PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia -- Of things to come. Of things yet unseen. Nothing could ever match what is taking place at the New Clark City (NCC), arguably the country’s next premier economic, business, tourism hub that will be an unmatched smart and environment-friendly metropolis.
Nothing could also match the excitement that NCC, even while on construction phase, is bringing to government executives and leaders.
This, as top officials of host province Tarlac witnessed firsthand a model city here which was developed to serve as a national government center for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital.
This city, built in 1995, was conceptualized originally as a back-up city for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital where government used to be centrally located. It is now home to the office of the Prime Minister and 27 ministries and government agencies of this Asean neighbor.
“It’s exciting now that we are also going to have facilities like these. It shows that the Philippines is also capable of putting up a back-up government center like our Asean neighbor.” Tarlac Governor Susan yap said in an interview.
“I’m very grateful to President Duterte for believing in investing in Tarlac in this undertaking by BCDA,” she added.
“I’m excited about everything and our hosting of SEA Games. But apart from that, we are glad about the possibilities of creating a new metropolis in Central Luzon which is going to be housed in Tarlac,” she added.
Aside from visiting Putrajaya, the officials also toured the Kuala Lumpur Sports City (formerly known as Bukit Jalil National Sports Complex) which is bejeweled by the 85,000-seater stadium, the Axiata Arena, National Aquatic Center, and other facilities.
The Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) and its Joint Venture partner MTD Capital Berhad (MTDCB) of Malaysia is building the initial development stages of the 9,450-hectare disaster-resilient city in Capas town.
MTD Philippines, a subsidiary of MTDCB, is building the 200-hectare Phase 1 of the National Government Administrative Center (NGAC) in NCC that will house world-class facilities to be used for the 2019 SEA Games.
Also included in the Phase 1 are back-up offices of various government agencies to ensure continues business operations in cases of disasters or calamities in Metro Manila.
MTD is investing about US$245 in the Phase 1 of NCC. Its parent company is widely known for projects in toll roads, property and port developments, manufacturing, energy and waste development in Malaysia. Currently, it has ventures abroad such as the One Crown Place in London and the upgrading of portions of South Luzon Expressway and many others.
For its part, BCDA executives have recognized the support host local government units, particularly the Provincial Government of Tarlac and the Municipality of Capas while ensuring more robust economic developments in the area.
“Apart from the strong support from the leaders of the province of Tarlac, we make sure that we give priorities to local communities thru jobs generated so that they can have sense of ownership in the project,” said Engr. Joshua Bingcang, BCDA senior vice president for Business Development and Operations.
“There’s a big certainty that Clark can become the next business, investment and tourism center (in the Philippines). The areas around it already serve as magnet for big developers. The investors have already started to include Clark in their next investment plans. We foresee a big upside in real estate development which will in turn create bigger incomes thru real estate taxes,” he added.
Capas Mayor Reynaldo Catacutan said that the government is fully prepared in hosting the SEA Games, with KLSC serving as benchmark for the country’s hosting of the biennial games.
“Pwede naman nating I compare kung ano ginangawa natin sa NCC sa mga ginagawa nila dito. Tinitingnan natin ang kanilang ginawang paghahanda para maseguro nating hindi naman tayo mapahiya sa ating mga bisita,” Catacutan said.
Located 25 kilometers south of KL, Putrajaya is home to the Prime Minister’s Offices. It was the brainchild of Malaysia’s PM. Four years after it was built in 1995, most of the government offices moved to this 4,900-hectare modern city.
While Kuala Lumpur has remained to be the seat of the King and home to foreign embassies, the commercial and financial district, Putrajaya has been considered as the seat of government since 1999.
The Putrajaya Holdings has invested US$8.2 billion in the whole complex. (Noel G. Tulabut)