CLARK FREEPORT— “We need to take care of Clark because it is very unique,” said Clark Development Corporation (CDC) Vice Chairman Benjamin P. Defensor, Jr. noting the role of this Freeport as an ideal investment and tourism hub.
During the recent Capampangan in Media (CAMI) Balitaan sa Bale Balita, Defensor said the Freeport is a “one-stop-shop” destination for investors.
“Updated lahat ng mga locators natin dito kung ano ang mga requirements. Because when we talk about Clark, we are trying to make a one-stop-shop. Lahat ng babayaran mo nandito pati yung mga babayaran mong taxes pati yung mga requirements pag nagtrabaho ka dito in short, we make it very attractive for the locators,” he said.
Defensor, former Armed Forces Chief of Staff, also mentioned the developments in this Freeport significantly contributes to the growth of Central Luzon.
“Seventy-five percent (75%) of exports of Central Luzon are provided by Clark. That is the best proof to show-off na talagang umaasenso ang mga tao rito. Sinusunod ang mga batas natin at sa mga regulations na ginagawa dito sa Clark. It is inland but it produces a lot of industry, it produces a lot of revenues in the Philippines,” he added.
Exports from various semiconductor and manufacturing firms in Clark is about $4.85 billion per year which accounts for 75 percent of the total exports from the region.
Meanwhile, in a separate interview, Defensor also cited the pool of workforce here as one of the factors on the development of the Freeport.
“There are about 130,000 who are working here and the people who are working here are not doing menial jobs. Many are blue collared jobs that’s why the progress (in Clark) is very fast,” he said.
Accordingly, Defensor highlighted this Freeport not only as an investment hub but also as one of the top tourist destinations in the country.
He also urged local and foreign tourists to explore and visit this Freeport. He mentioned that while there are no beaches available in the area, this Freeport has a lot more to offer especially on tourism-related industries.
Referring to travelers who are fond of visiting seashores in the country, Defensor said “Unbeach yourself and go to Clark. Ganoon dapat because Clark has other things to offer other than the beaches kasi traditional yung beaches eh but of course, some of the best beaches are in the Philippines.”
To continuously improve tourist experience here, CDC has recently improved its main roads, facilities, parks and other frequented areas here such as the Clark Parade Grounds and the Children’s playground. This, aside from having industry leaders in hotel and restaurant business.
Currently, this Freeport is host to 1,123 locator-companies engaged in manufacturing, tourism, information-communication technology, logistics and aviation-related industries among others that employ 135,114 workers.