CAMP EMILIO AGUINALDO, Quezon City
– A good number of military soldiers from the Armed Forces of the
Philippines (AFP), especially their immediate family members will
benefit from the fruits of the Bases Conversion and Development
Authority's (BCDA) strategic planning and well-executed programs
particularly the forthcoming completion of 192 residential units located
in Fort Bonifacio and the Villamor Air Base.
The construction of 12 condominiums, each having 16 decent condo-type units will cost the BCDA the amount of P700 million.
Two
buildings, with a total of 32 units, are located within the retention
area of the Philippine Air Force in Villamor Air Base while ten
buildings, comprising 160 units, are located in Fort Bonifacio.
The
BCDA announced the imminent completion of the residential units last
week in the turnover ceremony of 32 newly completed condominium-type
units to a similar number of Army soldiers and their families who were
former JUSMAG (Joint US Military Assistance Group) Area residents.
During
the event, BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Arnel Casanova
said “the provision of decent shelters to our brave men is expected to
motivate them while being in pursuit of giving service to the nation and
to fellow Filipinos.”
The
achievements of BCDA has left the military and its soldiers, other
national government agencies, and civil society optimistic that there
are goal-oriented means in correcting old, distorted ways. These are
evidenced by the recovery of Joint US Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG)
property and the usage of AFP's shares and proceeds from the
disposition of former military bases to augment the military's
modernization programs.
“I’m
quite convinced that there is still honor amongst uniformed men and the
way we’re going to accomplish these projects is by bearing in mind the
honor and dignity of our soldiers,” Casanova added.
Apart
from upgrading the military's capability, the shares and proceeds
received by the AFP from the said disposition are further translated
into the construction of more housing units for qualified members of the
military. Once the second batch of 32 housing units are accomplished,
they will be turned over soon to qualified soldiers. These 32 units are
just part of the 160 condo units to be built near McKinley Hill in
Taguig City.
Out
of the 10 buildings in Fort Bonifacio which ought to provide 160
condo-type units, 2 have been constructed already. The other 8 buildings
are expected to be put up and turned over before the year ends. Each unit is equipped with 3 bedrooms and a maid's quarter.
Casanova
emphasized that the results of these projects cannot be possible
without the concerted efforts of the Department of National Defense, the
BCDA, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“The
Armed Forces of the Philippines is grateful for the continuous
assistance and contribution of the BCDA to uplift the morale and welfare
of the soldiers. Not only does the BCDA put in so much effort to
fast-track the implementation of our capability upgrade and
modernization program but it keeps in mind the hardship and the
sacrifices made by our troops which they willingly replace with programs
that would better fit the soldiers and their families’ needs,” AFP
Chief of Staff, Gen Jessie D. Dellosa said.
“Rest
assured that with the benefits that we continue to receive from the
BCDA, we will be more able and efficient in performing our mandate to
protect the people and the state,” Dellosa added.
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PAO | Armed Forces of the Philippines | May 27, 2012 | Article Link
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