The first batch of Department of Transportation (DOTr) offices will move to the sprawling Clark Freeport Zone on Friday.
The move to Clark was part of DOTr’s plan to decongest Manila. The transfer to Clark Freeport will not also entail additional cost to the DOTr’s operations and it will allow the government agency to save at least P9.3 million per year.
Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade said the transfer to Clark Freeport will be rolled out by batches to ensure efficient transition. Tugade, once served as President and CEO of the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), the operating arm of the Freeport zone.
The DOTr will be the first government agency to locate in the Clark Freeport although satellite government agencies are located in the Freeport zone to serve the growing needs of the Clark International Airport.
The DOTr has taken the lead in transferring its main office to the Clark freeport, which is considered the economic engine of Central Luzon.
The DOTr has already held talks with the DOTr union and employees regarding the move to Clark which is expected to decongest Manila and boost development in the countryside.
The DOTr has already laid out plans for subsidized accommodations for the employees. They were also given the option to transfer or be detailed in any DOTr attached agency. The agency will also provide free shuttle services to employees, a flexible time and a four-day work week schedule.
The DOTr ‘s transfer to the Clark freeport is expected to be completed by year-end.