The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) turned over today (August 9) 64 condo units for families of Army soldiers to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as part of BCDA’s P 700 million replication program.

This brings a total of 96 condo units given to families of the soldiers this year. Earlier in May, BCDA turned over 32 condo units to the AFP, which are now being occupied by Army soldiers and their families.

In a turnover ceremony held Thursday (August 9) at Fort Bonifacio, Department of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary Fernando Manalo, who represented DND Sec. Voltaire T. Gazmin, graced the rites as guest of honor. Philippine Army Commanding General Emmanuel T. Bautista, and members of the Armed Forces were also present to witness the turnover.

BCDA president and chief executive officer Atty. Arnel Paciano D. Casanova said, “We are honored to be working with the DND and the AFP in bringing dignity to our soldiers and their families. While our nation’s heroes are protecting our countrymen, their families can enjoy the comforts of having their own condominium units in prime government property.”

BCDA’s replication program is a P700-million project to provide the AFP with twelve (12) residential condominium buildings with 16 residential units each. Of the ten (10) buildings being constructed at Fort Bonifacio, nine (9) buildings are reserved for the Army and one (1) building for the Philippine Navy. In addition, the remaining two (2) buildings are in Villamor Air Base for the Air Force.

“We continue to be true to the mandate of BCDA, not only to help modernize the AFP but to do something for the well-being of the soldiers,” said Felicito Payumo, BCDA Chairman.

BCDA is half-way through the completion of the condominium buildings. The state agency has turned over six condo buildings, and is set to turn-over the remaining six before the year ends.

The beneficiaries of the program are soldiers’ families who will get a quality 100-square meter condo unit of three bedrooms and a maid's quarters. Similar condo units in nearby areas measuring at 49-square meters are being rented out at around P20,000 to P30,000 per month.

“We are happy to see our soldiers’ families comfortably living in their own condominium units without the burden of having to pay rent,” Casanova said. “This is all part of nation-building. While bringing honor and dignity to our nation’s soldiers, BCDA also develops the idle lands of former baselands and Metro Manila camps into bustling centers of economic and commercial activity that can generate revenues for the national government and more investment for the country,” he added.

Casanova said the provision of the condominium buildings for the soldiers’ families pursues BCDA’s commitment to give to the military its share in the proceeds generated by BCDA’s asset disposition and property development efforts.