BCDA ends 2017 with the largest AFP remittance in history

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 5): BCDA ends 2017 with the largest AFP remittance in history

The state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) remitted almost P5 billion to the Bureau of Treasury in the first year of the Duterte administration—the highest amount generated by BCDA for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in its 25 year history.

In line with BCDA’s mandate to strengthen the Armed Forces while building great cities, the state-owned corporation has raised a total of P36.6 billion for the AFP.

Recently, Department of National Defense (DND) public affairs office chief Arsenio Andolong announced that the Philippines would acquire six Super Tucano A-29 planes, worth over P4.9 billion.

He said that these will augment or even replace the existing Rockwell OV-10 “Bronco” attack planes being used by the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in close-air support missions. Deliveries of the A-29s are expected to commence on 2019. These will be turned over and operated by the PAF’s 15th Strike Wing based in Sangley Point, Cavite City.

Aside from this, Andolong said that the PAF will soon receive AIM-9 “Sidewinder” air-to-air missiles which will be used to augment the combat capabilities of the existing 12 South Korean-made FA-50PH “Fighting Eagle” jets.

With these missiles, air to air combat capabilities of the FA50PH re intensified—making it more capable of protecting the country’s airspace against airborne threats.

These FA50 fighter jets and the Super Tucanos were among the aircrafts used in combat during the five-month battle to liberate Marawi City from the Maute terrorist group.

The BCDA under the Duterte administration has committed to continuously raise more for the modernization of the AFP as well as provide for the welfare of our soldiers. The BCDA has also committed to greatly assist the Departments of Finance (DOF) and Budget and Management (DBM) in raising the necessary funds for the retirement benefits of our men and women in uniform. (BCDA)

http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1003776