For starters, the groundbreaking of Global Gateways Logistics City (GGLC) at the DMIA aviation complex was a welcome respite from the hostilities being waged by what GMA calls as "lawless MILF groups" in Mindanao. The President made clear though that "there is no all-out war (but efforts) to have all-out peace" in the troubled south.
GGLC, which is being pushed by Kuwait Gulf and Link Group (KGL), also manifests the confidence of investors and even the government of Kuwait in the country despite the age-old elusion of peace in Mindanao where the Kuwaitis have continually extended developmental assistance.
During the ceremonies, no less than a representative of the Kuwaiti royal family was present in the person of Kuwait Sheik Ahmad Doaud Salman Al-Sabah, giving the project a solid boost. The Shiek garbed in royal vestments was joined by Dr. Mahdy Al Jazzaf, KGL Chairman of the Board.
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KGL decided to invest in the country due to the high quality of the labor force, strategic location, and progressive economic reforms and policies such as generous tax incentives and simplified business procedures.
It has tapped Peregrine Development International as project manager and prime contractor for the project. Peregrine has selected a Filipino company, Palafox Associates, to design the project.
This project in a 167-hectare lot near Yokohama tire plant will definitely help fulfill the vision of PGMA for Clark to become a competitive international service and logistics hub in the Asia Pacific region. This vision is being fleshed out by Clark officials and executives, including CDC, CIAC, SCADC and BCDA.
PGMA even dubbed it as one of the Billion Dollar Club members, along with Texas Instruments, which is about to complete their facilities for an expansion project inside Clark. GGLC will be developed at the tune of not one but US$2 billion, according to Al Jazzaf.
With only a month after the signing of a lease agreement between CIAC president Victor Jose I. Luciano and KGL president Mark Williams, the project is fast being developed as Clark becomes more and more viable to be the site of the country's premier gateway. There is just no way to go these days but Clark, insofar as investments and airport development is concerned.
With this Billion Dollar Club now fast shaping up inside Clark Freeport, one should also take a look at the billion dollar club makers. Aside from Luciano, it includes SCADC chairman Edgardo Pamintuan, CDC president Benny Ricafort (and predecessor Levy Laus), CIAC EVP Alex Cauguiran, DMIA Ben Manga, CIAC VP Romy Dyoco, and CDC VPs Teng Gorospe and Frand Madlangbayan.
PGMA made special mention of CIAC chairman Nestor Mangio in her speech last Monday. An architect by profession and a prime property developer of Lakeshore fame, Mangio was credited for clearing the way for the project that will employ about 35,000 workers when operational.
Just when he thought he should stay low key in the attraction of more aviation-related businesses, Mangio was given what is due him (read: credit) as delightfully uttered in an ad-lib in PGMA's prepared speech. The Mangio-Luciano tandem at CIAC seems to be a potent force in investment generation and is bringing elation to the President and progress-loving people in Metro Clark area.
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The Advocacy for the Development of Central Luzon (ADCL) will be having a thanksgiving mass on August 29 at Carmenville Subdivision for successful projects that coincides with the birthday of highly respected businessman Rene Romero, its chairman.
ADCL continuously wields influence, very good influence at that as various critical private and government projects are now implemented with transparency, consultations, and at better cost-benefit impact. Simply because a group like ADCL, with Abong Tayag as its president, is on hand to assist government planners and implementers. The advocacies include those in infrastructure, environment, livelihood, education, health and other concerns.
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Dante Velasco, consultant for both the NLEX and SCTEX projects, said that the two expressways continue to serve their roles as catalysts for the development of Northern and Central Luzon as goods and services are now delivered on time to and from key trading points.
The public relations guru - one of FVR's best speechwriters and technical consultant - said the tollroads are also being continuously improved with more signages and other vital facilities like lighting and traffic monitoring systems.
Velasco burns the line on the innovations at the tollroads, connecting the media with BCDA president Narciso Abaya and MNTC head Jose De Jesus, as well as the chief corporate communications heads of these agencies in equally beautiful Lani Macasaet and Marlene Ochoa, respectively.
