DND, BCDA ink MOA for management, use of idle military lands

To fast-track the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program, the Department of National Defense and Bases Conversation Development Authority have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the management and use of idle military lands and other assets Wednesday. (Photo: Armed Forces Of The Philippines Modernization Program/Facebook)

MANILA—To fast-track the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program, the Department of National Defense and Bases Conversation Development Authority have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the management and use of idle military lands and other assets Wednesday.

The MOA is possible as the AFP possesses idle tracks of land that can be leased or jointly developed, resulting in additional funds for its modernization, DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.

Also, Republic Act No. 10349, otherwise known as the “Revised AFP Modernization Act” provides that the AFP Modernization Act Trust Fund may be sourced from the proceeds of the sale, lease or joint development of military reservations, as may be authorized by the President.

According to the MOA, the BCDA is designated as one of the “disposition entities” for unused military camps/ reservations specifically identified by the DND and AFP to raise funds for the modernization program, pursuant to Section 6 of Republic Act 10349.

DND public affairs office chief Arsenio Andolong the said agreement is in line with the DND’s thrust under the Philippine Defense Transformation Roadmap 2028 to optimize the department’s financial resources in support to the DND’s strategic focus, which is the attainment of a more credible defense posture for security and stability, national peace, and economic development.

Lorenzana signed in behalf of the DND, while Vivencio B. Dizon, BCDA president and chief executive officer, signed for his agency.