CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Public Works Secretary Mark Villar led the groundbreaking of the P42 million worth of headquarters in Fort Magsaysay Monday, March 2.

Officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Philippine Army (PA) joined Villar during the groundbreaking for the 7th Infantry Division (7ID) "Kaugnay" Division Headquarters.

According to Villar, the new headquarters building "is aimed at reinforcing the operations of PA as the facility will have its own tactical operations center."

"We are aware that the Philippine Army is our protector and is a key player in nation building. The Army Core Purpose asserts 'Serving the People. Securing the Land.' Today, the DPWH is now a partner of the Army in fulfilling their purpose as we unveil infrastructure projects under the 'Tikas' program -- a convergence program between the Department of National Defense and the DPWH which aims to strengthen and expand military readiness for national security and development," Villar said.

The DPWH is also set to build five more facilities inside the base. These include the construction of a two-story administration building and a four-story transient facility at the Light Reaction Regiment, and construction of a hangar, among others.

The DPWH was also tasked with the construction of a two-story 7ID headquarters building with tactical operation center and the construction of two units, one-story and a two-story building enlisted personnel barracks that will be used by the members of the Special Forces Regiment.

Fort Magsaysay is home to Philippine Army's 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division. The Light Reaction Regiment and Special Forces Regiment are also headquartered at the said camp.