Isabela 6th District Rep. Inno Dy, the newly-elected chair of the Special Committee on Bases Conversion of the House of Representatives, vowed that his committee will continue efforts to strengthen bases conversion and development amid the country’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We will continue and build on efforts to strengthen bases conversion and development, with the view towards using revenues from these to spur our economic recovery,” Dy said.
The lawmaker underscored the sector’s potential role in attracting foreign investments, generating jobs, and spurring development in the provinces.
On Monday, September 5, Quezon Rep. JayJay Suarez moved to elect Dy as the special committee’s chairperson. Deputy Speaker and Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar, who presided over the session, approved the motion.
The bases conversion committee covers all matters directly and principally relating to policies and programs relating to bases conversion, the operation of special economic zones in former military bases, sale of military camps and disposition of proceeds thereof, relocation of military camps and personnel, and the construction of new military camps.
The lawmaker underscored the sector’s potential role in attracting foreign investments, generating jobs, and spurring development in the provinces.
The lawmaker said he will ask the Bases Conversion Development Authority and other affiliates to hold a briefing as soon as possible.
He emphasized that having a clear grasp of the BCDA’s mandates, corporate structures, areas of operations, current and long term programs, projects, activities and other pertinent information would help guide the whole committee.
“Of course, if we have the whole picture we could identify what interventions Congress can legislate to revitalize the sector and make it a reliable revenue-generator.”
Dy also said that in line with this, he also plans to personally visit the country’s assets.
“Of course, if we have the whole picture we could identify what interventions Congress can legislate to revitalize the sector and make it a reliable revenue-generator,” said Dy.
“With our resources at a low because of the pandemic, we need to maximize all the assets that we have and ensure that the country benefits from them,” the solon added.