The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) announced in a recent forum that its total contribution to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Modernization Program and replication of military facilities has amounted to Php 78.34 billion from May 1993 to October 2023.
Of the total contribution from May 1993 to October 2023, Php 48.59 billion went to the AFP Modernization Program while the remaining Php 29.75 billion was for the replication of military facilities.
BCDA’s share for the AFP Modernization Program came entirely from the 43% of BCDA’s gross disposition proceeds of Php 140.34 billion from May 1993 to October 2023. For the replication of military facilities, Php 11.11 billion was from gross disposition proceeds, Php 9.69 billion came from the General Appropriations Act, while the remaining Php 8.94 billion represents the land value of the relocation sites of the military facilities.
This was discussed during the recent 28th forum on the role of BCDA in the Modernization of the AFP for the Philippine Navy (PN) in December 2023 at their headquarters in Manila. During the forum, the BCDA leadership briefed over 150 members of the Philippine Navy on the agency’s current efforts to contribute to the AFP Modernization and on its replication projects for the military.
“We hope that these funds have contributed to your ongoing acquisition of modern vehicles, combat equipment, system upgrades and facilities for logistical and base support in preparation for continued modernization efforts as well as capacity-building efforts to complement these efforts,” BCDA Chairman Delfin N. Lorenzana said during the forum.
BCDA Senior Vice President for Investment and Financial Management Hedda Y. Rulona delivered a detailed presentation on the completed and ongoing projects of the agency that support the AFP Modernization efforts and replication projects for the military.
The Philippine Navy, meanwhile, delivered good news about the big-ticket projects it implemented this year, which were accomplished partly due to the contributions remitted by the BCDA.
“I extend my gratitude to the members of the BCDA. Your contribution and support are integral to our vision of becoming a modern and multi-capable naval force for our maritime nation’s defense and development,” PN Flag Officer-in-Command Toribio Adaci Jr. said in a message, as delivered by Chief of Naval Staff Rear Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Q. Ezpeleta PN.
BCDA, a state-controlled enterprise, is mandated to help strengthen the AFP by building great cities, spearheading the conversion of former military bases into centers of growth and functional replication of military facilities. In compliance with Republic Act No. 10349 or the Revised AFP Modernization Program, the AFP’s share consists of 35% of net proceeds from sale transactions and 50% of net proceeds from non-sale transactions of BCDA.
