Despite the order by President Duterte, relocation of national agencies to the much-vaunted New Clark City Government Center is not easy.
This was admitted by Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President Vince Dizon at the virtual SULONG Pilipinas held Monday, (April 26).
“The process is not possible in one go, a lot of factors need to be considered,” Dizon admitted.
Last year, President Duterte signed Executive Order 21 mandating government agencies to begin process of relocation starting with their satellite offices to build up the NCC, which is just less than 100 kilometers from the nation's capital, will also help in the decongestion of Metro Manila.
He added that relocation should build-up and continue in a “couple of years” following the lead of the Department of Transportation, the first agency to move its headquarters in New Clark City, NCC is a 9,450 hectare property being provided to locators either
lease or joint venture agreements.
“For other agencies, it would be a more staggered and paced approach,” he said adding that the relocation should continue in the next administration as interconnectivity in terms of physical and digital infrastructure are being beefed up.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade also said that the railway connecting Manila to Clark is expected to be partially completed in 2022 yet and full operation by 2024.
Nonetheless, Dizon cited some progress in the relocation efforts. Aside from DOTR, Dizon said the New Clark City's Government Center has attracted major government agencies to relocate beginning with the UP PGH, and with a major grant from the British
government provides green spaces throughout the city.
He reported that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas will begin construction of a 30-hectare facility, which includes the minting and currency production facility that is currently in East Avenue in Quezon City, and will to relocate in new Clark city in the next few years.
Construction of this facility will begin by the last quarter of this year or early next year. The Supreme Court will also build its first Judiciary Regional Center in a six-hectare property in New Clark City beginning next year.
In addition, he said, the Department of Agriculture has signed for a 30- hectare agri - industrial hub and National Seed Technology Park which will start construction starting this year,
The National Academy of Sports will build on three-hectare training facility for athletes.
Dizon cited a key project for the country’s pandemic response in the future, the establishment of the Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines by the Department of science and Technology which will also find its home in Clark.
The National Bureau of Investigation will be moving to a huge facility, together with other judicial justice agencies in the coming months.