Saludo sa Sundalo Issue 3–June 2022

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Sayson receives the Crisol award from then CSRAFP Commander LtGen Ernesto C Torres Jr PA in an awarding ceremony of CRSAFP. The Crisol Plaque of recognition is a memorial appreciation and acknowledgement to individuals and organizations for selfless service and exemplary performance and relentless contributions in upholding the values of the service. Sayson was a major back then.

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BCDA remits P7.38B to BTr in 2022

By Mary Grace Padin

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he Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has remit ted Php7.38 billion to the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) this year to beef up the state coffers while providing support for the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The state corporation’s total remittances this year jumped 60.81 percent to Php7.38 billion, exceeding the Php4.59 billion remitted in 2021.

“I am proud to report that despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, BCDA’s remittances to the National Treasury are higher, with an increase of Php2.79 billion this year. Our aggressive collection efforts have paid off, generating funds while resolving long-standing disputes over properties or with business partners. Clearly, BCDA will not relent in its responsibility to build the nation and strengthen our Armed Forces,” BCDA Officer-in-Charge President and CEO Atty. Aristotle B. Batuhan said.

Bulk of BCDA’s remittances to the National Treasury came in the form of disposition proceeds amounting to Php6.38 billion. This amount came from the income generated by BCDA in 2021 from the sale, lease, or joint venture development of former military camps in Metro Manila, pursuant to Republic Act 7227 or the Bases Conversion and Development Act. It will be then allocated and distributed by

the Department of Budget and Management to the AFP and other beneficiary agencies.

Of the disposition proceeds, almost 99 percent or Php6.31 billion is allocated to the AFP for its modernization program, giving a boost to military forces who respond to crises and defend the country against all threats.

Some Php65.65 million will be given to other beneficiary agencies, while Php4.05 million will be divided equally among the contiguous cities of Makati and Taguig, and the municipality of Pateros.

Meanwhile, the BCDA also remitted Php842.08 million in dividends to the BTr this year, in compliance with Republic Act 7656, which requires government-owned and -controlled corporations to declare and remit at least 50 percent of their net earnings to the National Government.

Another Php161.97 million was also turned over to BTr in the form of guarantee fees, which were incurred in 2021 in relation to the government’s loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) Project.

Since its creation in 1992, the BCDA has already remitted Php80.46 billion to the BTr as of May 2022.

This amount consists of Php67.18 billion in disposition proceeds, Php7.93 billion in dividends, and Php5.36 billion in guarantee fees and other obligations.

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Photo courtesy: Armed Forces of the Philippines

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BCDA turns over new facilities to Philippine Army

By Mary Grace Padin

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he Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) turned over modern facilities to the Army Support Command (ASCOM) on March 7, bringing the Philippine Army (PA) unit a step closer towards relocating its headquarters to a new site in Camp Servillano Aquino in Tarlac this year.

BCDA Officer-in-Charge President and CEO Atty. Aristotle B. Batuhan, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Andres Centino, Army Chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., and ASCOM Commander Maj. Gen. Glenn Cruz led the turnover ceremony for Phase 1A of the Php1.59-billion project.

The event was held in time for the 30th anniversary of the BCDA on March 13.

“We at the BCDA are very honored to present to our soldiers these new and state-of-the-art facilities for the Army Support Command. As we celebrate our 30th anniversary this year, the BCDA is committed to continue delivering projects like this and maintaining its strong partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in order to move forward with the modernization of the military,” Batuhan said.

The three-phase development plan for ASCOM facilities involves the construction of 44 structures within a 29.8-hectare lot in Camp Aquino.

With an overall completion rate of 70 percent as of end-January, the BCDA was already able to turn over 15 of these facilities to the Army unit during the ceremony.

Photo 1: Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (foreground, left) receives from BCDA OIC President and CEO Atty. Aristotle B. Batuhan (foreground, right) the ceremonial key for the turnover of replicated facilities to the Army Support Command (ASCOM) of the Philippine Army. Witnessing the symbolic turnover are (left to right): AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Andres Centino, NOLCOM Commander Lt. Gen. Ernesto Torres, Jr., Defense Asec. Josue Gaverza Jr., BCDA Director Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda (ret), ASCOM Commander Maj. Gen. Glenn Cruz, and Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. BCDA photo

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Photo 2: (left to right) Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., BCDA OIC President and CEO Atty. Aristotle B. Batuhan and Army Support Command (ASCOM) Commander Maj. Gen. Glenn Cruz sign the letter agreement for the turnover of replicated facilities to the AFP and ASCOM/SSC/DACC area at Fort Bonifacio. BCDA photo

These include the Service Support Training Center headquarters, two classrooms, student mess hall, two student barracks, commander’s quarters, deputy commander’s quarters, chief of staff’s quarters, three security barracks, senior officers’ quarters, junior officers’ quarters, and sergeant major’s quarters.

Phases 1B, 2 and 3 of the project are expected to be completed by August this year.

“ASCOM’s transfer to its new home here in Camp Aquino and the replication here of its existing facilities from Fort Bonifacio signify a fusion of the new and the old. Certainly, this will empower the ASCOM to become a more reliable logistical hub that is capable of improving its logistics management system to make its services more proactive and timely. As a result, its efficiency and effectiveness in fulfilling the demands of all Army units will be greatly enhanced,” Lorenzana said.

Pursuant to its mandate under Republic Act 7227 to generate funds for the AFP Modernization Program, BCDA, together with its joint venture partner SM Prime Holdings, Inc. is gearing up for the development of the 33.13-hectare Bonifacio South

Pointe Property in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

To pave the way for the implementation of this project, BCDA and the Department of National Defense/ Armed Forces of the Philippines (DND/ AFP) signed a memorandum of agreement in 2017 for the relocation of ASCOM, as well as the Special Services Center (SSC) and the Division Administrative Command Center (DACC), all under the Philippine Army. These units currently occupy 11.5 hectares of the Bonifacio South Pointe property inside Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

The DND and AFP identified Camp Aquino as the relocation site for ASCOM given its strategic location.

“These new facilities of the Army Support Command will certainly enable us in the Philippine Army to accomplish our mission of defeating our nation’s adversaries, and maintain our operational tempo against the prevailing challenges of insurgency, terrorism and secessionism, as well as against the adverse effects of the COVID19 pandemic in the country,” Brawner said.

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PH Army-BCDA pact secures New Clark City for future residents, businesses

By Valore Jaime Veneracion

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ARLAC – Ensuring that New Clark City will remain a safe space for business and people alike in the years to come, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry Division (7ID) renewed their sustained cooperation agreement to maintain peace and order in the rising metropolis.

The move paves the way for the unhampered development of the government’s big-ticket projects and private investments in New Clark City, facilitating the inclusive growth of its communities and a business climate primed for continuous commercial activities.

BCDA Officer-in-Charge President and CEO Atty. Aristotle B. Batuhan and Major Gen. Andrew D. Costelo, Commanding General of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, enabled this through the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) on May 4 at the New Clark City Aquatics Center for the deployment of paramilitary troops to augment the security force at New Clark City.

The MOA will take effect upon the approval of the Secretary of National Defense, and shall remain in force for a period of three years. It will supersede the original agreement the two parties signed in September 2018.

Recognizing the need to ensure the timely delivery of government projects, the BCDA requested the Philippine Army to deploy the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary Company II (CAA-II) at the 9,450-hectare development, located within the Clark Special Economic Zone.

“The New Clark City (NCC) development requires a devoted, dedicated and exclusive group of personnel to be present in the property during the entire duration of the construction and development ... BCDA believes that the presence of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the entire area of NCC will assure the deterrence of any potential and possible threats to its development,” the MOA read.

During the MOA signing, MGen. Costelo emphasized, “The security and protection of these vital infrastructures are our responsibility as the protector of peace in the community.

With our collective commitment to serving the Filipino people, together we can do more.”

He recognized 7ID’s personnel and troops under the SCAA Company, and the 3rd Mechanized Battalion as dedicated groups for this task. Also present at the event was 3rd Mechanized Battalion commanding officer Lt. Col. Jeszer M. Bautista.

Batuhan ackno wledged that 7ID’s efforts have brought peace and stability to Central Luzon, ensuring the security and protection of communities in the region.

He noted that the 7th ID’s moniker, Kaugnay, is linked to their mission of fulfilling people’s aspirations and partnership in nation building–similar to the very purpose of the Build Build Build infrastructure program of the Duterte administration, which envisions solutions that will enable a comfortable life for all.

“With your dedicated men joining our team, I am confident that we can proceed with planned developments smoothly and faster. Let me congratulate your command for successfully weakening insurgency in Northern Luzon through the years. We believe that you have been instrumental in sustaining peace and stability in the region which contributed greatly to the rise of this metropolis, allowing us to host both national and international events since we opened in 2019,” Batuhan said in his speech.

After the signing event at the Aquatics Center, military guests were given a tour of New Clark City’s government center building and world-class sports facilities, including the 20,000-seater International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF)- certified Class 1 Athletics Stadium. The 2,000-seater Aquatics Center is a Fédération Internationale de Natation’s (FINA)-approved facility.

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MGen. Andrew D. Costelo PA (second from left), Commanding General of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division PA, and Atty. Aristotle B. Batuhan (second from right), BCDA Officer-in-Charge President and CEO, lead the signing of the memorandum of agreement for the continued deployment of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit Active Auxiliary Company II (CAA-II) at New Clark City. BGen. Joseph D. Pasamonte PA (leftmost), Commander of the 703rd Brigade, 7ID PA, and Mr. Arrey A. Perez (rightmost), BCDA Senior Vice President for Corporate Services, serve as witnesses in the ceremonial signing activity held at the New Clark City Aquatics Center on May 4, 2022. BCDA photo

MGen. Andrew D. Costelo PA (ninth from left), Commanding General of the 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division PA, LtCol Ricardo Capalad (Ret) (eighth from right), head of the Security Services Department and Rear Admiral Miguel Jose Rodriguez (Ret) (10th from right) representing MTD Philippines, pose for a group photo during the quick tour of the New Clark City Athletics Stadium. BCDA photo

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A BUILDER OF INSTITUTIONS LTCOL CELESTE FRANK L SAYSON (INF) PA

By Maricar Gay Savella-Villamil

What is your perspective on development?

In the midst of tactical operations in Mindoro, while confronting communist terrorists and protecting the community, Lieutenant Colonel Celeste Frank Sayson (INF) PA, suddenly encountered a priest who asked him this question.

A young lieutenant then, Sayson recalled his response: “If may Jollibee, McDo at may mga highways na na-develop sa lugar, Father.” The priest replied: “Please correct yourself as you go along with your service. The true perspective of development is human development. The very foundation of this country is the people, the family.”

That simple encounter made a huge impact on the young Filipino soldier. To date, LTC Sayson

has built a career in the military service, spanning over 18 years, clinging on to that priest’s statement. “I changed my perspective,” he tells us.

“Whenever I do military operations, I try to do everything that I do in the context of helping the very individual or the very community, the grassroots. People should always be at the center.”

LTC Sayson is currently preparing to join the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for CMO, G7 of the Philippine Army. He is also gearing up for peace keeping missions in other parts of the world as one of the members of the pool of military officers for United Nations (UN) Missions.

Before this, he was the commander of the 7th Civil Relations Group (7CRG) under the AFP-Civil Relations Service (CRS, AFP). His designation

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LtCol Celeste Frank L Sayson (INF) PA receives BCDA’s donation of 1,000 hygiene kits containing masks, face shields, and alcohol for the military.

ended in September 2021, with his unit’s accomplishments perfectly captured in a 40-page Tour of Duty Report. In this Report, he shares the battle cry “Tungo sa Matatag at Panatag na Kabiseran ng Pilipinas” and the unit’s “seven visions” for National Capital Region (NCR): to be a region that is 1) politically healthy, 2) economically resilient, 3) socio-culturally vibrant, 4) with a technologically adept workforce, 5) with a healthy environmental condition, 6) terrorist-free, and 7) insurgency-free.

Fresh out of the helm of the 7CRG, he describes his leadership style: “I’m a builder of institutions. Whenever I join a unit, I see to it that I contribute to build up the institution and build leaders because there is a need to maintain the continuity of efforts with excellence.

Based on my experience, good leaders come and go, and at times, the unit is affected because of the failure of a leader to build an institution.”

True to his words, pursuing excellence has been his way of life in the military service since becoming a platoon leader 17 years ago.

Highest language of humanity

One’s advocacy will render you tireless. This is how LTC Sayson indoctrinated the 7CRG as he took its helm at the onset of COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines. “Napapagod kami…pero hindi kami sumusuko in confronting the pandemic,” he says. “It is really challenging. You really have to think out of the box for the people, especially

the poor. Ito ’yong pinapa-accept ko sa mga tao ko na this is not a job, not just a mission…this is an advocacy. If people embrace something they’re doing in the spirit of advocacy, kahit anong hirap o anong problema hindi yan mapapagod.”

The 7CRG is one of the frontliners of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the NCR, and has been a partner of medical frontliners, giving logistical support for the provision of food and personal protective equipment (PPE) to control points in the metro.

They were among the first to respond to the homeless. Amidst extreme lockdowns, LTC Sayson called on his unit to sacrifice some of their subsistence allowance—compensated in part by the unit’s monthly operational expenses (MOE)—in order to feed the homeless in the metro. The project was dubbed, “Pagkain para sa Walang Bahay.” What started as a project that had meager resources to feed the homeless, has now expanded to a bigger group. Through social media appeals, the group encourages people to help them help others. Their Facebook page, Kawal Pinoy, currently has 106,000 followers.

The sacrifices, LTC Sayson says, are all worth it. He shares a life-changing story, to demonstrate his point. Once, he talked to a soldier, who distributes food to street dwellers: “Ginising no’ng sundalo ’yong matanda sa kariton, nagulat ’yong matanda. Then the soldier handed over the food packs. Bigla na lang lumuha ’yong matanda, walang

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Sayson and his platoon pose for a posterity picture after a succesful combat operation in the boundary of Oriental and Occidental Mindoro in 2005. At the time, he was still a lieutenant.

Sayson renders duty at the contested border of Israel and Syria as one of the members of the 4th Philippine Contingent to Golan Heights of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force in 2010 to 2011. At the time, he was a captain.

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salita, and that had made an impact on the soldier.

I told them that that is the highest language of humanity. I challenged our troops: this should be our advocacy because this is a calling for all of us.”

Soon, the 7th CRG CRS, AFP Seven Visions Advocacy Center was born with its signature “Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko” (KKSK) campaign, which was then aligned to the CRS, AFP’s strategic guidance, under the leadership of MGen Ernesto Torres, Jr. PA. Within a year, the group had distributed relief goods that benefited over 3.2 million individuals or more than 690,000 NCR households. Partners have been supporting this advocacy and to date, the unit has become a center for the integration of efforts in helping COVID-19 victims and depressed communities.

In 2020, recognizing the efforts of the 7CRG in serving the people and ending armed conflicts, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) donated 1,000 hygiene kits. BCDA’s military partners received face masks, face shields, and alcohol.

For this, LTC Sayson, shares his gratitude: “With this donation, BCDA was able to protect the vessels and channels of blessings—since we are the ones entering communities in lockdown to deliver food packs and health kits. You [BCDA] are making a difference in protecting frontliners, especially the Armed Forces.”

Other projects Sayson was part of include the AFP Mobile Kitchen, which according to him, traces its origin in Marawi City. “I was there from the very start of the campaign up to the last day,” he recalls. “And I witnessed the Kitchen sustain the fighting forces. Talagang nagre-request ang mga tropa anong ipapaluto through the supply trail…nakakarating ’yong maiinit na sopas. The troops will just keep on fighting, and the kitchen will keep cooking for the troops.

Sustaining the force, while serving the nation.”

During the COVID-19 crisis, the AFP leadership, through the recommendations of then CRSAFP Commander MGen Ernesto Torres, Jr. PA, evolved into a platform for the needy. By the end of July 2021, the 7CRG had already conducted 19 mobile kitchen operations with its partners.

Each kitchen was able to feed at least 3,000 people a day. LTC Sayson fondly remembers the heartwarming stories during the time they served the flood victims in Marikina City: “The AFP just cooked and cooked and delivered to the people who, during that time, had nowhere to turn to for food.”

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At the outset of improving quarantine conditions in NCR, the need for strong and resilient communities also prompted LTC Sayson and 7CRG to begin the “Raising One Million Gardens in the NCR” Project. Done through a whole-of-nation approach—in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, other government agencies, and private sectors—it seeks to address the scarcity of food among 35% of NCR households.

From the start of its operationalizations in June 2020 up to LTC’s Sayson’s relinquishment of post in September 2021, the project had 63 community gardens, 275,000 household gardens, 110 community volunteers, and three signed memorandum of understandings with the Department of Social Welfare and DevelopmentNCR’s “Gulayan sa Barangay,” the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Plant Industries, and the Philippine Commission on Urban Poor.

LTC Sayson says, looking back, there is still a need for a qualitative approach in civil military operations. There is also a need to align perceptions and disseminate correct information. Working with then CRS, AFP Chief MGen Ernesto Torres, Jr. and other officers, LTC Sayson says that they have to constantly learn and innovate. “These are things not written in stone, and require special skills, experience and continuous learnings,” he muses. “Kaya lagi ako nagbabasa kasi it will make you a better operator of civil military operations.”

A Hero’s Journey

LTC Sayson’s journey towards excellence can be seen through the various degrees he earned from educational institutions.

He was a conferred Honoris Causa Doctor of Philosophy in Humanities, Major in Community Development, an honor he received from the Brethren Evangelical School of Theology International and Cambridge Training College Britain-London. He also received a Masters degree in Foreign Service from the Philippine Women’s University and its affiliates for men; and a Masters degree in Theology from the Brethren Evangelical School of Theology International and Cambridge Training College Britain-London. He is currently finishing his thesis dissertation titled, “A conflict resolution framework: the Philippine insurgency,” and hopes to finish his Doctor of Philosophy in Development Administration, Major in Public Governance programme, at

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the Philippine Christian University in 2022.

His expertise is further honed through courses from the Asian Institute of Management, AFP Command and General Staff College, and Philippine Army’s Trading and Doctrine Command.

He graduated in 2002 with a degree in Political Science at the Central Mindanao University, prior to joining the AFP through Republic Act 7077 or the “Citizen Armed Force or Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act.” Schooled in military institutions here and abroad, he has technical training in psychological operations and peacekeeping operations; in UN basic and advanced field Security; and UN induction training. LTC Sayson also finished his public affairs symposium in Mongolia.

A recipient of the Commanding General of the Philippine Army’s Saber for graduating number one in the Probationary Officer Training Course, he also finished at the top of his class for his Officer Preparatory Course, and Infantry Officer Basic Course, among others.

He started his military career in 2004 as a platoon leader and company commander at the 68IB, 2nd Infantry Division (2ID) in Mindoro. He was then designated as one of the company commanders of Task Force Joint AFP-Philippine National Police (PNP) Communication and Information Battalion, an experimental unit which was the forebearer of the current CMO Battalion of the Philippine Army.

He soon became the public affairs chief and spokesperson of 2ID. In 2010, he was deployed as PIO of the 4th Philippine Contingent to Golan Heights of the United Nations Disengagement Force (UNDOF). For four years, he was deputy commander of the Information Development Group, CRS-AFP. His next assignment was as the public affairs lead planner and spokesperson of RP-US Balikatan Exercises in 2015, 2016, and 2017.

Among his latest assignments prior to 7CRG were as chief of the Planning and Network branch of Information Operations Division, OJ3, GHQ, AFP; as AFP representative to the National Task Force West Philippine Sea; and as a core member of the PH-US Subject Matter Expert Exchange Program.

The film director

A staunch advocate always finds ways to connect to the public, and LTC Sayson did this through film. This soldier is also an indie film director, actor, and screenplay writer. Among his works include “Rosas ng Digmaan” and “Dalawang Landas ng Rebolusyon.” The latter had its official MTV soundtrack created with singer-songwriter Noel Cabangon, for the song “Hanggang Mamatay”. It also earned him “the Outstanding Achievement Medal” from the AFP. LTC Sayson also wrote and directed the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict’s “Madugong Singkwenta” and “Kwento ng Pagbabago.”

Fr o m 2 0 1 6 to 2 0 1 9 , LT C S ay s o n was the author of some AFP infomercials during its anniversary celebrations.

Aside from these achievement, he is also a recipient of various awards, such as the Bronze Cross Medals, Sagisang ng Ulirang Kawal, Military Merit Medals, Military Commendation Medals, Disaster and Relief Operation Medals and ribbon, Military Civic Action Medals, AFP Combat Commanders Kagitingan Badge, among many others.

Makabagong Jose Rizal

LT C Sayson says his f a t h e r, V l a d i m i r S a y s o n , S r. i s h i s h e r o .

“He molded me into who I am now,” he explains. “Disciplinarian ang father ko and upfront.” His mother’s name is Rosalinda.

Born in Valencia, Bukidnon, LTC Sayson was the eldest of nine children. He was supposed to finish law, but his parents asked him to stop studying so he could work. Sometime in 2000, there was a mass hiring in the Armed Forces.

“So inisip ko, why don’t I join the regular force in the AFP and later on continue law?” he recalls.

He graduated from the AFP Officer Candidate School in 2003, and remembers slowly developing that strong sense of patriotism. ”Being a soldier, we are exposed to almost all strata of our society, especially ’yong mga nasa laylayan ng lipunan, ’yong mga hindi napupuntahan ng gobyerno,” he says. “Napupuntahan namin

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Sayson receives the Crisol award from then CRS, AFP Commander LtGen Ernesto C Torres Jr PA in an awarding ceremony of CRS, AFP The Crisol Plaque of recognition is a memorial appreciation and acknowledgement to individuals and organizations for selfless service and exemplary performance and relentless contributions in upholding the values of the service. Sayson was a major back then.

sila because we do some combat operations there, and I witnessed the predicaments of our people.”

He then reflects on the words of his father: “Sabi nya, compare your life to a flashlight. If you use the flashlight during daytime, it cannot be recognized, but if you use the flashlight at night time, you will shine and you will be recognized.” Being in the AFP, he says, can help him make a difference and contribute something to the nation.

While he admits not being patriotic in the beginning, he says this trait has now grown strongly inside him, prompting him to change his Facebook page name to “Makabagong Jose Rizal.”

“Heroism is a virtue,” he concludes. “It’s a character. Everything that the person indulges in are products that define him or her. Everything starts with the intention and gesture. If you have a very genuine intention of helping out people, everything will follow. It emanates from a well-defined intention to be virtu-

ous—totoong Pilipino sa salita at sa gawa.”

Sometime ago, when LTC Sayson was given a mission in the Golan Heights in Israel and Syria, he also got to stay at the Holy Land for one whole year. There, he admits to finding his deeper purpose. “I told our maker, our God, na kung ano man gusto Niyo ipagawa sa akin, susundin ko.”

As a husband and a father of three, he believes that in serving the country, a soldier needs a very understanding family because sometimes the call of duty is above and beyond your control: “There are a lot of instances where we should ask our family to give way in the name of service.

That is the hard reality but it really happens.”

Amidst present difficulties, LTC Sayson carries a positive attitude: “I don’t consider problems as problems. I consider them stumbling blocks, so if you consider them as such, you can always find a way. There is always a way.”

Gen Andres Centino, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff (right) and Officer-In-Charge President and CEO Atty. Aristotle Batuhan, Bases Conversion and Development Authority

S N A PS H OTS A round up of events by BCDA for the Armed Forces of the Philippines

BCDA WELCOMES APPOINTMENT OF LTGEN CENTINO AS AFP CHIEF

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By Mary Grace Padin

he Bases Conversion and D evelopment Authority (BCDA) has welcomed the appointment of Gen Andres Centino as the new Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff.

BCDA Officer-in-Charge President and CEO Aristotle B. Batuhan was among the first officials to congratulate the new AFP chief during the turnover of command ceremony at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

“On behalf of the BCDA, I would like to offer our sincerest welcome to the newly appointed AFP Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Andres Centino.

We are confident that with your years of experience, professionalism, and strong leadership, the AFP would be able to continue in magnificently performing its mandate of ensuring the safety of the Filipino people,” Batuhan said.

He added, “The BCDA vows to continue its

strong cooperation with the AFP under the helm of Lt. Gen. Centino. We look forward to working with you in realizing the modernization of our Armed Forces, further strengthening our troops and beefing up our national security.”

Centino is the 11th AFP chief appointed

by President Rodrigo Duterte. He succeeded Gen. Jose Faustino Jr., who is retiring after his three-month stint as AFP chief of staff.

Prior to this, Centino was assigned as the commander of the Philippine Army in May this year.

Pursuant to Republic Act 7227, the BCDA is mandated to raise funds for the AFP Modernization Program and to convert former US military bases into alternative productive uses.

From May 1993 to December 2021, BCDA’s contribution to the AFP reached Php56.4 billion.

Of this amount, Php45.28 billion is earmarked for the AFP Modernization Program and Php11.12 billion for the replication of military facilities.

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SSC-DACC Building Project Four months after its ceremonial groundbreaking, the Php283.4-million Special and Technical Staff Building for the Special Services Center (SSC) and Division Administration Command Center (DACC) of the Philippine Army, is rising fast. This five-storey building will be equipped with a helipad, roof deck, lower ground parking, and a bridge connecting to the Army headquarters.

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We help strengthen our Armed Forces while we build great cities.

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is a government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC), which lives by its core function: to strengthen the Armed Forces while building great cities.

It is vested with corporate powers under Republic Act (RA) 7227 or the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992: “An Act Accelerating the Conversion of Military Reservations Into Other Productive Uses, Creating the Bases Conversion and Development Authority For This Purpose, Providing Funds Therefor And For Other Purposes.”

The Republic Act 7227 was signed into law by former President Corazon C. Aquino, on March 13, 1992. The BCDA Charter was amended by RA 7917 in 1995, and further amended by RA 9400 in 2007.

BCDA Corporate Center 2/F Bonifacio Technology Center 31st Street corner 2nd Avenue Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City Philippines Email: bcda@bcda.gov.ph Contact No.: (632) 8575 1700

TheBCDAGroup www.bcda.gov.ph