THE Metro Clark Advisory Council (MCAC) has urged various airlines to mount flights between Clark and General Santos City (GenSan) to pave for more investment, trade, and tourism opportunities in both areas.
During their recent meeting, MCAC officials passed a resolution citing the importance of improving Clark airport’s connectivity to major points of tourism and commerce in the country.
Earlier, three business organizations in Pampanga also expressed support for and enthusiasm in the opening of a direct flight between Clark and GenSan.
The Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PamCham), Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (MACCII) and the Clark Investors and Locators Association (CILA) passed a joint resolution pushing for this new route.
The joint resolution cited that the collaboration between Metro Clark area and South Cotabato will facilitate economic and cultural cooperation.
If mounted, a Clark-GenSan flight is expected to provide an alternate entry and exit port for local and international tourists who want to travel from GenSan to Clark and vice-versa.
Local government officials, private sector representatives, and businessmen from General Santos City recently visited Clark and cited its edge as an investment hub.
MCAC is chaired by Clark Development Corporation (CDC) president and chief executive officer Noel Manankil and co-chaired by Mabalacat City Mayor Crisostomo Garbo while council members include Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin, Jr., Capas, Tarlac Mayor Reynaldo Catacutan, Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Jose Antonio Feliciano and Porac Mayor Jaime Capil.
In September last year, Manankil and GenSan Mayor Ronnel Rivera signed a declaration of joint intent to strengthen linkages between GenSan and Clark Freeport by promoting air connectivity, organization of trade, and business mission for tourism and investments, among others.