The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is committed to complete the P28-billion new headquarters of the Philippine Marine Corps in Morong Discovery Park in Bataan by end of next year.
The new headquarters, directly facing the West Philippines Sea, is a relocation from its current site in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City which now occupies 12 hectares of Bonifacio South Pointe, BCDA’s joint venture with the SM Group.
BCDA officials recently led the groundbreaking of the roads, utilities and preparatory works at Morong Discovery Park as well as the installation of steel columns for the Philippine Marine Corps grandstand.
BCDA envisions the new, modern and state-of-the-art headquarters for the Marines as a facility that will support the operational efficiency of the troops in responding to national threats; in delivering aid during calamities; and in fostering peace and order across the country.
As part of its relocation and replication program, BCDA is giving up 100 hectares of its land in Morong Discovery Park for the Philippine Marines Headquarters.
This ceremony signals the start of the construction of roads, utilities and other preparatory works which is under Package 1 of the Morong Discovery Park Phase 1 Project.
The installation of steel columns is part of the ongoing construction of the parade grounds and grandstand that is expected to be completed by November this year.
Construction of Packages 2 and 3 commenced after BCDA and PMC broke ground in February 2022.
These constitute facilities, buildings and offices of the Marines. Construction on these phases is ongoing will be acompleted also by end of 2024
Philippine Marine Corps Commandant MGen Rojas said the new site is seen to enhance the operational effectiveness and responsiveness of the Marines as it will strengthen its Archipelagic Coastal Defense strategy.
The Marines’ future headquarters is located at the eastern half of the Morong Discovery Park and directly faces West Philippine Sea. It will be accessible to major and access roads including the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway.
Unlike its current headquarters in Metro Manila, where operations are hindered by traffic and congestion, the Bataan location was deemed strategic for the Marines as it would help expedite emergency response and ease deployment of troops.
The new headquarters will also feature modern, state-of-the-art facilities to ensure more efficient operations.
With the transfer of the Marines to an upgraded and strategic location, income-generating opportunities will be opened up for the government in the soon-to-be vacated area in Fort Bonifacio.
