CLARK FREEPORT -- The location of the P7-billion Capilion project is within the Freeport as defined under Republic Act 9400 or the Bases Conversion Development Act as amended.
This was reiterated by an official of Clark Development Corporation (CDC) in reaction to reports that the Singaporean-based Capilion Corporation Pte Limited’s mixed-use facility is under the territorial jurisdiction of Angeles City.
Noel Tulabut, head of the CDC Media and Public Affairs Office, said, "The location of the project is within the Freeport Zone as defined by Republic Act 9400."
A survey map issued by the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) shows the boundaries of the Clark Freeport and it includes Clark Green Frontier (CGF) project of Capilion, Tulabut said.
NAMRIA is the central mapping agency of the government.
RA 9400 has stipulated that a 22-hectare commercial area (SM Clark) and another 7.5 hectares (Bayanihan Park) are not part of the Freeport, according to Tulabut.
These excluded areas do not cover the lands that are being leased by Capilion, he added.
On zoning, buffer
The CDC Board of Directors which sets the policies for Clark Freeport had approved CGF’s area as part of a mixed use commercial district, Tulabut disclosed.
He added that said resolution was approved on February 13, 2014.
The area was formerly designated as an open space, which could be converted into other purposes under existing laws, Tulabut claimed.
On Traffic
Tulabut also clarified that Capilion is required to submit a Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) to CDC.
The firm has commissioned the UP National Center for Transport Studies (UPNCTS) to prepare the required TIA.
UPNCTS will work closely with CDC regarding the preparation of this requirement, Tulabut said.
The TIA would include an analysis of traffic situation for the different stages of development of the project. It will identify locations that would be prone to traffic congestion or conflict points.
The TIA will also recommend remedial measures to overcome potential traffic problems, the CDC official added.
In addition to these, the CDC is drawing up a comprehensive transport and traffic plan for Angeles City and adjoining areas.
This “holistic” approach includes the new rotunda that was constructed at Clark’s main gate and the proposed East Perimeter Road in Mabalacat City, Tulabut said.
On economic benefits
Tulabut said that CGF's employment capacity is massive. Initially, it will have about 18,000 jobs.
With 75,000 jobs being created at its peak in about five years, this would be the single largest job generator in Clark and probably in the whole of Central Luzon, he added.
The government also stands to benefit enormously in the payment of lease which rates are believed to be the highest for any investment projects inside Clark.
"There are also direct benefits from payment of Gross Income Earned (GIE) as required of Clark locators," Tulabut said.
For host communities, there are also accrual benefits from payment of business and other permits, income and other forms of taxes, according to him.
"There are also corollary businesses that would arise in hotel, food, transport, tourism and other industries. These are but some of the indirect benefits to the local economy," Tulabut said.
These, he added, are the same benefits that have risen in local communities when other commercial centers and malls have started to come in Metro Clark area.