BCDA responds

I recently wrote a column entitled “Last Chance for Bonifacio” regarding the last big piece of the former military base that is up for privatization. In that column, I featured a letter of a retired vice admiral in our Navy expressing concern over the worsening traffic congestion in Bonifacio, notably Lawton Avenue.

The retired military officer suggested the need to provide for enough right-of-way to widen roads and put in infrastructures that will ease traffic flow. He was worried the private sector group that ends up winning the public bidding will put profits over public interest and seek to commercialize every inch of land in the property.

Current BCDA officials reassure us we shouldn’t worry. They have made provisions to address the issues. BCDA chairman Greg Garcia and president Vince Dizon wrote me to say they understand the concern and are doing something.

Here is their response:

“First of all, we wish to articulate that we completely agree with your observations about the significant shortcomings in the development of Fort Bonifacio, in particular the lack of green and open spaces for our people and, equally if not more vital, the lack of provisions for mass transport and mobility in and out of the city.

“We also fully agree with you on the need to master plan these developments, but more importantly, to ensure that master plans are protected and followed by everyone – government and private sector included.

“While trying to correct these imperfections is a great challenge, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), under the leadership of President Duterte, has already embarked on bold measures to address the lack of open spaces, as well as the need to improve mobility and connectivity between the city and the rest of Metro Manila. These measures include the following:

“1. We are developing a dedicated bus system connecting Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Makati, and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The feasibility study for the project is already with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for review and approval, and we are confident the green light for the mega project will be given soon. This will include a direct tunnel connection to the Makati Central Business District (CBD) as well as a dedicated connection to NAIA.

“2. The widening of Lawton Avenue from the current four to six lanes is already ongoing. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) expects to complete the project in two years.

“3. The building of a new parallel six-lane road to Lawton Avenue will run from Mckinley West (formerly JUSMAG) to Pasong Tamo Extension.

“4. A new elevated ramp will be constructed from C5 (South Luna Ramp) into BGC via McKinley Parkway.

“5. The DPWH has also begun construction of the Sta. Monica–Lawton Bridge that will connect BGC to the Ortigas CBD via 8th Avenue across the Pasig River.

“6. The DPWH is also finalizing a plan that will connect the Skyway and NAIA-X to BGC via an elevated connection along Lawton Avenue.

“We strongly believe these interventions will address the present congestion in the area as well as allow our people to be more mobile and connected via an efficient mass transport system.

“Lastly, with respect to the recently published Swiss Challenge for the joint venture to develop the 33-hectare Bonifacio South Pointe, we wish to assure you and your readers that there is a well-designed master plan from Parsons Brinckerhoff, a multinational engineering and design firm.

“The plan not only allows for the development of this area, but also provides for and ensures generous public and green spaces including the widest linear park in Metro Manila— a 4-hectare linear park along the beautiful creek which runs through the edge of the Navy Village.

“This master plan will be imposed on whoever the winning developer will be.

“We hope this addresses the issues in your column, and please believe us when we say that we are one with you in ensuring a more livable metropolis that  builds for people above all else.”

Actually, I have never doubted Greg Garcia, BCDA’s chairman. Greg was already “the” Greg Garcia, an accomplished professional in marketing communications when I joined the industry in the mid-’70s. He is doing this job in his senior years out of a desire to see the country better than it now is.

I have only met Vince Dizon recently, but he seems to be driven and competent. He has big very important projects on his plate – the Clark International Airport, New Clark City, the landing stations for the two terabytes of new broadband capacity from Facebook and leftover work in Bonifacio, Poro Point and Clark.

His big test is to successfully award the construction of the Clark Airport and actually break ground before yearend, as promised. Many people get carried away by impressive powerpoint presentations of some grand plans. I always worry about execution problems by government agencies. A few more weeks will tell if we have reason to hope that BCDA is different.

Ma’am Karen

DPWH Usec Karen Jimeno posted her response to my column last Wednesday on Twitter:

“Within months of joining Gov’t I had MANY moments of depression and desires to quit. Thank u @boochanco for recognizing that we’re far from perfect, but we’re trying. I don’t know how long I’ll last in public service, but while I’m here I’ll do my best.”

I have no doubt Ma’am Karen will do her best. I am only afraid she is on some kind of Mission Impossible… trying to rationalize the operations of a department where corruption and non-performance are notoriously entrenched. Given that the DPWH Secretary is only good for photo ops, she may be the department’s saving grace.

I hope Usec Karen will successfully resolve ROW problems. That’s important not just for DPWH, but DOTr too.

Boo Chanco’s e-mail address is [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @boochanco.