The Bases and Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) said it will develop a 2-hectare nursery at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac in a bid to support sustainable development by regreening the area.
BCDA Vice President for Engineering and Social Support Department Mark P. Torres told iOrbitNews they are planning to put up a 2-hectare nursery within the sprawling NCC, which is now being pumpprimed as an investment destination in Central Luzon.
“We need to put up the nursery so that we can pursue regreening of the NCC. We will have to maintain the tree saplings in the nursery,” said Torres during a meeting with the Central Luzon Media Association Pampanga at the Hungry Neighbors on Friday night.
The BCDA had been conducting tree planting activities in the NCC as part of the Earth Day celebrations in the past.
Without proper maintenance, however, the tree saplings simply wilted away, according to Torres, who now suggested a proper nursery where tree saplings will be taken care of.
When subjected to drought, trees may lack the resources needed to resist disease-causing organisms. In this case, the trees need adequate moisture to keep their defense mechanisms fully functional.
The BCDA had been promoting sustainable development by conducting tree planting activities at the NCC, where hundreds of seedlings were already planted.
Said Torres: “New Clark City was built on the principles of sustainability, resiliency and inclusivity. While we continue the implementation of high-impact infrastructure projects to propel economic growth, we recognize our duty to give back to Mother Earth and to preserve the environment for our future generations.
“This initiative is just one of the steps taken by BCDA to achieve inclusivity through sustainability.”
Torres said NCC now plays host to high impact projects that will further push development of the areas.
Among these developments include the P10-billion investment of Filinvest in partnership with BCDA; and the P20-billion Hann Reserve, a 450-hectare Hann Reserve luxury integrated resort that will feature the first and only Professional Golfers Association of America-affiliated player development facility in the Philippines.
It includes three 18-hole championship golf courses: the KJ Choivalley course, a mountain course designed by Nicklaus Design, and the Sir Nick Faldo Signature river course.
The project will also serve as home to global luxury hotel brands Banyan Tree and Angsana Resort, Sofitel and Emblems by Accor Group and The Luxury Collection and Westin by Marriott International. Also in photo is world-renowned South Korean golfer KJ Choi.