The state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA)
said the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board
Committee on Infrastructure (Infracom) has given its seal of approval
for the development of some 36,000 hectares in the Clark Freeport and
Special Economic Zone into a new city half the size of Metro Manila.
BCDA President and CEO Arnel Paciano D. Casanova said the NEDA
Infracom, chaired by Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and NEDA
Director-General Arsenio Balisacan, has agreed to endorse the Clark
Green City Master Development Plan to President Benigno S. Aquino III
for final approval.
“We are very pleased that NEDA Infracom has approved our plans for
Clark Green City, and hope that President Aquino will approve the
project. This [project] promises to be one of the most important
destinations not just in Central Luzon, but the country as a whole, for
local and international residents, locators and investors,” Casanova
added.
He said once President Aquino approves the Clark Green City Master
Development Plan, BCDA can start the disposition and development of the
property by next year.
Casanova added the development of the Clark Green City is expected to
contribute in attracting investments, generating more jobs, boosting
the economy and sustaining inclusive growth.
“Once at full development, Clark Green City would generate
approximately P1.57 trillion per year to the economy of the country,”
Casanova said. He added that jobs that will be generated will reach
925,000 jobs.
He said by developing the area which is at the moment idle land, BCDA
would be able to unlock the value of the land that will benefit not
only people in Central Luzon but in the rest of the country as well.
He added that development of Clark Green City will generate inclusive
growth because Clark Green City will provide opportunities for
everyone.
Casanova noted at the heart of the 36,000-hectare property is a
9,450-hectare metropolis. “We will start by developing 1,321 hectares
for the first phase,” he said
According to Casanova an approximate P59 billion will be used for the
first five years of development. He clarified that the bulk of the
development cost will be shouldered by the private sector since the
mode of development will be through Public-Private-Partnership (PPP).
Casanova said Clark Green City is the first project of this magnitude
that will be undertaken in the history of the country. “Not only are we
building a new city, we are building the most modern city in the entire
country,” he said.
He added that Clark Green City will also play a major role in
decongesting Metro Manila not to mention sustain the country’s economic
growth.
Casanova noted that Clark Green City will completely revolutionize
the way people live, work and interact. “It will be a place where one’s
home, place of work, and places of recreation are within walking or
biking distances from each other. It will be a place where everyone is
connected by both culture and technology. And with sustainability as
number one priority in building the city, it is truly designed with
future generations in mind,” Casanova said.
Casanova also said that the project will also serve as a showcase of
what the country can offer in terms of urban planning and sustainable
development.
“With the trend in building sustainable and modern cities in major
countries across the world, through Clark Green City, we will be able to
show our neighbors that the Philippines can likewise make a huge step
in modern, sustainable development,” he said.
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