A GREEN FUTURE for the MARINES
By Marianne B. Royulada
To kick off its 75th anniversary celebration, the Philippine Marine Corps conducted in 2025 a treeplanting activity at the site of its new headquarters at the Bataan Technology Park in Morong, Bataan last August 25, 2025.
At least 1,000 seedlings were planted across the 100-hectare property, symbolizing the Marines’ commitment to embracing Morong as their new home, and encouraging members of the Corps to invest in their future community.
“As Marines, we are entrusted with safeguarding our land and our people. And the simple act of planting trees reflects our continuing commitment to nurture life, protect our environment, and ensure that future generations of Marines will inherit not just a strong Marine Corps, but also a thriving home,” said PMC Commandant Major General Vicente Blanco III.
In support of this initiative, #BCDA officials, led by its Chairperson Hilario B. Paredes, Director Anthony Marvin Ponce De Leon and OIC-Senior Vice President for Conversion and Development Mark P. Torres joined the activity.
The event took place 75 days before the PMC’s 75th birthday on November 7, 2025, and coincided with the celebration
National Heroes Day.
of
Philippine Marine Corps Commandant Major General Vicente Blanco III welcomes guests during a symbolic tree planting activity with BCDA and key partners held at their new headquarters in Morong, Bataan. The activity was held 75 days before their 75th Founding Birthday on November 7, 2025.
BCDA Director Atty. Anthony Marvin Ponce De Leon is assisted by BCDA OIC for Conversion and Development Group Engr. Mark Torres while planting a sapling—which is one of the 1,000 trees planted across th 100-hectare property.
BCDA Chairman Larry Paredes and Officer-In-Charge for the Conversion and Development Group Engr. Mark Torres join the greening activity of the PMC. Behind them, tanks stand on display, drawing guests to explore and snap photos.
PMC Commandant Major General Blanco and BCDA Chairman Larry Paredes with officers and staff of BCDA during the tree planting activity at the site of the new home of the marines.
BCDA serves 500 Aytas in Tarlac medical mission, celebrating IP Month
By Mariedel Irish U. Catilogo
BAMBAN, TARLAC — In celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Month and “Katutubo Day,” the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) held a large-scale medical mission in Barangay Sto. Niño, Bamban, Tarlac, extending essential health and welfare services to around 500 members of the local Ayta community.
With the theme “Kalusugan at Kaunlaran,” the initiative delivered comprehensive medical checkups, free medicines, health kits, nutritious meals, food supplements, and vitamins to 300 adults and 200 children. Young beneficiaries were also given toys, highlighting BCDA’s commitment to promoting not only physical health but also the holistic well-being of the community.
The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) conducted a medical mission in Barangay Sto. Nino, Bamban, Tarlac in celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Month. Among those present during the event were Bamban Mayor Jose M. Salting, Jr., BCDA Vice President for Public Affairs Leilani Barlongay-Macasaet, health professionals of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the UP-Philippine General Hospital and the local government unit workers.
One of our beneficiaries during her check-up with one of our doctors from the Philippine Army.
holding the BCDA’s first
BCDA Vice President for Public Affairs Leilani BarlongayMacasaet expressed her appreciation to the residents for welcoming the team’s efforts. “Sa ngalan ng Presidente ng BCDA, Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang, ako ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa pagkakataong makiisa at makatulong sa ating mga katutubong kapatid dito sa Bamban,” she said.
Community members were able to consult with volunteer doctors, receive medical referrals, and discuss personal health concerns directly with medical personnel.
The success of the medical mission was made possible through strong partnerships across government and nongovernment organizations. BCDA collaborated with the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM), Training Command (TRACOM), Philippine Army, 600th Air Base Group, Air
Logistics Command, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy, Philippine Marine Corps Foundation, Inc., UP-Philippine General Hospital, Philippine Red Cross, Manila Water Foundation, and the Eagle-K Foundation.
The celebration was formally opened by Bamban Municipal Mayor Jose M. Salting, Jr. who honored the town’s Indigenous Peoples (IP) groups. Also present were San Vicente Barangay Chairman Shandel Arias, and Indigenous Peoples’ Mandatory Representatives Junjun Tolentino and Oscar Rivera.
The medical mission underscores BCDA’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, ensuring that the development activities within their jurisdiction are inclusive and directly benefit local communities, especially the Indigenous Peoples.
Our IP elders receive their diagnosis and prescription from Dr. Mary Ann Sales of the Naval Reserve Center and Dr. Alejandro Panuncialman of the Northern Luzon Command, Philippine Army.
BCDA with volunteers from the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM), Training Command (TRACOM), Phiilppine Army, 600th Air Base Group, Air Logistics Command, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Naval Reserve Center, Philippine Marine Corps Foundation, Inc., the UP-Philippine General Hospital, the Philippine Red Cross, Manila Water Foundation, and the Eagle-K Foundation, gather happily after succesfully
“Kalusugan at Kaunlaran” caravan.
By Maricar Gay Savella-Villamil
THE KARANGALAN MARATHON:
Running Alongside our Country’s Heroes
FORT BONIFACIO — Officers and staff of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) were among the 15,000 runners nationwide who joined the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC’s) Karangalan Marathon 2025 held on 19 October 2025—showcasing BCDA’s full support for the PMC’s 75th founding anniversary.
With majority of BCDA delegates gathering at the Bonifacio Naval Station (BNS) Grandstand, Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown (MBRB), Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, the Marathon showcased a powerful display of unity, courage, and service, and a fitting tribute to our troops.
While on its first nationwide rollout, this landmark event gathered runners across seven locations—from Metro Manila, Cotabato City, Tawi-Tawi, Puerto Princesa City, Laoag City, Subic, and Zamboanga City—making it Southeast Asia’s biggest annual military marathon.
More than just a race, the Karangalan Marathon is a runfor-a-cause that supports the children of fallen and wounded Marines, promotes the welfare of those deployed in remote detachments, including the West Philippine Sea, and provides scholarships through the PMC Officers’ Spouses Association, Inc.
BCDA delegates braved the rains and joined both the Metro Manila and Subic races in honor of the bravery and dedication of our Marines—running with them, for them, and for the nation they protect.
In line with its commitment to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines, BCDA is building the new Philippine Marine Corps headquarters on a 100-hectare site in Morong, Bataan. BCDA also participated in events to honor the PMC’s 75th birthday in 2025 such as the tree planting activity in Morong, Bataan on August 25, 2025 and the Health and Wellness Fair and Family Day on November 5, 2025.
Strengthening Naval Readiness and Welfare
By Marianne B. Royulada
The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) turned over essential morale and welfare equipment to the Philippine Navy Sealift Amphibious Force–BRP Dagupan City (LS551), last December 2025.
BRP Dagupan is one of our Philippine Navy’s key logistics vessels that support both defense and humanitarian opearations nationwide and has served as an indispensable platform with significant contributions to national defense, disaster resilience, and regional stability for more than 30 years.
Receiving the donation are then ship commander, CDR Susan Quisido PN(GSC), with the fleet’s personnel.
In her message to BCDA, CDR Quisido noted that the essential equipment donated will help boost operational efficiency, onboard habitability, and crew morale toward mission accomplishment.
BCDA Public Affairs-CSR and Stakeholder Relations Division Chief Maricar Villamil and team, together with personnel from the BCDA Procurement
and Property Management Department, facilitated the turnover of the donated equipment.
The donations aim to enhance the living and working conditions of the officers and enlisted personnel aboard as they continue to carry out vital sealift, transport, and disaster response missions at sea.
In 2025, one of the critical missions of LS551 was its deployment to Cebu for the delivery of relief goods and equipment for communities affected by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake. With its sealift and amphibious capabilities, the ship was able to reach isolated areas and ensure that life-saving aid arrived where it was needed most.
Earlier in 2025, BCDA also donated essential equipment to PN Philippine Fleet Sealift Amphibious Force BRP Gregorio Velasquez (AGR702). The vessel serves as a multi-purpose research and survey vessel, supporting hydrographic, oceanographic, and environmental studies. It also aids in humanitarian missions, and maritime security efforts.
BCDA Public Affairs Department representatives with officers of the Philippine Navy Sealift Amphibious Force vessel, BRP Dagupan City (LS551), during the turnover of morale and welfare support equipment. The fleet was then led by CDR Susan Quisido PN(GSC) (in uniform, center).
Division Chief for CSR and Stakeholder Relations
officially turned over the equipment to CDR Quisido in a simple ceremony held onboard LS551. Witnessing the activity are staff from the BCDA Procurement and Property Management Department.
Ms. Villamil received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Commander of BRP Dagupan City. She also delivered a simple message of support to the Philippine Navy.
The men and women of BRP Dagupan City (LS551) gathers around the donated equipment of BCDA.
CDR Susan Quisido PN(GSC) delivered her message of appreciation to BCDA following the donation of essential equipment for the men and women of the Philippine Navy - BRP Dagupan City.
BCDA
Maricar Villamil
BCDA conducts info drive on affordable housing opportunities for stakeholders
By Maricar Gay Savella-Villamil
In line with its conmitment to building cities while helping strengthen the armed forces, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) participated in a series of forums aimed at educating soldiers about affordable housing opportunities under the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa mga Pilipino (4PH) Program held within military camps in Pampanga, Tarlac and Cavite.
BCDA Vice President for Land and Assets Development Engr. Richard Cepe delivers his message of gratitude to uniformed men and women of Training Command (TRACOM) during the info drive on affordable housing.
The forums, which gathered around 400 military personnel were conducted separately by BCDA in various locations in Central Luzon—in response to invitations of the Philippine Army (PA) Training Command based in Camp O’Donnel and the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Air Force Real Estate Office (AFREO).
The information drive kicked off in Camp O’Donnel with LtCol. Roy Nuez (GSC)PA, Assistant Chief of Staff for Personnel, welcoming delegates from BCDA and its partner for the affordable housing project Sta. Clara International Corporation (SCIC).
In his message, BCDA Vice President for Land and Assets Developmen Engr. Richard Cepe, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to help our heroes secure their future by exploring sustainable and affordable home ownership. On the other hand, key details about BCDA’s affordable housing projects under the 4PH Program were presented by SCIC representatives namely Mr. Manny Mendoza and Ms. Reneerose Lalo. Helping facilitate the activity were CSR and Stakeholder Relations Division Head Maricar Villamil, colleague Garry Cativo and Business Development Officer Lucky Baula.
In addition to collaboration with TRACOM, BCDA also responded to a request from PAF-AFREO for a similar information drive. Led by LtCol. Randy Y. Sotero PAF, Chief of Housing Management Branch, AFREO, the two-day info drive aimed at providing PAF members with valuable knowledge and practical tools to secure their future through long-term investments.
These sessions attracted over 300 attendees, both male and female enlisted personnel, who were keen to learn about affordable housing options in areas such as Concepcion, Tarlac, and its proxinity to Camp O’Donnell.
For this leg, Ken Peralta, BCDA’s Vice President for Inveastment Promotions and Marketing addressed the attendees, highlighting the importance of investing in stable housing for long-term financial success. SCIC representatives led the discussion on project details and gathered queries from participants.
Both forums marked a crucial step in helping BCDA further its objective of providing accessible the affordable housing in the country especially for stakeholders such as our Philippine military, whose personnel face challenges finding suitable and affordable accommodations.
Through these forums, BCDA helps soldiers learn about home ownership in New Clark City. This sustainable, inclusive metropolis is part of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s 4PH Program, which provides affordable, resilient housing to address the national housing backlog.
BCDA breaks ground on New Clark City affordable housing under PBBM’s 4PH
Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Undersecretary Emmanuel D. Pineda, BCDA Chairperson Hilario B. Paredes, and BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang led the groundbreaking ceremony for a 5.84-hectare affordable housing project in New Clark City last July 10, 2025. The landmark project will contribute to the Marcos administration’s Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) program.
This project is envisioned to create an inclusive and thriving community within New Clark City through the provision of safe and affordable homes for Filipinos. It also aligns with the government’s vision to transform New Clark City into a sustainable and future-ready city that is built for people.
The first phase of the project will feature two buildings, with a total of 840 residential units to be built under the 4PH program.
Laying the foundations for 4PH
Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) former Secretary Jose Ramon “Ping” P. Aliling expressed full support for #BCDA’s push to develop affordable housing in New Clark City and other key areas under its mandate.
“We will support you all the way in this housing project,” Secretary Aliling said during his courtesy meeting with BCDA President and CEO Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang.
The discussion focused on progress updates for the planned housing development in New Clark City, with portions proposed for inclusion in the Marcos administration’s flagship Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) program.
BCDA also presented the city’s growing infrastructure and readiness to support large-scale, inclusive housing.
We build great cities while we help strengthen our Armed Forces.
The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is a government-owned and—controlled corporation (GOCC), which lives by its core function: to help strengthen the Armed Forces while building great cities.
It is vested with corporate powers under Republic Act (RA) 7227 or the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992: “An Act Accelerating the Conversion of Military Reservations Into Other Productive Uses, Creating the Bases Conversion and Development Authority For This Purpose, Providing Funds Therefor And For Other Purposes.”
The Republic Act 7227 was signed into law by former President Corazon C. Aquino, on March 13, 1992. The BCDA Charter was amended by RA 7917 in 1995, and further amended by RA 9400 in 2007.
EDITORIAL TEAM
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Maricar Gay S. Savella-Villamil
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Maricar Gay S. Savella-Villamil
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Garry A. Cativo
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Garry A. Cativo, Zilpah I. Tabanera WRITERS
Chrisee Jalyssa V. dela Paz
Mary Grace C. Padin
Mariedel Irish U. Catilogo
Maricar Gay S. Savella-Villamil
Marianne B. Royulada
Michelle Anne P. Soliman PHOTOGRAPHY
Samuel Luke M. Galivo
John Emil C. Flores
BCDA Corporate Center
2/F Bonifacio Technology Center
31st Street corner 2nd Avenue
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City
Philippines
