BCDA’s contribution to AFP reaches P78.34B

THE total contribution of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) Modernization Program and replication of military facilities has amounted to P78.34 billion.

BCDA said the amount included the P48.59 billion for the modernization program while the remaining P29.75 billion went to the replication of military facilities.

BCDA made the statement during the 28th forum on the role of BCDA in the Modernization of the AFP for the Philippine Navy (PN).

The BCDA noted that the said contributions were an accumulated support from May 1993 to October 2023. BCDA’s share came entirely from the 43 percent of its gross disposition proceeds of P140.34 billion on the said period.

For the replication of military facilities, P11.11 billion came from the gross disposition proceeds, P9.69 billion came from the General Appropriations Act and P8.94 billion represents the land value of the relocation sites of the military facilities.

BCDA Chairman Delfin Lorenzana told over 150 members of the PN the agency’s current efforts to contribute to the AFP’s future.

“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,” he said.

Hedda Rulona, BCDA senior vice president for investment and financial management, also presented details on the completed and ongoing projects of the agency that support the AFP efforts.

Speaking on behalf of PN Flag Officer in Command Toribio Adaci Jr., Chief of Naval Staff Rear Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta discussed the bigticket projects they implemented, 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,” said Adaci in a statement read by Ezpeleta.

Mandated to help strengthen the AFP by building cities, BCDA supervised the conversion of former military bases into centers of growth and functional replication of military facilities.

Under Republic Act 10349, or the “Revised AFP Modernization Program,” the AFP’s share consists of 35 percent of net proceeds from sale transactions and 50 percent of net proceeds from non-sale transactions of BCDA.