The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) on March 21 signed a technical cooperation agreement for the development of areas in and around railway stations being built by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
In a statement, BCDA said these sites are located in Fort Bonifacio and will serve as models of the Philippines’ transit-oriented developments (TODs), as well as prototypes of sustainable mixed-use communities with access to high-quality train systems.
Aileen Zosa, BCDA president and chief executive officer and Sakamoto Takema, JICA Philippines chief representative, signed the Record of Discussions for the Capacity Enhancement for the TOD project.
The TOD project is aimed at maximizing the potential of two major railway projects traversing BCDA properties in Metro Manila.
These railway projects are the P500-billion Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) and the P800-billion North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), also funded by the Japanese government.
BCDA will lead the development of TODs in and around four MMSP stations traversing its properties, namely, Bonifacio Global City or BGC (Market! Market), the proposed Senate-DepEd (Department of Education), Kalayaan avenue, and Lawton avenue stations.
These TODs will serve as the backbone of the transportation network, effectively connecting to feeder systems, such as jeepneys and buses. These will also generate economic, financial, social and environmental benefits to all stakeholders through efficient urban development around the stations.
BCDA said the technical cooperation agreement with JICA will strengthen the capacity of BCDA in planning and implementing the TODs for the subway system.
Under the agreement, BCDA will identify institutional arrangements as well as develop TOD guidelines for the subway TODs, conceptual plans for the four TOD stations in Fort Bonifacio, and business plans for the TODs near the BGC and the proposed Senate-DepEd stations.
The conceptual and business plans will be used by BCDA as critical parameters in the design of the redevelopment of Market! Market! in the 99,000-square meter super block in BGC, improving its commercial viability and the quality of urban life of those working and living in Fort Bonifacio and its surrounding areas. These will also serve as a framework for the seamless integration of the proposed Senate-DepEd station to the NSCR line and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, ensuring smooth transfer and mobility of commuters.
The Project for Capacity Development for TODs will span 36 months from the commencement of activities.
BCDA and JICA will establish a Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) for coordinating and monitoring the project. Representatives from the DOTr, Department of Finance, National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, Department of Public Works and Highways, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and the local government units will serve as members of the JCC.
TODs will reduce energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions by cutting down the need to travel and lessening reliance on private vehicles. It also promotes efficient land use and economic development in the area by creating compact, high-density mixed-use development that features office, housing and retail areas, green and public spaces, as well as quality public transit.
