For over three weeks now, the news has been centered on the negative: the questionable, if not altogether ghost, flood control project; online gambling; and the recent unceremonious departure of four-star Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III.

Yes, Virginia, all these developing issues are negative, not to mention heartbreaking, as we, ordinary citizens, suffer from the effects of the weather while those involved in these anomalous flood control projects seem nonchalant.

Let’s go positive and light this time.

The recent long weekend brought me on an easy, smooth road trip, with the first stop in San Fernando, Pampanga, and then a drive down to the former U.S. military stronghold of Subic in Zambales.

This experience sparked my curiosity to look into the performance of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), a government-owned and controlled corporation in charge of transforming former military bases into premier centers of economic growth in partnership with the private sector.

There’s no more to be said about the success of its landmark project, the Bonifacio Global City (BGC), which is currently a sought-after address and has redefined urban living.

BCDA is busy as a bee and is at present focused on other flagship projects: Camp John Hay in Baguio, Clark International Airport in Pampanga, Poro Point Freeport Zone in La Union, and New Clark City in Tarlac.

From what I gathered along the U.S.-Japan-backed Luzon Economic Corridor, the construction of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) security and currency production facility, estimated to be worth ₱25 billion, is one of BCDA’s high-profile projects within the sprawling New Clark City.

Now I recall that the construction of the BSP facility outside of the metropolis and the best option for the soon-to-be-vacated six-hectare Security Plant Complex in Quezon City were among the topics of discussion during our recent dinner with BSP Governor Eli Remolona.

Leasing the property or entering into a joint venture to transform the prime property, estimated to be worth ₱8 billion, into a multi-functional building that could house stores, shops, restaurants, cafes, and offices were among the spontaneous suggestions.

That’s right, Virginia, it’s all systems go for the construction of the BSP facility with the finalization of its detailed architectural and engineering design documents, a key preparatory step before the procurement of the general contractor.

While it would take two to three years for the facility to be completed, Gov. Eli solicited our view.

Described as BCDA’s blueprint for solving the country’s urban challenges, New Clark City is designed to be smart and sustainable, serving as the government’s benchmark for resilient and future-ready urban development.

Informed sources enthused that investments continue to pour into New Clark City, with several high-impact projects in the fields of housing, manufacturing, and industrial development.

The investments generated in the first seven months of the year, which grew by 63.82 percent to ₱53.5 billion from ₱32.7 billion in the same period last year, speak volumes of the BCDA’s accomplishments as well as investors’ growing confidence.

The BSP facility will be complemented by an affordable housing project that will soon be constructed by a Filipino-South Korean consortium of Sta. Clara International Corporation and Saekyung Realty.

Then there was Science Park of the Philippines Inc. that signed a 50-year lease contract for a new 100-hectare industrial park, which is expected to create 30,000 jobs across different sectors and could bring in as much as ₱30 billion worth of new investments.

Truly, BCDA has gone a long way from fulfilling its mandate of transforming former military strongholds with its first major BGC project into modern engines of growth and has cemented its role as a catalyst for economic transformation in the country.

Cheers to a job well done!