ABOUT THE PROJECT:
The facilities improvement project, one of the largest undertaken by the U.S. Department of State this year, is part of the U.S. Embassy’s commitment to improving services for the public and reinforcing the close ties between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines.
The U.S. Embassy will be modernizing facilities through a major project expected to run until 2012. The Chancery building, a historic landmark, will remain unaffected by construction. A new Consular public services building will be built, which will feature large, indoor waiting areas for the public, and the number of service windows for passport and other applications will be expanded from 66 to 98. This will make the process of acquiring visas and other documents more efficient, faster, and more pleasant for the public. There will also be more windows for the processing and delivery of services to American citizens and Filipino citizens who qualify for Veterans Administration and Social Security Administration benefits. Additionally, larger offices and a larger, more modern medical clinic for veterans will be constructed on the Seafront Compound.
This $119 million construction project has been awarded to the Filipino firm Makati Development Corporation (MDC), which beat numerous large international firms in an open, worldwide competition that featured a competitive bidding process and a rigorous evaluation system.
Work on this major project has already begun and is expected to be fully completed in 2012. The Embassy and MDC staffs are working with local authorities to minimize traffic and other potential disruptions, but the public should expect limited, episodic construction-related traffic delays at various times in the immediate vicinity of the U.S. Embassy.
[Back to Top]
 |
 |
Artist’s Rendering of
the New Consular Area |
Artistic Image of Chancery Compound, View from Roxas Boulevard |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ):
- What is the purpose of the facilities improvement project?
- How will the facilities improvement affect the Embassy’s services?
- Will there be enough new officers to take advantage of the new space?
- When will the project be completed?
- How much will the project cost?
- How will the construction affect traffic?
- What steps are being taken to mitigate traffic snarls?
- Which firm will handle the construction and how was it chosen?
- How many companies bid on the contract for construction and design?
- Will trees be cut down?
1. What is the purpose of the facilities improvement project?
The purpose is to improve Embassy services such as visa adjudication, American Citizen Services, processing and delivery of Veterans and Social Security benefits. The current facilities on the Chancery and Seafront compounds were built in the 1960s. The number of U.S. government agencies with offices in the Embassy has grown significantly since then, and services provided by the U.S. Embassy have expanded greatly. The new facilities will accommodate that growth. This project demonstrates the U.S. government’s long-term commitment to our close relationship with the Republic of the Philippines in all of its many facets.
[Back to FAQ]
2. How will the facilities improvement affect the Embassy’s services?
A new Consular public services building will be built, which will feature large, indoor waiting areas for the public, and the number of service windows for passport and other applications will be expanded from 66 to 98. This will make the process of acquiring visas and other documents more efficient, faster, and more pleasant for the public. There will also be more windows for the processing and delivery of services to American citizens and Filipino citizens who qualify for Veterans Administration and Social Security Administration benefits. Additionally, larger offices and a larger, more modern medical clinic for veterans will be constructed on the Seafront Compound.
[Back to FAQ]
3. Will there be enough new officers to take advantage of the new space?
The personnel needs of U.S. missions worldwide are constantly being evaluated and adjusted according to each Mission’s needs.
[Back to FAQ]
4. When will the project be completed?
We expect the project to continue until 2012.
[Back to FAQ]
5. How much will the project cost?
The U.S. Embassy is investing over $100 million in the Republic of the Philippines with this project.
[Back to FAQ]
6. How will the construction affect traffic?
While the public should expect some construction-related traffic around the U.S. Embassy, the Embassy is working with local authorities on plans that will minimize traffic and other potential disruptions.
[Back to FAQ]
7. What steps are being taken to mitigate traffic snarls?
During construction, we will have a separate construction entrance to the chancery compound.
[Back to FAQ]
8. Which firm will handle the construction and how was it chosen?
The contract for design and construction was awarded to Makati Development Corporation (MDC) as the result of a full and open competition that included a competitive bidding process and a rigorous evaluation system. MDC is a respected land and commercial developer, and being a Philippine company, MDC brings to the project their knowledge of the local market, the area, and the subcontracting process.
[Back to FAQ]
9. How many companies bid on the contract for construction and design?
There were several bidders from the U.S. and Asia. MDC was the only Philippine company that bid, and they won a tough competition that was fair and open, and included a competitive bidding process and a rigorous evaluation system.
[Back to FAQ]
10. Will trees be cut down?
In order to make way for improved facilities, fifteen trees will be cut down, but sixty-one new trees will be added to the landscaping. Also, eighty-three trees will be transplanted to parks and other green spaces in the Manila area.
[Back to FAQ]
PHOTOS AND PRESS RELEASES:
Press Releases:
Photos:
[Back to Top]
