BCDA contributes P4.8 B to AFP this year

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said its contribution to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program increased significantly on the first year of President Duterte’s administration as compared to its average contribution in the past 10 years.

The state-owned agency said yesterday it recently turned over P1.2 billion to the AFP in addition to the P3.6 billion contribution remitted earlier this year for a total of P4.8 billion.

The amount, it said, is more than triple the average contribution of P1.5 billion from 2006 to 2015.

The BCDA said it has raised a total of P36.6 billion for the AFP Modernization Program which is allocated for the purchase of military equipment to ensure sustained capability upgrade.

Of the amount, P25.2 billion accounts for the AFP share, while P11.4 billion is earmarked for the replication of military facilities such as housing units, hospitals, churches and museums, among others.

The remittance is in line with BCDA’s mandate to strengthen the military while building great cities.

Since its creation in 1992, BCDA has contributed in strengthening and enhancing the capabilities of the AFP through the disposition and development of former military bases into productive civilian use, which now serve as economic hubs like the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City and Newport City in Pasay City.

Under President Duterte’s plan to modernize the AFP and provide a better life for soldiers, the BCDA has also committed to increase its support for the AFP’s pension and retirement fund.