MTD Capital to build RM1.77b ‘Putrajaya’ in the Philippines

PETALING JAYA (Jan 20): Infrastructure group MTD Capital Bhd will be developing a national government administrative centre (NGAC) modelled after Putrajaya on 60ha of land at New Clark City in the Philippines, reported The Edge weekly.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the project — which will cost PHP22.7 billion (RM1.77 billion) — is expected to take place on Tuesday (Jan 23), sources told the publication.

The NGAC will comprise satellite offices and major administrative offices of various executive departments and agencies, as well as a sports complex, which features an athletics stadium and aquatic centre that will likely be the venue for the upcoming 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

According to MTD Capital director and country head Isaac S David, the first phase of the development — slated for completion by the end of next year — will cover 40ha and cost PHP12.7 billion.

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) — the landowner that will jointly develop the NGAC with MTD Capital on a 10:90 basis, representing the land value and the cost of the development, respectively — said the first phase will comprise two 7-storey government buildings, an integrated operations centre, the aquatic centre, athletics stadium, athlete’s village, government housing and parks, among others.

Meanwhile, construction of phase 2 is targeted to begin next year and complete by 2022, with the 20ha phase featuring more government office buildings, housing, parks and facilities such as retail centres.

The BCDA’s decision to build the NGAC in New Clark City, which is 80km away from Manila, was prompted by the need to reduce traffic congestion and overpopulation in the metropolitan area, as well as to catalyse economic development outside the capital city.