BSP launches design competition for new currency production facility in New Clark City

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Tuesday launched a design competition for its “eco-friendly” currency production facility that will be built at the New Clark City (NCC) in Capas, Tarlac.

“The New BSP Complex Design Competition will enable the central bank to benefit from multiple design ideas for the construction of its iconic, smart, green, and modern facility at New Clark City,” BSP Governor Benjamin Diokno said in a statement.

In 2019, the BSP and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) signed a memorandum of agreement to transfer the central bank’s currency production facility to New Clark City. 

The central bank's currency production facility is currently located in Quezon City.

The BSP chief said the contest has two stages: the eligibility screening and shortlisting; and submission of technical and financial proposals and conceptual design.

To promote participation in the competition, architectural firms are invited to send proposals, he said.

“The proposed project design should be sustainable and incorporate Green Building measures to promote efficient use of resources such as power, water, and materials. These are intended to foster the health of its occupants and to protect the environment,” Diokno said.

In accordance with Republic Act 9184 or “The Government Procurement Reform Act” and its “2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations,” the winner shall be awarded the contract through competitive bidding to design the BSP complex in New Clark City.

The new complex will be built on 31 hectares of land.

It will house structures for currency and security documents production, executive offices, information technology, security, training, wellness, and sports activities.

The complex will also include an academic building, BSP’s research academy, and a museum.

Actual construction is projected to start during the second quarter of 2022.

Diokno said the new complex is BSP's contribution to the national Government's vision to decongest Metro Manila and establish a modern National Administration Center in New Clark City.

The central bank chief earlier said that it is crucial for the BSP to maintain a currency production facility that will allow sufficient agility to meet the country’s currency requirements.

The move to the New Clark City will also boost the BSP’s capacity to sustain its operations in times of calamity or natural disaster.—LDF, GMA News