BCDA, Aussie firms strike deals worth P86-B

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has secured four agreements worth P86 billion with Australian companies that will focus on smart city solutions.

In a statement, BCDA said that the agreements signed cover the sectors of information and communications technology (ICT), energy, and infrastructure.

BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua Bingcang said the agreements will benefit not just the BCDA but the entire country.

“This will help us navigate toward a safe and sustainable future in terms of digital transformation and renewable energy transition,” Bingcang said.

The business agreements were made during the Philippines Business Forum on the sidelines of the Asean-Australia Special Summit in Melbourne, Australia held from March 3-6, 2024.

Among the deals signed was the memorandum of understanding with Kaizen ANZ Pty. Ltd. for the development of a Tier-3 Data Center in Poro Point Freeport zone in La Union.

The partnership will cover the design, construction, commissioning, and funding of a data center to provide efficient computer, network, and storage technology capabilities.

Poro Point covers a 236.5-hectare area in North Luzon with access to an airport, seaport, and other tourism facilities.

A partnership with St. Battalion GigaFactory Inc. on expanding next-generation battery manufacturing in the country was also signed to support the increase from 600-megawatt hours (MWh) to 2 gigawatt hours (GWh) by 2030.

The BCDA also noted that the expansion is expected to create additional 500 employment opportunities as the partnership will also make way for the development of at least four more ready-built factories in New Clark City, Capac, Tarlac.

The BCDA also inked an accord with Energy Decarb Pty. Ltd to deploy decarbonization solutions in New Clark City and other BCDA properties.  It also includes the orchestration of renewable energy, storage, and e-mobility to reduce costs and reliance on grid power.

A partnership with Passenger Urban and Rapid Vehicles Solutions Inc. was also signed to explore opportunities for the provision of electric vehicle fleets of various types within BCDA properties.  This will include the design, installation, and operation of fast-charging stations.

“Through these deals, we will also be able to drive inclusive economic growth and create more highly-quality employment opportunities for those living within the economic zones we operate,” Bingcang said.

The deals that were signed are in line with the government’s goal of bringing in more foreign capital and expertise to the Philippines.