Clark International Airport Corporation President and CEO Arrey A. Perez said the seven flagship projects will further develop Clark as the premiere global civil aviation logistic hub in Southeast Asia embarking to bring on the “A-Game” in the aviation complex.
“Our goal for Clark airport is to make it a transshipment hub in Southeast Asia,” according to Perez, who had been part of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority who put into motion the development of the vibrant Bonifacio Global City (BGC).
“Central Luzon is going to be the transshipment hub of Southeast Asia. We’re just been implementing what had been long time visions of different governments,” said Perez, who met with members of the Central Luzon Media Association Pampanga at the CIAC Boardroom on Monday afternoon.
“We have lined up seven flagship projects that will make or transform Clark hindi lang ang airport as the premiere global civil aviation logistic hub of the Philippines. It is going to be Southeast Asia’s logistics hub,” said Perez.
Perez has identified the seven flagship projects as: New CRK Direct Access Link, National Food Terminal, Urban Renewal & Heritage Conservation Program, Entertainment and Events Hub, Expansion & Upgrading of Road Networks & Utilities, Detailed Site Development Plan of 2nd Runway, and New CIAC Headquarters.
These seven flagship projects will further “bring on the A-Game for the development of the Clark Civil Aviation Complex,” according to Perez.
Perez has cited the good “roadway ecosystems” leading to the Clark International Airport, all of which are connected to the current development plans of the BCDA such the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.
The Clark Civil Aviation Complex comprises 2,347 hectares, the biggest aviation-related development in the Philippines. It will feature the Entertainment Technology Park in a 202-hectare area; Industrial Hub in a 92-hectare area; Mixed Use Strip in a 146-hectare area; and Mixed Use Logistics in a 145-hectare area.
But other development plans are also in the pipeline such as the $152M National Food Terminal locate in a 64-hectare area that is expected to be realized in 2024. The food terminal is expected to offer cutting edge facility that will provide a comprehensive range of services, encompassing research and quality control, warehousing, food processing, marketing services, and trading for both local and international markets.
Among others, the food terminal will prioritize the development of the agricultural economy, particularly the aqua culture and agricultural industries.
Perez said the government will also infuse $31M into the Urban Renewal Program that will create sustainable public spaces, a river park for rainwater management and wastewater recycling, and the integration of smart city technologies.
Perez said the most exciting part of the development plans is the rise of the $317M Clark Entertainment and Events Hub that will feature an airport mall, convention center, indoor sports arena, and the multi modal hub.
Perez cited what he calls “Transit-Oriented Development” within the Clark aviation complex where visitors can avail of the dynamic urban environment.
The CLMA led by Zambales-based journalist Vic Vizcocho and the CLMA Pampanga led by broadcaster Boy Santiago have vowed to work hand-in-hand with the CIAC management to “bring on the A-Game in the Clark Civil Aviation Complex,” which is the crown jewel of the Clark Freeport Zone.