Balloon fest boosts local economy

CLARK FREEPORT -- Thousands of local merchants and members of the transport industry in and around the Freeport here profited from the recently concluded 19th Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta (PIHABF).

The trickle-down effect in the economy was felt by the local businesses as an estimated 200,000 spectators locally and from around the world flocked to the aerosports event.

From franchisees of renowned food chain stores, consumer retail owners to lowly small-scale entrepreneurs, the PIHABF brought tremendous benefits.

"Maaga ko napapaubos ang mami, kasi habang nanunuod ang mga tao ng lumilipad na balloon sa gilid ng Clark bumibili sila ng mami sa akin kaya lumakas ang kita ko," Roger Icban, Clark perimeter fence "mami" (local noodle) vendor, said.

Income wise, the transport industry also benefitted from the highly anticipated event, as early as 4 a.m. passengers rushed to the jeepney terminal.

"Dahil sa hot-air balloon, madaling araw palang, dagsa na ang mga pasahero sa terminal," Ronald Navarro, an official of Dau check point to Clark main gate route 2, said.

Moreover, tricycle driver Bernard Padilla of Dau Homesite said, "Dati-dati tuwing alas-sais palang ng gabi kami nakaka-pick up ng mga pasahero, nitong mga nakaraang araw lumakas ang pasada namin dahil sa hot-air."

Marta Canduli, an Aeta minority vendor on-site at the hot-air balloon venue, said, "Kumita ako ng medyo malaki sa pagtitinda ng face mask at flute sa mga pumunta sa hot-air."

"Concessionaires at the Philippine Air Force ADAC Hangar in Clark Freeport Zone earned substantially because of the festival. Besides, thousands of Filipinos from all walks of life and from all over had so much fun," said Angelo Lopez Jr., Clark Development Corporation – External Affairs Department manager (CDC-EAD).

"The advertising and promotion gained by the corporation is estimated to top a very conservative estimate of P50-milion. All ads solicited by the CDC will go back to CDC," Lopez added.

The CDC-EAD manager disclosed that the state-run corporation invested some P3.5 million and has a potential recoup of P2-million for the undertaking just for its advertising share, he added.

Because of the increase in the number of visitors, tourism related establishments like hotels, restaurants, casinos, and golf courses among others enjoyed a bonanza.

The corporation will get its share from all these, Lopez added.

At least 34 colorful and special-shaped hot air balloons were launched in Clark and dotted the skies of Pampanga from February 12-15.

Other aviation spectacles included in the festivities were hot air ballooning, aerobatic exhibitions, skydiving, powered paragliding, balloon bursting, search and rescue flight demonstrations, aviation formation, kite-flying, and rocketry.

Added attractions were displays of various aviation schools, bird and other animal species at the Zoocobia mini zoo, car drifting display, band performances, a market. A fireworks display and nightglow culminated the four-day event. (CDC-EAD)

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