Business

'Mangan Tamu' food park opens in Clark

Charlene A. Cayabyab

A FOOD park featuring a selection of Kapampangan local cuisines is now open in Clark Freeport.

"Mangan Tamu" food park officially opened its doors to the public on Tuesday, November 12, with former President and House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Governor Dennis Pineda, Vice Governor Lilia Pineda, and Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat as guests of honor.

Joining the guests of honor during the ribbon-cutting ceremonies at the food park were Clark Development Corporation (CDC) president and chief executive officer Noel Manankil, CDC chairman Jose De Jesus, CDC vice chairman Benjamin Defensor Jr., Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) president and CEO Vivencio Dizon, and Major General Allen Paredes.

Vice Governor Pineda said the food street will be a showcase of Pampanga for tourists coming in from other parts of the country.

"Sana marami pang ganitong klase ng kainan dito sa ating probinsya dahil siguradong dudumugin ito ng mga taga Mindanao, Visayas at Luzon," Pineda said.

Pineda mentioned the plan of adding Halal certified food on the roaster of menu at the food park.

Meanwhile, Romulo-Puyat said they will continue to support various projects on tourism development in Clark Freeport, while she also underscored the advantages of the existing international airport here.

"Sa pag-implement ng aming mga projects, dapat i-prioritize 'yong may international airport. Kaya dapat magbuhos ng pondo kung saan may international airport. I'm very positive that 'Mangan Tamu' will be successful," Romulo-Puyat said.

According to De Jesus, the establishment of the food street is envisioned to contribute to the growth of tourism in Clark Freeport, especially now that it is being positioned as one of the premier meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibits (Mice) destinations in the country and the rest of Southeast Asia.

"This facility goes to show that [CDC], as well as, the New Clark City will become the primary and preferred destination for [Mice] not only for the Philippines but also for the rest of Southeast Asia," De Jesus said.

Also present during the ceremonial opening were Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr., Porac Mayor Jaime Capil, Mabalacat City Vice Mayor Gerald Aquino and other representatives from local government units the Freeport.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is also one of the partner agencies of the food park.

"Mangan Tamu" Pampanga Food Street, which features more than 50 local concessionaires including merchants of Comercio Central, had its soft opening on November 8, 2019. It is open from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. every Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

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