Untitled - Philippines Bases Conversion and Development Authority

Message of the ChairmanThe 14 th year of the Bases Conversion and Development Authoritywas one of the most critical years in the history of BCDA. Despiteoverwhelming challenges, the BCDA remained steadfast in itscommitment to deliver projects that will position the country asa world-class investment haven.Primary among its commitments is the 93.77-kilometer Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), a flagship project of HerExcellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, which will soonlink the international gateways of the Subic Bay Freeport, theDiosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark and adjacentindustrial zones and transform the area into a first-class service andlogistics hub that will serve the entire Southeast Asian region.In 2007, the BCDA expects to complete the SCTEx and fulfillthe promise of providing modern transport infrastructure that willopen Central Luzon to economic opportunities and create a newlandscape in the development of the country. The SCTEx willbecome a foundation of progress that will multiply investmentand economic opportunities, accelerate economic growth andultimately benefit the Filipino people.Another vital infrastructure facility is the 32.2-kilometerNorthRail mass transit system, which is being implementedby the North Luzon Railways Corporation (NLRC). Theconstruction of the Caloocan to Malolos segment of theNorthRail commenced in October of 2006. During the sameperiod, the Investment Coordinating Council (ICC) of theNational Economic Development Authority (NEDA) grantedapproval for the commencement of negotiations between NLRCand its Chinese counterparts for the extension of the NorthRailline from Malolos to Clark.The NorthRail mass transit system will contribute to the effortsto decongest Metro Manila and broaden accessibility of variouslocal markets to prospective clients—further acceleratingeconomic advancement of the country.During the last semester of 2006, the BCDA also activelycampaigned for the passage of Senate Bills 2259 (Tax AmnestyBill) and 2260 (Tax Incentive Bill) in response to an earlierSupreme Court ruling which nullified the tax incentives in theJohn Hay Special Economic Zone and Clark Special EconomicZone. The passage of these legislative measures, coupled withthe declaration by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority(PEZA) of BCDA-administered zones as Special EconomicZones, effectively restored investor confidence, and reinforcedthe BCDA’s commitment to its development partners tocontinue to provide an environment conducive to the growthand expansion of business.This year has truly been challenging for the BCDA, but itcontinued to face these challenges undaunted, upholding itsreputation for good governance while fulfilling its mandateunder RA 7227.In 2006, the BCDA continued to persevere in its developmentefforts focused on the sole objective of serving the Filipinonation and its people. In the years to come, I trust that BCDAshall continue to thrive and contribute to national developmentguided by its core values of corporate excellence, stewardshipand committed public service.FILADELFO S. ROJAS, JR.Chairman(September 2004 - November 2006)B A S E S C O N V E R S I O N A N D D E V E L O P M E N T A U T H O R I T Y I A N N U A L R E P O R T 2 0 0 6