The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. (PSPC) have renewed their partnership for the energy company’s use of property along Circumferential Road 5 (C-5 Road) in Taguig City as a full-service mobility station.
BCDA Officer-in-Charge President and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Aristotle B. Batuhan and Pilipinas Shell General Manager for Mobility Philippines Randolph T. Del Valle on March 31 led the ceremonial contract signing, which extended the lease of the 7,497-square-meter (sqm.) land along C-5 Road for another 20 years.
“More than 20 years have passed since BCDA and Pilipinas Shell first entered into a public-private partnership for the lease of this property. We consider this as a successful partnership, allowing BCDA and the government to generate additional revenues for the Filipino people year after year,” Batuhan said. “Achieving this again through the renewal contract is imperative. It will enable the government to beef up its coffers, no matter how modest, at a time when Filipinos are still reeling from the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the conflict in Ukraine,” he added.
Pilipinas Shell also committed to investing Php 80 to 100 million for the improvement and redevelopment of its existing mobility station on the site and the inclusion of value-added services.
“C5 is a very important thoroughfare that connects people from the north and south, and we want to make the journey better and hassle-free for everyone. Our mobility stations are strategically located to make sure that we cater to every community. This C5 location is ideal because we can serve the various surrounding communities not only with fuels but with other relevant products and services,” said Del Valle. “Our investments are geared for the community. Shell aims to power progress of the Philippines, and in this case, we are powering progress for people from Metro Manila, Taguig, and around the country,” he continued.
Under its proposed development plan, PSPC seeks to upgrade its mobility station in line with its Future Site design. The renovated station will house a Shell Select convenience store, Shell Car Wash, Shell Helix Oil Change facility, Shell Advance MotoCare Express, a lounge, and parking spaces. It will also have space for co-locators, such as restaurants and cafes.
The site’s design will incorporate various green elements like solar panels that will greatly reduce the site’s overall electrical consumption, a green wall to offset carbon emissions from vehicles, grasscrete, ecoslab, and furniture made from upcycled single-use plastic. In anticipation of the growth of the electric vehicle market, there is also allocated space for Electric Vehicle Charging (Shell Recharge).
Impressed by PSPC’s sustainability thrust, BCDA Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Aileen Zosa invited the energy company to explore other opportunities for partnership, this time in New Clark City, BCDA’s inclusive, sustainable, and smart city development in Capas, Tarlac.
“I’m happy to know that Shell is giving back to the environment. Your progressive thinking, your sustainable principles–which I’m sure you advocate and adhere to–are really the right fit for New Clark City,” Zosa said.
Del Valle welcomed Zosa’s remarks, adding that Shell already has a wealth of experience working with various smart cities in other parts of the globe.
“With the expertise of BCDA from a location and development perspective, and the expertise of Shell in terms of supporting mobility, we can co-create and co-develop future-proof locations in New Clark City,” he said.