic and transportation challenges, and to develop another metropolis which is sustainable and disaster-resilient in the face of the global threat of climate change,” Casanova said.

Asked on the viability of a major plan to ease Metro Manila’s congestion, Casanova said all it takes is a “well-crafted plan and good governance to ensure its success.”

For the BCDA’s part, Casanova said the Clark Green City project is being presented as a viable alternative outside of Metro Manila to host vital public offices and key private sector institutions.

Clark Green City is a 9,450-hectare master planned property within the Clark Special Economic Zone which is approximately half the size of Metro Manila and is eyed to be the country’s first green and disaster-resilient metropolis.

Clark Green City is expected to break ground early next year.

The Gotianun-owned Filinvest Land Inc. has bagged the deal to serve as BCDA’s joint venture partner for the development of the initial 288-hectare portion of Clark Green City.

“We look forward to the Green City as the focal point in plans to ease the congestion in the metropolis. This will be the catalyst for economic growth of surrounding localities leading to an enhanced equitable distribution of development across the country,” Casanova said.