The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) made a significant presence at the 2023 Philippine Economic and Investment Summit, a highlight of the longest-running and largest Philippine Property and Investment Exhibition (PPIE), held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with the clear purpose of attracting and reeling in potential investors.
The BCDA’s delegation to the event included Director Reghis Romero III, Executive Vice President Atty. Gisela Kalalo, Public Relations Officer Maricar Gay Savella-Villamil, Development Management Officer Billy Jane Caballero-Cavinta, and Project Development Officer Queennie Bautista. Their collective expertise and dedication exemplify the BCDA’s commitment to showcasing the immense investment opportunities present within their development projects.
By actively participating in the PPIE, the BCDA aims to engage with both local and international investors, highlighting the vast potential and business partnership prospects available in their various initiatives.
The BCDA, a government corporation entrusted with transforming former military bases into economic centers in the Philippines, presented its top-tier mix of infrastructure and land development projects at the exhibition.
As a Catalyst for National Growth, BCDA is a major force in creating economic opportunities in the country through the economic zones under the BCDA Group which includes the Poro Point Freeport Zone in La Union, John Hay Special Economic Zone in Baguio, Bataan Technology Park in Bataan and the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone, where New Clark City, the Clark Civil Aviation Complex, the Clark Global City, and the Clark Main Zone are located.
Recognized as a prime driver of national development and a key component of the government’s “Build Better More” Infrastructure Program, BCDA aims to attract foreign investors and overseas Filipinos to participate in their ongoing projects. The BCDA introduced one of its most significant undertakings, the New Clark City, to the attendees of PPIE. New Clark City, situated in Central Luzon, serves as an alternative government center and investment hub outside Metro Manila. The New Clark City aims to alleviate congestion in the National Capital Region.
During her presentation at the event, Atty. Gisela Kalalo, Executive Vice President of BCDA, shared important details about New Clark City. Spanning 9,450 hectares, the city offers up to 75 years of land rights through lease or Joint Venture Agreements. It is projected to accommodate a population of 1.2 million and generate employment opportunities for over 600,000 workers upon completion. The project’s standout feature is its commitment to preserving over 60% of its open spaces and forest reserves, which amounts to more than 6,000 hectares of forest reserve, public areas, and green spaces.
Atty. Kalalo, in an interview with The Filipino Times, invited developers to consider conducting business in New Clark City and joining their high-impact projects and programs aimed at sustainable development.
“We invite developers to consider doing business in New Clark City and to join us as our partners in driving significant progress. We have identified high-impact projects and programs that meet the requirements of this development, as we transform our raw land into a high-quality environment where people can live, learn, work, and play. Specifically, these projects are focused on sustainable development, such as our initiatives for large-scale solar plants, solid waste management, and waste-to-energy projects. Additionally, we have identified information and technology projects, including the construction, operation, and maintenance of the common infrastructure to provide internet connection, and the lease of land designed to support the development of a data center colocation facility. Lastly, we are also looking for partners who will operate and manage the New Clark City under the estate management company. The estate management company shall deliver smart city services because we should not be far behind global standards” said Atty. Kalalo in an interview with The Filipino Times.
“We have identified our priority areas for lease opportunities particularly focusing on industrial developments as big as 100 hectares in size. For this, we invite investors to join our pioneer and anchor locators. The New Clark City industrial estates present a remarkable opportunity for companies specializing in light manufacturing, and retail support services. With a focus on fostering economic growth and innovation, these industrial estates offer an ideal setting for businesses to thrive. Among them, the Filinvest Innovation Park stands out as a prominent 120-hectare industrial area within New Clark City, embodying sustainability initiatives while providing tailor-fit spaces and readily available factory structures,” stated Kalalo.
The FilInvest Innovation Park goes beyond conventional industrial zones by prioritizing environmental sustainability. It aims to integrate eco-friendly practices and cutting-edge technologies that promote energy efficiency, waste reduction, and ecological preservation. By embracing these principles, the park aims to create a business ecosystem that drives economic progress and minimizes carbon footprint.
Companies establishing their presence in the Filinvest Innovation Park can benefit from its well-designed infrastructure, reliable utilities, and comprehensive support services. The park’s modern facilities and amenities are tailored to enhance productivity, efficiency, and overall operational performance, ensuring businesses can operate seamlessly.
New Clark City offers exceptional unmatched connectivity, facilitated by its close proximity to Clark International Airport and convenient access to the upcoming developments namely the North-South Commuter Rail from Tutuban in Metro Manila and Subic-Clark Cargo Rail from Subic Seaport. Moreover, the city provides easy accessibility through a network of major roads that are also projects of BCDA. These roads including the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), NCC-SCTEX Access Rd, NCC-Airport Access Rd, Clark Loop BRT System, and dedicated bike lanes. Additionally, the area ensures seamless high-speed internet connectivity, further enhancing its appeal as a modern and connected urban center.
New Clark City also boasts an impressive array of sports facilities. These include the renowned Athletic Stadium, which offers state-of-the-art facilities for various athletic events, the Aquatics Center, equipped to host swimming and water sports competitions, and the Athlete’s Village, providing top-notch accommodations for athletes during major sporting events. These world-class facilities underscore New Clark City’s commitment to fostering a vibrant sports culture and promoting healthy lifestyles.
With its emphasis on both economic development and sports excellence, New Clark City emerges as a multifaceted hub that offers outstanding opportunities for businesses and athletes alike. The convergence of industrial and sporting facilities within the city showcases the BCDA’s vision of creating a holistic environment that nurtures growth, sustainability, and the pursuit of athletic excellence.
Not only for Foreigners
Atty. Kalalo further emphasized that the opportunity to invest in these existing government projects is not only welcomed by non-Filipinos but is also a viable investment option for overseas Filipinos.
This year, the BCDA remains committed to driving national development and economic growth through its ongoing projects, particularly the remarkable New Clark City. With its vast potential, sustainable design, and unparalleled connectivity, New Clark City stands as a beacon of progress and innovation.
The BCDA invites both local and international investors, including non-Filipinos and overseas Filipinos, to seize the opportunity and be part of shaping the future of this thriving city. As the BCDA continues to forge partnerships and implement its vision, New Clark City is poised to become a model for smart, sustainable, and inclusive urban development, setting new standards of excellence and transforming the Philippine landscape for generations to come.
