THE Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) on Thursday opened a Swiss challenge for a P12-billion luxury mountain resort proposed to be put up in New Clark City.

In a notice, the BCDA called on private sector proponents to participate in a competitive challenge for the long-term lease of a 450 hectare parcel where the resort is to be developed. The unsolicited proposal for the resort was submitted to the government by Widus Philippines Inc.

“The unsolicited proposal includes a phase 1 development of the property comprising one 5-star luxury hotel managed by an international brand, one 18 hole championship golf course and one club house,” the notice read.

Unsolicited proposals are subjected to a Swiss challenge to allow competitive offers from the private sector. On the other hand, the original proponent is given the right to tender a counterproposal.

Interested competitors can participate in the Swiss challenge by purchasing the terms of reference beginning on Friday at the BCDA Clark Office for a nonrefundable fee of P300,000.

The prebid conference is scheduled on July 11 at the BCDA Extension Office. Submission of the eligibility documents and financial proposal is calendared on August 8 at the BCDA Clark Office.

New Clark City, a 9,450-hectare area located 100 kilometers north of Metro Manila, is slated to become the first smart, green and sustainable metropolis in the Philippines.

The National Government Administrative Center (NGAC) will be situated there. The NGAC will house the backup offices of several government agencies to ensure their operations are uninterrupted in times of manmade and natural calamities.

The NGAC will also feature the sports facilities to be used for the country’s hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games in November.

The construction of New Clark City is in line with the Duterte administration’s economic policy of spreading growth to the regions. By building infrastructure outside of Metro Manila, the government seeks to attract investments and create jobs in rural areas, which, in theory, should decongest the capital.

Widus Philippines is the operator of four-star Widus Hotel and Casino in Clark, Pampanga.

In May it secured a P7-billion loan to bankroll the expansion of Widus Hotel and Casino. Asia United Bank was the lead arranger and bookrunner for the loan, while the UnionBank of the Philippines was the joint lead arranger.