More Shelters for More Soldiers

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

Old war tunnel in Bonifacio Global City to become historical site

MANILA, Philippines – An old war tunnel in Bonifacio Global City, formerly part of Philippine Army headquarters Fort Bonifacio, will be turned into a historical site in recognition of the history of the former military base, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority said Thursday.

In a statement, BCDA president and corporate executive officer Arnel Paciao Casanova said that the project aims to enhance the Filipino’s understanding and appreciation of the history of the former military camp.

“Along BGC’s world-class development, BCDA plans to rehabilitate, develop and convert the old tunnel into a historical site in BCG that will showcase the city’s rich and unique heritage as a former military base,” Casanova said in a statement.

Since parts of the former camp was transformed to BGC—now a bustling business, commercial and residential district—the BCDA, a government owned and controlled corporation, has been tasked to oversee the preservation and find use for old military structures like the Fort Bonifacio War Tunnel.

The War Tunnel, built by American soldiers upon their arrival in the country during the early 20^th century, originally measured 2.24 kilometers and had 32 built-in chambers and two passable exits—one leading to what is currently Barangay Pembo and the other to Barangay East Rembo—according to military historian, Retired Brigadier General Restituto Aguilar.

Of the original structure, only a 730-meter segment of the tunnel remains unaffected and can be found under the C-5 Road in the eastern portion of the BGC, with its opening near Market! Market!

Aguilar said that American military strategy included the construction of tunnels which they use as re-supply point.

“Basta Amerikano may pupunta silang unit, pupuntahan silang lugar at i-develop na kampo automatic sa kanila na may tunnel sa ilalim. Anywhere around the world standard yan sa Amerikano,” Aguilar said.

The tunnel used to be open to the public and hundreds of people use to come to the area to visit.

“Para ka ring pumunta sa Malinta Tunnel. Same ang design,” Aguilar said when asked why it was a popular location before. Aguilar added that the same US corps of engineers that constructed the Malinta Tunnel in Corregidor Island built the Fort Bonifacio tunnel sometime around early 1910s.

He also clarified claims of some historians that it was General Douglas MacArthur who had instructed the construction of the War Tunnel since it was built decades before the Second World War. Many of the laborers who constructed the tunnel were employees of mining companies in Baguio and Benguet while there were also Japanese laborers who were later discovered to be soldiers spying for the Japanese military, Aguilar said. He added that the tunnel served as the supply and logistics route of the American soldiers.

Aguilar said that the old Philippine Army museum used to stand near the War Tunnel however, the tunnel was closed down when the BCDA took over the former military camp sometime in the mid-90s in preparation for the land’s conversion to an economic zone. Meanwhile, the Army museum was moved inside what is left of the Army camp.

When asked if he is in favor of opening the tunnel again to the public, Aguilar said that it is possible but noted that security must be tight since the structure is over a hundred years old and may pose as a risk.

He added that the tunnel is located somewhere between 150 to 200 meters below the ground and was not cemented or made of concrete.

“Hindi sya konkreto kasi ang ilalim ng Fort Bonifacio ay adobe,” Aguilar said.

For his part, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Lieutenant General Jessie Dellosa commended the BCDA for undertaking this project.

“The soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines are honored and grateful for this undertaking by the BCDA.  Dedicating a heritage site can be considered a valuable recognition a soldier can receive,” Dellosa said in a statement.

“We hope for the success of this endeavor so that it may benefit both our country’s economic growth and the people’s sense of historical appreciation,” the military chief added.

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Katherine Evangelista | INQUIRER.net | March 15,2012 | Article Link