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.
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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.
