BAGUIO CITY – The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) recently presented the government’s infrastructure development plan to stakeholders in Baguio, underscoring its commitment to the swift development of the John Hay Special Economic Zone (JHSEZ) and continuous economic development in Northern Luzon.
Guided by the Build, Build, Build mantra, the infrastructure development plan is focused on achieving regional development, an important component of President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s 10-point Socioeconomic Agenda, which gives premium to inclusive growth and infrastructure development.
The ambitious plan includes big-ticket infrastructure projects that, while to be implemented in the burgeoning employment and investment hub of Central Luzon, will also positively impact and benefit Northern Luzon. BCDA noted that it, along with subsidiary John Hay Management Corporation, continues to work in close consultation with the local government and stakeholders to implement initiatives that drive economic development in the region.
Among the projects presented were the new Clark International Airport Terminal Building, envisioned to be a world-class airport aimed at reducing traffic at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA); the Manila-Clark Railway, which will provide connectivity and reduce travel time between Manila and Clark to one hour; and the Subic-Clark Railway, which will link the Subic Freeport to Clark International Airport, to ensure the fast movement of goods that will bring down prices of basic commodities.
Several infrastructure projects have been lined up in the 9,450-hectare Clark Green City, touted as the country’s first smart, green and disaster-resilient city meant to decongest main urban centers. These projects include the development of transport system, government center, agro-industrial park, food processing terminal and international food market, energy management system, and integrated care development center.
The Duterte administration sees increased infrastructure spending as key to move the country forward and improve the lives of the Filipino people by generating massive investments, creating millions of jobs and reducing the prices of commodities.
By Dexter A. See
