With approximately 7,107 islands, the Philippines is teeming with potential tourist sites, both landlocked and sea-locked. Through tourism, investors are encouraged to establish businesses in particular areas of the country, thus boosting their economy and uplifting the lives of residents.
Prime examples of such a location are the Clark Freeport Zone (CFZ) and Clark Special Economic Zone (CSEZ)—two contiguous areas in Pampanga and Tarlac, considered by many as one the fastest-growing investment destinations in the Philippines today.
A myriad of establishments, like hotels, restaurants, resorts, and parks, eagerly await local and foreign visitors alike. With such a grand opportunity, it’s a tragic waste if the local government and private organizations will just ignore the demand for development and maintenance.
Here’s where the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) plays a role. Established in April 1993 as a subsidiary of the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), tasked to manage the CFZ and CSEZ, the CDC oversees the daily affairs in Clark.
For nearly three decades and counting, the CDC has ensured that all stakeholders have enjoyed a viable business environment in the two contiguous areas. It implements efficient policies that create a lucrative business climate inside the Freeport while boosting the economies of local communities in and around the Clark area.
It stays firm in its goal of transforming the CFZ into a preferred business and tourism destination in the Asia Pacific region and enables investors to find long-term economic returns. CDC also envisions the CFZ as a modern sustainable aerotropolis and the preferred MiCE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibits) and tourism destination in the Asia-Pacific Region by 2030.
Retired Police Brigadier General Manuel R. Gaerlan currently heads the CDC and all its well-intentioned projects.
Despite the pandemic, which affected the country since early 2020, the CDC showed no signs of slowing down. Instead, it took this as an opportunity and challenge to develop the two areas further to become a safe and sustainable destination.
Relying on four core values
Throughout its years of service, the CDC holds four core values that are near and dear to its heart.
First, there’s integrity. It allows the CDC to meet all its short-term and long-term goals because of its dedication to following the principles that make CFZ and CSEZ formidable destinations for people everywhere.
Next comes professional excellence. Without their knowledge and mastery, the two contiguous areas wouldn’t be the prime tourism and business destinations that boast modernized roads, state-of-the-art establishments, and popular leisure sites which people visit.
Then there’s open communication. The CDC stays open to feedback from all its stakeholders to ensure that it provides the best possible service for everyone. It’s also a key part of the success of its development projects in both the CFZ and CSEZ.
Lastly, there’s its unwavering spirit of service. Accomplishing such feats wouldn’t have been possible without the CDC’s staunch dedication to empowering the local communities and uplifting their lives by highlighting the beauty and potential of the area.
Many Filipinos and foreigners already recognize the potential of the CFZ and CSEZ as prime tourism destinations, where they can conduct business or even escape the bustling metro to indulge in a memorable weekend with all its amenities.
Developing a world-class destination through experience
People from the bustling metro need not look nor travel far to enjoy world-class experiences. The CDC has ensured that both the CFZ and CSEZ have their fair share of establishments and amenities that cater to all the preferences of visitors and stakeholders. It continues to create such changes to keep the areas relevant to all audiences.
The CDC also utilized the natural landscape of the area to create picturesque locations that bring awe to visitors. And because of its proximity to other provinces, the CDC also frequently collaborates with these regions to emphasize its distinct cuisine and elevate it to a new level.
Visitors can also enjoy inspiring landmarks that demonstrate the history and liveliness of the Philippines.
Carrying out its responsibility to the people
Developing the two areas isn’t the only responsibility that the CDC upholds. It’s also active in carrying out duties that secure the safety of its stakeholders and the local community.
Only a few days ago, the CDC partnered with BB International Leisure and Resort Development Corporation (BBI) and Bridges of Benevolent Initiative Foundation Inc. to promote Kapampangan Cultural Heritage (KCH) inside the Freeport.
The partnership aims to preserve the rich history of the Kapampangans, rebuild the culture, revitalize the language, and promote it globally.
Part of the partnership includes sponsorship amounting to P1.2 million from the CDC, while its Corporate Social Responsibility and Placement Division (CSRPD) will host the equipment and materials within CDC for research and education purposes.
Moreover, just a week ago, the CDC conducted a blood drive held in partnership with the Angeles University Foundation Medical Center (AUFMC)—Blood Bank.
It was also conducted in support of the Department of Health’s (DOH) National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP), according to the Republic Act No. 7119, or the National Blood Services Act of 1994, which promotes voluntary blood donation to provide sufficient supply of safe blood and to regulate blood banks.
Despite the CDC’s dedication to local heritage and neighboring communities, it doesn’t close its doors to opportunities from foreign investors.
For instance, since the Philippines has a large demographic of fans, who enjoy the South Korean culture, the CDC recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Korea Land & Housing Corporation (LH) to create a smart city in CFZ.
The future smart city will use artificial intelligence and big data to process real-time information collected through sensors and allow city operators to analyze data for plans.
As the CDC celebrates its 29th anniversary this April, the public and its stakeholders can expect more from the group as they work their way toward meeting their overall goal in 2030 of developing CFZ and CSEZ as a modern sustainable aerotropolis and tourism destination in the Asia-Pacific Region—all while upholding the cultural identity of the nearby provinces.