Two South Korean companies are eyeing partnership with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to pursue high-impact projects in New Clark City in Tarlac and Poro Point in La Union.
BCDA President Joshua Bingcang and Senior Vice President Mark Torres met with executives Moon Engineering Co. Ltd., an engineering firm from South Korea to discuss a feasibility study on the upgrading of the San Fernando Airport in the Poro Point Freeport Zone.
They also met with officers of Jin Systems Co. Ltd. for a possible collaboration to deploy and test smart mobility solutions in New Clark City as part of the 2025 K-City Network Smart Solution Demonstration Project.
"We are thrilled to collaborate with South Korean firms, as they are recognized as leaders in infrastructure and smart city development. These potential partnerships will play a pivotal role in advancing infrastructure and integrating cutting-edge technologies in New Clark City and Poro Point," Bingcang said.
The San Fernando Airport, managed by Poro Point Management Corp., has a limited operational capacity, primarily serving chartered flights and flying schools.
The proposed project aims to improve the capacity of the airport, enabling it to accommodate more commercial flights.
This will strengthen the position of San Fernando Airport as a vital transport hub in Northern Luzon and unlock more economic opportunities in La Union and neighboring communities, the BCDA said.
Meanwhile, the state-owned firm said the proposed smart city demonstration project in New Clark City is aligned with its vision to transform the rising metropolis into a smart, sustainable, and future-ready destination.
It added that this will integrate green and efficient mass transport systems in New Clark City to make the lives of investors, employees, and residents more comfortable.
Bingcang said this collaboration will leverage Jin System’s expertise in smart city solutions, allowing the BCDA to introduce cutting-edge smart mobility solutions in New Clark City and explore long-term applications and scalability of smart city technologies in the area.