CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) stated that the P7-billion Clark Green Frontier (CGF), which is being handled by Singapore-based Capilion Corporation Incorporated, will benefit the local economy.
This was gleaned in a Question and Answer (Q&A) released by the state-owned corporation in a bid to inform the public about the mixed-use facility, which will be constructed at the freeport’s main entrance.
The CDC said that CGF’s employment capacity is massive with 75,000 projected jobs at its peak in about five years.
This is the largest job generation by a single firm in Clark and probably in the whole Central Luzon, according to CDC.
This is contrary to the claims of Councilor Max Sangil and Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement (PGKM) head Ruperto Cruz that the giant commercial facility will compete with local businesses and hurt the local economy, the CDC said.
The CDC disclosed that “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 the Clark Freeport.”
There are also direct benefits from payment of Gross Income Earned (GIE) as required of Clark locators, according to CDC.
For host communities, CDC said there are also actual benefits from payment of business and other permits, income and other forms of taxes.
On the traffic issue, CDC bared that it requires Capilion to submit a Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA).
Capilion has commissioned the University of the Philippine (UP) National Center for Transportation Studies (UPNCTS) to prepare the required TIA.
The UPNCTS will work closely with CDC regarding the preparation of this requirement.
The traffic impact assessment will be prepared in consultation with the Angeles City government. It will include an analysis of traffic situation in the project’s various stages of development.
The TIA will also identify locations that would be prone to traffic congestion or conflict points, the CDC stated.
The study is also expected to recommend remedial measures to overcome potential traffic problems.
Sangil earlier said that the facility will create monstrous traffic jam in the area particularly during rush hours and peak seasons.