The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has finished the construction of modern facilities for the Army Support Command (ASCOM) of the Philippine Army (PA) as part of efforts to relocate the army unit’s headquarters to a 29.8-hectare property in Camp Servillano Aquino in Tarlac.
During a ceremonial turnover event, BCDA Chairman Delfin N. Lorenzana formally handed over to PA Chief-of-Staff MGen. Jose Ariel Niembra and ASCOM Commander MGen Glenn E. Cruz 21 completed facilities covered by the civil works contract amounting to Php 1.66 billion.
The event was conducted eight months following the partial turnover of 15 facilities in March this year.
“The swift construction of these facilities is a testament to the BCDA’s commitment to deliver its mandate of contributing to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) modernization program. Here in BCDA, we strive not only to replicate existing military facilities, but to improve them, in line with the vision of having a world-class Armed Forces by 2028,” Lorenzana said.
“We are confident that these new, modern facilities will pave the way for a reliable and strategically located logistics hub that will efficiently deliver the demands of Army units in the field. May this make our brave soldiers feel more empowered and secure as they perform their duties,” he added.
Photo caption: In his message before the members of Army Support Command (ASCOM), BCDA Chairman Delfin Lorenzana advises the army unit to carefully maintain the structures and facilities that were recently turned over to them. He stresses, “These buildings need to be maintained. It will not last forever as is. It needs maintenance.” BCDA Photo.
The development plan for ASCOM facilities involves the construction of 44 structures within a 29.8-hectare lot in Camp Aquino. The construction commenced in 2021 following its groundbreaking in February of the same year.
Among the newly completed structures are the headquarters of the 1st Transportation Battalion, the 1st Logistics Support Group, the 1st Maintenance Battalion, and the 1st Supply Battalion.
The camp also houses transportation and maintenance repair bays, a wellness center, classrooms, student mess halls, barracks and quarters for officers and students, and warehouses.
“This replication project was made to improve the logistics operation of ASCOM and the Philippine Army due to its new and modern facilities. True enough, through the efforts of officers, men and women of ASCOM, that goal has been realized today,” said MGen. Ariel Niembra, reading the prepared message of LtGen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr., the Philippine Army Commanding General.
Photo caption: Assisting BCDA Chairman Delfin Lorenzana (left), MGen. Jose Ariel Niembra (center) unveils a marker that signifies Camp Servillano Aquino as the new home of ASCOM after relocating from Fort Bonifacio, Taguig. Looking on is MGen. Glenn Cruz (right), the ASCOM Commander. BCDA Photo.
“With the advent of modern warfare, it is imperative for the army to endeavor [and] to be at par with its counterparts around the world [by] having the best facilities that would cater to our organization’s needs,” he added.
Photo caption: BCDA Chairman Delfin Lorenzana, MGen. Jose Ariel Niembra, and MGen Glenn Cruz lead the blessing and tour of the 21 completed facilities in the 29.8-ha ASCOM property inside Camp Aquino in Tarlac. BCDA Photo.