CAPAS, Tarlac -- The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is looking into expanding the National Government Administrative Center (NGAC) at New Clark City, its president and chief executive officer Vivencio Dizon revealed.
In a press conference for the “Build, Build, Build” Program team Wednesday, Dizon said the 220 hectare property allocated for the project is “just the beginning of the NGAC”.
The NGAC is intended to house the headquarters of government offices, moving them away from Metro Manila, to help decongest the capital.
Its developer is the local unit of Malaysia-based MTD Capital Berhad, which was involved in constructing Putrajaya -- Malaysia’s government center, which was built some 70 kilometers away from similarly-congested Kuala Lumpur.
Currently, MTD Philippines is building the Phase 1-A of the NGAC.
Phase 1-A includes an athletic stadium, aquatic center and athletes dormitories, which will be used for the Philippines' hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
An integrated operations building for government offices and two housing buildings for state employees will also rise on the 60-hectare NGAC Phase 1-A development, it was also disclosed.
On the sidelines of the event, MTD Philippines Chairman Isaac David told the Philippine News Agency their company increased the number of construction equipment on the ground to around 160, to ensure that the project can be delivered on schedule.
It more than doubled the number of earth-moving equipment operating at the NGAC construction site in March this year.
The developer is expected to finish the facilities meant for the SEA Games by August next year, as trials for the regional multi-sport event are set in October 2019.
The development of the NGAC’s Phase 1-A will cost around PHP13.7 billion, of which PHP9.5 billion will be financed by the Development Bank of the Philippines through a loan agreement. (PNA)
