THE Philippines wants to have more project partnerships with South Korean companies, particularly in smart city solutions, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said over the weekend.
Attending the 2025 Korea-Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Partnership held Sept. 24-25 in Gyeongju, BCDA officials met with representatives of Soosung Engineering and RMS Platform to discuss design and technology requirements for the expansion of Clark International Airport, modernization of the San Fernando International Seaport, and smart city initiatives of New Clark City in Tarlac.
BCDA officers also paid a courtesy call to Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency EVP for Economic Cooperation and Trade Affairs Jihyung Lee for Korea’s support in advancing infrastructure and development initiatives of the Philippines.
Among BCDA’s previous partnerships with Korean firms were a consortium for affordable housing in New Clark City, and a collaboration with the National Agency for Administrative City Construction for smart city development.
The Korea-APEC Business Partnership event was organized by the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the provincial government of Gyeongsangbuk-do, and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency.
The BCDA is partnering with a consortium of South Korean and local firms, including Korea Overseas Infrastructure and Urban Development Corp. (KIND), to develop low-cost housing complexes in New Clark City as part of the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.
Smart City Development: Agreements are in place with NAACC to share knowledge and expertise on urban planning, smart city development, and green energy for New Clark City.
Infrastructure Upgrades: The BCDA is also in talks with Moon Engineering Co. Ltd. to conduct a feasibility study for upgrading the San Fernando Airport in Poro Point.
Smart Mobility Solutions: Jin Systems Co. Ltd. is interested in collaborating on the 2025 K-City Network Smart Solution Demonstration Project to deploy smart mobility solutions in New Clark City.
E-Government Platform: The BCDA and RMS Platform signed an MOU to explore the development of an eGovernment digital platform.