It’s been gloomy and raining on most days recently. A drive around Clark Freeport can reveal a scene of such nostalgia and mnemonic. The wet roads shimmer under the persistent rain, the greeneries gently sway, and the horizon always paints a picturesque backdrop. It’s a reminder of the serenity that nature offers, even in moments of gloom.
Drive around some more and it will bring you to the old Fontana Leisure Parks and Casino – along with, of course, the recent memories of a raid operation. The contrast between past and present becomes starkly apparent as soon as you get there. Once a welcoming place of recreation for families and friends, it now stands transformed and vibrancy dimmed with red Chinese lanterns and also clothes hung to dry.
Just last week, authorities swooped down at least five villas late night of June 27. The events unfolded so swiftly that even a press conference by the Clark Development Corporation the following afternoon came as a surprise.
The manner of announcement itself can raise eyebrows, with invitations arriving an hour late with a notable absence of transparency such as the lack of a transcript despite requests. Imagine receiving an invitation at 3:30 pm for a 2:30 pm press conference. Yes, that’s right, go on and raise that brow.
Coincidentally, amidst these developments, CDC will also host, this week, a conference aimed at fostering collaboration with the private sectors. The timing and contrast between these events couldn’t be straightforward.
The upcoming conference can help position our country as the top MICE (meetings, incentive travel, conventions, and exhibitions) destination in Asia. It would help attract new investments and business opportunities at least for Central Luzon.
But as the weather hints at a shift, from such oppressive heat to what could possibly be a chillier atmosphere, one cannot help but ponder the changes within and beyond Clark Freeport. The physical alterations reflect deeper transformations, both in policy and perception, that are shaping the landscape of this thriving freeport.
And even with these changes, one thing remains constant – the need for transparency and also communication, not only for PRs or public relations. For communities and stakeholders alike, understanding and open communication are crucial to navigate the ever evolving terrain of the Clark Freeport’s future.