By Louella D.
Desiderio (The Philippine Star) | Updated May 10, 2013 - 12:00am
MANILA,
Philippines - The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is studying an
expanded monorail project that would connect the Guadalupe station of the Metro
Rail Transit to Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig City and Terminal 3 of
the Ninoy Aquino International Airport as proposed by the Bases Conversion and
Development Authority (BCDA) to cover the whole of Metro Manila.
“JICA is
considering if the project can be done on a bigger scale, to cover the whole of
Metro Manila. They will be coordinating with the DOTC (Department of
Transportation and Communications) on this,” BCDA president and chief executive
officer Arnel Paciano Casanova told reporters yesterday.
He said JICA
has already sent an appraisal team to look into the matter.
JICA has
agreed to finance the conduct of the feasibility study of the proposed monorail
system but the amount to be extended has yet to be determined as the agency
plans to expand the project’s coverage.
The monorail
system was proposed by the BCDA as the most viable way to transport people in
and out of BGC to other parts of Metro Manila.
Apart from
the monorail system, the BCDA is also pursuing other projects.
Casanova said
the BCDA awarded the P5-million contract for the crafting of a master
development plan for the Poro Point Freeport Zone (PPFZ) in La Union two days
ago to Palafox Associates.
He said the
master development plan should be completed in four months from the date of
notice of award of the contract.
“If the
master plan is viable, we will open the bidding for the development of Poro
Point,” he said, adding that the bidding could take place next year.
The PPFZ has
surrounding recreation and resort facilities and is located close to the San
Fernando Airport as well as the seaport.
“The way we
see Poro point is a gateway. Cargo and businesses to come in through that
seaport. Passengers too through the airport,” Casanova said.
Apart from
the Poro Point master development plan, he said the BCDA is in the last stage
of drawing up with a master plan for the Clark Special Economic Zone to attract
more investments in that area.
The agency is
likewise drafting the terms of reference to engage a master planner for the
privatization of some parts of Camp Aguinaldo which are not being utilized.
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