Wednesday, August 06, 2008 Ricafort bares plan for Clark By Reynaldo G. Navales
CLARK FREEPORT -- New Clark Development Corporation (CDC) president Benigno Ricafort has revealed development plans for Clark even as he cited "participative management" as his strategy to effectively manage the Freeport.
Ricafort, who replaced businessman Liberato Laus, stressed that participative management is enjoining "full cooperation and support" of all Clark stakeholders noting that this will be his trademark for the Clark Freeport.
"To achieve this type of management, we will promote the principle of networking among CDC employees and officials to create a greater community image for the Freeport," Ricafort said.
He said they will continue the programs of Laus and other former CDC officials.
He assured that he will push for the continuation of past projects that have spurred development inside the Clark Freeport.
"I am not here to outdo whatever the other past (CDC) presidents have done. I am just here to get things done," said Ricafort before his first meeting with all CDC officials held at the CDC Operations and Technical Services (OTS) building.
Ricafort noted that he "will not have a hard time" managing the Freeport "since all the groundwork and development plans have all been laid out."
He is also confident that the Sacobia sub-zone would be developed into the Clark Freeport's "next frontier." He cited the area's potential to attract investors.
The new CDC president expressed gratitude to the support extended by local officials led by Pampanga Representatives Juan Miguel "Mikey" Arroyo of the second district and Carmelo Lazatin of the first district, and Mabalacat Mayor Marino Morales, who is also co-chairman of the Metro Clark Advisory Council (MCAC).
Morales earlier said that local government units (LGUs) within the Metro Clark area have assured Ricafort of their support.
Arroyo extended his support saying he is confident that Ricafort will meet the expectations of Clark stakeholders.
"I'm sure he (Ricafort) will do well. I am confident that with his vast experience and our compiled support, the new CDC chief will do more to live up to expectations," he said.
Morales for his part stressed that local officials want to help in the development of the 32,000-hectare Sacobia sub-zone.
"I believe Mr. Ricafort practices the principle of unity, solidarity, and teamwork which is why we assure him the LGU's active participation in the development of Clark and the Sacobia sub-zone," Morales said.
The mayor added that Ricarfort is acceptable by the business community and LGUs. He said Metro Clark mayors are relying on his promise that CDC will continue to coordinate and cooperate with LGUs.
