CLARK FREEPORT -- Locators, who will be renewing their lease contracts will face new terms and conditions, said an official of the state-run Clark Development Corporation (CDC).
CDC Chairman Jose de Jesus and President Noel Manankil, at the regular Friday, May 19, forum of the Capampangan in Median Inc. (CAMI) at the Bale-Balita in Pampanga, said the new terms could mean higher lease rates and rental fees, among others.
De Jesus said that the affected locators have already been informed and assured about their security of tenure as long as they comply with rules and regulations of the state-owned firm.
At least, around 20 percent of the current locators will have to renew their lease contracts next year since the contracts were only good for 25 years. The contracts are renewable for another 25 years.
At present, Clark has around 920 locators with a combined value of more than P5 billion exports. There are around 100,000 workers in the former US military base and infrastructure worth P1.2 billion.
Manankil revealed that only 35 hectares of non-contiguous raw lands are available for leasing.
He said, however, CDC may go into land development to maximize property value inside the Freeport.
"Apart from the lease on land, we are planning to build structures and have them rented on a floor basis," he said.
De Jesus said CDC is eyeing the 10,000-hectare sub-zone for future investment and development projects.
"It’s a huge area although not all of it can be buildable because of the terrain, although the rest can be tapped for upland farming and tourism," he said.
De Jesus said they are now in the process of organizing the Aetas in the sub-zone for a joint venture agreement.
“Under the law, the sub-zone is theirs as a communal tribe but now owned by anyone individually so they have to be organized first as a group before they can enter into the joint venture plan,” he said.
De Jesus also said that the relocation of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) from Clark to another site is part of the long-term plan to develop new lands for future investors in the Freeport.
The PAF occupies about 300 hectares of CDC property, according to CDC. (NCS)