10 January 2014 – The Philippine Embassy in Pakistan awarded on 17 December 2013 the contract for the construction of the Philippine Chancery and Ambassador’s Residence at the Diplomatic Enclave, a special security zone for diplomats, in Islamabad to Gold Roof Pvt. Ltd. after a competitive procurement process.

Of the three companies that participated in the bidding process, Gold Roof (Ltd) emerged as the Single Calculated Responsive Bidder.  The winning bidder, a Pakistani construction firm based in Dubai, was credited in having worked on similar projects at the Diplomatic Enclave in Islamabad for the Embassies of Myanmar, Tajikistan, Qatar. China, Brunei and the United Arab Emirates.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

The Philippine Embassy complex will be located on a 6,640-square meter property provided by the Pakistani Government on a perpetual lease arrangement for a token amount.  The complex will include the chancery office building, the Ambassador’s Residence, a Filipino Community Center with recreational facilities and other amenities.  The project will also feature energy efficiency measures, use of solar power generation and “green building” specifications.

The unique architectural design of the complex was inspired by the Banawe Rice Terraces.  The project, which is expected to be completed within the next 18 months,  will have facilities that will showcase Philippine arts and culture, products, and trade and investment opportunities in the Philippines.

In simple signing ceremonies held in the Pakistani capital, Philippine Ambassador to Pakistan Domingo D. Lucenario remarked that the construction of the Philippine Chancery is indicative of the importance that the Philippine Government attaches on its bilateral relations with Pakistan.  The Ambassador said that “it is our way of conveying the message that we advance the already strong ties that exist between the two countries.”

The grounbreaking ceremony will be held within the month to herald the year-long celebration of the 65^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Pakistan.  END