DOTr chief lauds ADB for helping Clark

TRANSPORTATION Secretary Arthur Tugade has lauded the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for helping Clark transform into an economic hub.

Tugade issued the statement during the formal opening of the ADB satellite office In Clark Freeport on Friday, February 28.

“I've always been a believer of Clark. In the moments that I have been President of CDC, we tried to plant the seeds that can help Clark go, grow, and glow, into an economic platform. We tried to plant the seeds then, the seeds that were planted four, five years ago are now nurtured and nourished,” he said.

“Now, you see the pristine beauty not only that is there only in Clark, but more importantly, the booming economic activity that is presently undergoing.” the DOTr chief added.

To warmly welcome the ADB in Clark, Tugade said the decision of ADB to locate in Clark is a welcome decision.

ADB, an international lending institution, will add to the depth, meaning, and relevance to Clark as a site for business.

“So today, I'm happy that ADB is here,” Tugade said.

Bases Conversion and Development Authority President Vince Dizon said the opening of the facility is the beginning of cooperation.

“What we can do together, what ADB can do with the national government,” Dizon said.

“What we're trying to do this past three and a half years, is to slowly but surely make that vision a reality as fast as we can. We only have six years, we have to make something out of it, to really produce something concrete, something tangible, and something that will build enough momentum that the potential of Clark truly becomes a reality very, very soon.” Dizon added.

ADB Vice President Ahmed Saeed cited how the Philippines and ADB have worked together in several Build, Build, Build projects.

“ADB projects in the Philippines are expanding in line with the Build, Build, Build initiative of the government. We have a growing portfolio of projects to strengthen road, rail and other transport links in central Luzon,” Saeed said.

He added that the new facility will improve their coordination with the DOTr and other government agencies to deliver the Build, Build, Build infrastructure program and boost development outside the capital region.

The ADB has approved its biggest loan worth $2.75 billion for the construction of the PNR Clark Phase 2 and PNR Calamba and the two segments of the massive North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) Project.

The MRT-4, which is set to be constructed from 2021 to 2025, will also be funded by the ADB through an Official Development Assistance (ODA).

Other officials who graced the event include Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President Noel Manankil, Clark International Airport Corporation CIAC President Joshua Bingcang, DOTr Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Reinier Paul Yebra, DOTr Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure Mark De Leon, and DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan.

From the ADB, executives present were country director Kelly Bird, executive director for the Philippines Paul Dominguez, and Southeast Asia Department director general Ramesh Subramaniam.

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