BCDA Chief Discusses Clark’s Development at Stakeholders’ Roadshow
Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) president and CEO Vince Dizon emphasized the important role of Clark’s development in the country’s economic growth during the second leg of the recently concluded Clark Development Stakeholders’ Roadshow held at the Royce Hotel, Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.
Dizon reiterated that the direction of the government is to develop Clark and Central Luzon as part of Duterte’s ‘Build Build Build’ infrastructure project.
The government also clearly acknowledges that Metro Manila has to be decongested and the only way of doing this is to spread development outside urban centers.
Aside from the construction of a new terminal at the Clark International Airport (CRK), the Duterte administration also allocated some $4 billion for a lot of big ticket infrastructure that will be centered in Clark and Central Luzon.
Aside from the projects planned for the whole region, Dizon promised to help the local government units of Pampanga in their own infrastructure projects.
“Get the plans out of the office and bring them to the corresponding agencies. Now is the time to do it.” he said.
The chief also expressed his appreciation for the current administration’s commitment to aid in the development of rural centers.
“Ang pag-unlad ay hindi dapat nililimita sa siyudad. Hindi pwedeng maiwan sa pag-unlad ang iba’t-ibang probinsya at bayan sa buong bansa.” he said.
(Development shouldn’t only be limited to urban areas. The provinces all over the country must also be able to grow economically.)
According to Dizon, the construction of a railway connecting Manila to Clark will start this year while a cargo railway project connecting Subic to Clark will also be constructed in the near future.
But BCDA’s most ambitious project is the Clark Green City (CGC) which is seen as a hub for economic growth. It covers an area approximately 9,450 hectares and upon full development, it is estimated to shelter 1.12 million residents.
The final master plan for the CGC will be completed by June.
“Clark is ready to take off.” Dizon added.
The first roadshow was also held at the same venue back in November 2016 and will be followed by a series of roadshows to utilize the joint efforts of stakeholders for the accomplishment of the President’s plan for the country’s development.
