BCDA building airport terminal at Poro Point
The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is investing P250 million to construct an airport at Poro Point Freeport Zone as part of a broader plan to modernize the former US military air base in San Fernando, La Union.
BCDA president and CEO Joshua Bingcang said the money would be used to build an airport terminal within the seaport, which is surrounded by mountainous terrain.
Bingcang said the state-run firm hoped to accommodate commercial flights once the construction of the 10,000 square-meter facility has been completed, noting the existing structure was now too antiquated.
The BCDA is working on the specification and planning to bid out the design and build contract this year, he told reporters.
Logistics hub
Bingcang also said the BCDA has partnered with the Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines for a feasibility study to develop Poro Port into a logistics hub.
“Our target is to complete the feasibility [study] in two years but that will not prevent us from entertaining unsolicited proposals,” he said.
According to the BCDA chief, the feasibility study will determine the best way to optimize the asset, whether for agro-industrial, tourism or other uses, before entertaining proposals from the private sector.
“That’s our plan—to come up with the best use plan and bid it out and find a partner for the long-term operation [of the seaport]. [It] is important to include [an additional] 80 hectares,” he added.
Through subsidiary Poro Point Management Corp., the BCDA is managing interim operations of the seaport after the lease contract of its previous operator, Poro Point Industrial Corp., had lapsed on Oct. 31, 2024.
Since assuming operations in October, Bingcang said Poro Point has been generating “good revenue streams” for the state-run corporation.
Formerly known as the US Wallace Air Station, the 236.5-hectare Poro Point houses the 65-hectare Mediterranean-inspired luxury resort called Thunderbird Resorts.
