Clark, Pampanga Philippines Bike Paths Grow

Photo Courtesy CDC

Clark Development Corporation (CDC) is committed to motorless transportation options. This is evidenced by their ongoing development of paved bicycle pathways throughout the area.

The ongoing installation of bike lanes inside the Clark Freeport, was enhanced in July of 2021 with a new section to New Clark City. This project adds 7.96 kilometers of asphalt bike paths with markings and a reinforced concrete bike bridge as part of the buildout.

The company’s Engineering Services Group (ESG) – Construction Management Division (CMD) prioritized this bike lane project, which is considered Phase 3 and named the “New Clark City Non-Motorized Transport System to Clark Freeport Zone (NCCNMTSCFZ).”  The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) provided funding and support for the project.

The project, according to the CDC, aims to establish the Freeport as a green, bicycle and pedestrian-friendly area, keeping in line with the goals of making Clark and New Clark City a modern, progressive, and clean environment.

The C.M. Recto Avenue and Creekside Road intersection, the Panday Pira Avenue rotunda, the Mabalacat Gate, the Marcos Village in this Freeport, and the stretch of Gil Puyat Avenue to Prince Balagtas Avenue are all covered by the bike lanes.

The bike path project’s Phase 1 was finished in 2019; the second, Phase 2, was finished in February 2021.

The Cross-Country path (CXC path) and the Biker’s Pit Stop are two additional bicycle-related projects that CDC finished in 2022. The initiatives immediately rose to the top of the list of frequent stops for passionate cyclists, both professional and amateur riders.

In the first half of 2023, CDC also finished a P21.9 million bike lane project inside the freeport. This project features two-meter-wide bike lanes at seven-kilometers along M.A. Roxas Highway. This is equivalent to 12,922 square meters of additional bike path. Protective bollards were constructed to separate from motor vehicles, to safeguard cyclists traveling along M.A. Roxas Highway.

With this project, the main goal of the CDC is to finish the bike path loop that interconnects Clark Freeport’s main gate, Mabalacat gate, and Friendship gate.

Clark is quickly becoming the go-to clean and safe bicycle enthusiast destination in the Philippines. Numerous cyclists and exercise enthusiasts are now using these bike lanes to commute to and from work, go for a bite to eat or just get some exercise. Many out-of-towner haul their prized two-wheeled motion machines to the Freeport for the weekend staying at a Clark hotel on vacation to enhance their stay and to keep in shape on their trip. Additionally, the Freeport has health and safety regulations in place to help protect the safety of exercise and cycling aficionados.

Members of the CDC Board of Directors, executives, and authorities have indicated tremendous support for these projects. The program’s objectives include encouraging a healthy lifestyle while boosting local tourism.  The Philippine Sports Tourism Awards named the freeport the top sports destination of the year for 2015 and 2019.

According to CDC President and CEO Manuel Gaerlan, the CDC is now developing additional infrastructure projects aimed at bicycles and recreational riders. “Our work goes beyond infrastructure development. We are always making improvements, adding bike lanes and pit stops, cross-country trails, kid-friendly beginner trails, and other amenities that will make Clark more biker-friendly,” according to Gaerlan. CDC management is working to create a world-class freeport with connectivity being one of their top priorities.

CDC also created “Clark Bike Days,” a program for anyone wishing to tour scenic areas inside this Freeport. Every Saturday and Sunday, there are “bike days” that run from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

So, if you’ve ever wanted to enjoy a clean cycling environment within an environment that has better air quality, traffic controls and an all-around safe and sane experience, then Clark is your destination. While you are bicycling around Clark, you have ample opportunities to enjoy a great meal at a Clark Restaurant, stop off at an amusement or water park or have a cold one with friends along the path or your choice.

South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries May be Expanding Its Shipbuilding Business in Subic Bay

Image of Subic Port is not an accurate a rendition

June 6, 2023 – HD Hyundai Heavy Industries of South Korea intends to grow its ship-related business in Subic Bay, Philippines. In May 2023, the Philippine government said Hyundai is involved in discussions to expand its current ship repair and maintenance operations to include heavy shipbuilding manufacturing services.

As of this writing, according to Wikipedia, Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea is number three in the list of shipbuilding firms throughout the world.  China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation is number one with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries at number two.

Hyundai Heavy Industries recently revealed its ambitious plans to increase its ship-related operations in Subic Bay, Philippines. This action not only shows Hyundai Heavy Industries’ dedication to global expansion in the ship building sector, but also indicates the company is aware of the strategic benefits Subic provides to this business model. With its long maritime history and great geographic setting, Subic Bay offers the business the opportunity to make a significant impact in Southeast Asia.

The Philippine Island of Luzon is home to Subic Bay, which has a longstanding reputation as a top nautical hub and U.S. Naval installation. With its deep waters, the bay is well suited for harboring huge ships like bulk carriers, tankers, and cargo ships. Additionally, Subic Bay is strategically close to important international shipping lanes, making it a desirable location for ship repair operations and shipbuilding.

The expansion plans for Hyundai Heavy Industries at Subic Bay are anticipated to cover a variety of its ship-related commercial operations. To meet the increasing demand for shipbuilding and repair services in the area, the company plans to establish new shipyards and facilities, including dry docks and repair yards. This action is in line with Hyundai Heavy Industries’ objective to diversify its business and increase its marketability internationally.

The existing Subic shipyard was taken over by a private equity firm from the U.S. called Cerberus Capital Management after the previous shipbuilder Hanjin Group’s bankruptcy at the Subic site. Reports indicate that Cerberus has invested $40 million in upgrades and repairs to the existing yard to make it viable and operational once again.

Recently, Philippines President Marcos Jr. met with Cerberus executives, and its chairman, former U.S. Vice President Dan Quayle.  Cerberus executives reportedly briefed Marcos about the Hyundai Heavy Industries plans for the yard. According to reports from Cerberus, it appears Hyundai is showing interest in two existing dry docks at the existing location and is making plans to move in to by the end of the 2023.  The President’s office issued a release that said, Hyundai’s expanded operation could create 5,000 to 15,000 jobs, without mentioning what kind of vessels will be built.

If this pans out, significant economic benefits will result from the development of Subic Bay for the Philippines and South Korea. The investment made in the area by Hyundai Heavy Industries will create job opportunities, draw in skilled employees, and strengthen the local economy. The Philippines will benefit from the transfer of technology and knowledge from Hyundai Heavy Industries as it works to strengthen its maritime sector and increase its share of the world shipbuilding market.

South Korea has long been one of the Philippines’ top trading partners. This shipyard expansion should significantly boost the Philippines and South Korea’s current economic relations. The engagement between Hyundai Heavy Industries and neighborhood businesses in Subic Bay will further strengthen bilateral commerce and investment between the two nations. This alliance will not only help strengthen the shipbuilding sector, but promote and increase other local industries like logistics, travel, Subic Bay hotels and resorts, Subic bay theme parks, recreational facilities, golf courses, entertainment, and other services.

Along with the financial benefits, Hyundai Heavy Industries’ growth in Subic Bay is in line with the global trend of environmentally benign and sustainable maritime operations. The business has been at the forefront of creating ship technologies that are more environmentally friendly, such as building LNG-powered vessels. Hyundai Heavy Industries will be able to support the Philippines’ initiatives to promote sustainable shipping and lower carbon emissions in its waterways thanks to this experience.

The expansion plans could, however, encounter issues that need to be resolved. To support the expanded shipbuilding activity, infrastructure improvements, such as bettering road connectivity and port facilities, will be essential. To satisfy the increasing demand for trained personnel, it will also be crucial to guarantee the availability of skilled labor and promote technical education in the area.

Finally, Hyundai Heavy Industries’ choice to increase its ship-related operations in Subic Bay, Philippines, demonstrates its commitment to bolstering its worldwide presence and utilizing the strategic benefits the area provides. The action is a win-win helping promote sustainable practices in the maritime sector and economically benefiting both South Korea and the Philippines. This project has the potential to turn Subic Bay once again into a vibrant shipbuilding and repair hub in Southeast Asia with proper planning and cooperation.

New Option for Flights from North America to Clark Philippines Via Taipei Taiwan

June 5, 2023 – North American travelers can now fly with STARLUX Airlines on new routes to Clark Philippines, through Taipei Taiwan.

Travelers from North America now have a fresh and practical choice for getting to the gorgeous location of Clark and the Central Luzon region of the Philippines. A fast-expanding Taiwanese airline, STARLUX Airlines, has announced the beginning of new flights connecting North America with Clark via Taipei. This new development creates a wealth of chances for tourists looking to discover the Philippines’ stunning natural beauty and rich cultural legacy.

STARLUX Airlines has built a solid reputation for providing great service, using cutting-edge aircraft, and putting the needs of its customers first. They hope to give visitors from North America traveling to Clark a smooth and comfortable travel experience with the launch of these additional flights.

Clark has progressively become a preferred destination for many travelers not anxious to fight Manila traffic in the heat and humidity of the big city.

Currently, STARLUX flies out of Los Angeles to Taipei but later in 2023 it plans on adding San Francisco as a new destination for its flights. A short layover in Taipei will be convenient for travelers, allowing them to take advantage of the airline’s many amenities and in some cases, discover the dynamic Taiwanese capital before heading on to Clark and the Philippines.

The enhanced connectivity that this route provides is one of its main benefits. Clark, as most Central Luzon residents know, is a growing premier gateway to some of the Philippines’ most well-known tourist attractions. Travelers may reach the breathtaking beaches of Boracay, the cultural landmarks of Manila, and the natural marvels of Palawan with ease from the Clark Airport by air or road in many cases.

The Airbus A321neo aircraft from STARLUX Airlines’ cutting-edge fleet will fly the flights to Clark. These cutting-edge aircraft are outfitted with the newest technology, a wider cabin, more fuel efficient engines, guaranteeing passengers a more comfortable flight. Travelers can unwind and enjoy their flight thanks to the roomy seating, available for a reasonable price, Wi-Fi connectivity and in-seat entertainment systems.

Starlux Airlines has in-flight entertainment systems its flights. The system is called STARLUX SKYBOX and it offers a wide selection of movies, TV shows, music, and games. Passengers can access the system using their own devices or by using the seatback touchscreens. The STARLUX SKYBOX system is available in all cabins, including Economy Class. The system is free to use for all passengers and most passengers find it intuitive and easy to use.

Along with providing an outstanding in-flight experience, STARLUX Airlines is renowned for its attentive and welcoming cabin staff. The airline takes great pleasure in offering excellent customer service, making sure that travelers are well-looked-after at all times. Travelers can count on nothing less than the best service from the minute they board until they arrive at their destination.

In addition, STARLUX Airlines has put in place strict health and safety procedures to safeguard passengers in the face of the current COVID-19 pandemic. The airline employs stringent sanitization procedures, offers plenty of personal protective equipment, and whenever practical, promotes social seclusion. Knowing that the number one priority is the well-being of the passengers gives them confidence.

Travelers from North America now have a wonderful opportunity to see the beauty and charm of the Philippines thanks to the new flights to Clark, Philippines via Taipei. Everyone may find something to enjoy in Clark and its surroundings, whether they want to unwind on pristine beaches, learn more about a rich cultural past, or go on thrilling outdoor experiences throughout the incredible archipelagos of the Philippines.

Travelers can anticipate an amazing trip because to STARLUX Airlines’ dedication to offering great service, practical routes, and newer technology, top-notch aircraft. North American travelers can take advantage of these additional flights to discover the delights of the Philippines with convenience and comfort as the airline continues to broaden its reach and connect more destinations.

In conclusion, the new STARLUX Airlines flights from Taipei to Clark, Philippines, are a game-changer for tourists from North America. There are countless options to discover the Philippines’ alluring beauty and rich cultural legacy thanks to this easy, practical and well-connected route. STARLUX Airlines is positioned to become a top option for visitors looking for a memorable and stress-free trip to Clark thanks to its first-rate customer service and cutting-edge aircraft.

Current Flights to and from Clark to Taipei (Check with airline for accuracy and changes)

Flight NumberRouteWeekly ScheduleDeparture TimeArrival Time
JX789Taipei – Clark (TPE – CRK)TUE, THU, FRI, SUN07:4509:45
JX790Clark – Taipei (CRK – TPE)10:4512:45
JX791Taipei – Clark (TPE – CRK)MON, WED, SAT17:2519:25
JX792Clark – Taipei (CRK – TPE)20:2522:25

EVA Airways New Flights to Clark International

December 30, 2022 – EVA Airways (EVA Air), a Taiwanese airline, announced on Thursday that it will start operating direct flights on March 30 of next year between Taoyuan, Taiwan’s largest airport, and Clark International Airport in the Philippines.

EVA Air will operate an impressive number of flights totaling 35 flights a week between Taiwan and the Philippines after the carrier begins offering the service in the coming year 2023.

According to a press announcement from the airline, EVA Air will operate once-daily flights using an Airbus A321-200 between Taoyuan International Airfield and the Philippine airport inside the Clark Freeport Zone.

This new and exciting flight option for travel out of the Philippines are scheduled to depart Taoyuan at 9 a.m. and arrive at Clark at 11 a.m. The return flight will leave the Philippines at 12 p.m. and land in Taiwan at 2 p.m.

The opening of the Taoyuan-Clark route will help reduce the amount of time that people from northern Luzon must travel to Manila before taking a flight to Taiwan,. Clark International Clark International Airport is around 80 kilometers from Manila.

According to EVA Air, this new route will also relieve congestion on the congested Taoyuan-Manila route and may even encourage more transit travelers to change aircraft in Taiwan on route to locations in Europe and North America.

Clark International airport currently has a contemporary, spacious terminal building with all the services you could want, replacing the old and claustrophobic facilities of the past. The airport offers a range of culinary options as well as relaxing seating places, so you can have a quick bite to eat or relax before your departure.

But improvements go further than that. In order to improve the efficiency and smoothness of the travel experience, the airport has also used cutting-edge technologies. There are automated baggage drop-off locations and self-service kiosks that enable travelers to check in and print their own boarding tickets, making the process of checking luggage simple.

President Names Ex-President Arroyo as Advisor to Clark

CLARK, PAMPANGA FREEPORT ZONE – The Clark Freeport has a new advocate in the form of a former president of the country.  Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has been appointed to the position of Presidential Adviser of Clark Flagship Programs and Projects. 

As a resident of Pampanga and with many credits to her name for the development of projects within the Clark and Subic Bay Freeports, the choice is logical.  Who better to drive the development than someone with such precise knowledge and insight of the region?  In addition to her understanding of the area, the prestige and influence of being a former president brings many positive aspects to the combined economic development zones. 

Arroyo asked the government and business leaders to help turn Clark into Asia’s economic hub.  In a recent statement she said, “Let us join hands with government and business movers and shakers to turn Clark into Asia’s economic powerhouse in the 2020s.” She also stated that the region was her priority thrust during her presidency and was thankful to the president for the opportunity to provide advice on this economy-boosting initiative. The newly appointed Presidential Advisor also said, (paraphrased), that national recovery is dependent on the rapid harnessing of the Clark-Subic logistics corridor for jobs and investment. 

Clark Development Corporation (CDC) was thrilled at the appointment as they are aware of her vision and stature within the international community. They feel the progress of Clark will be pushed even faster and their goals of Clark becoming a modern aerotropolis, will be furthered with Arroyo as Advisor to the President. The CDC also believes that the completion of legacy projects under Arroyo’s leadership within the zone will help benefit the entirety of Central Luzon and the country.

Under the Arroyo presidential administration several milestones were realized: The development of the growth corridor in Central Luzon consisting of the Clark Freeport’s International Airport and the Subic Freeport Zone’s deep-sea port.   The Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEXT), linking the two zones.   The growth of the Clark International Airport and its ability to allow more local and foreign airlines.  With these projects as cornerstones, the entire region is set to experience exponential growth once again under Arroyo’s assistance in this position.

It is our opinion that, given the hit the country has taken from the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus on the Philippines most promising region for recovery and continued growth will be essential as the vaccine gets the country back to some semblance of normalcy and economic functionality.  Given the hit the country has taken from the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the Philippines most promising region to bolster recovery will be essential. It is deeply anticipated that 2021 will usher in a renewed era of prosperity, for not only the Clark-Subic zones, but for all Central Luzon and the Country.  

Subic Bay Philippines Designated Crew Change Port Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Cruise Ship Docking

Ships carrying passengers and cargo are continually afloat in the sea lanes of the world.  These behemoths of transportation need crews to service and maintain them and their passengers and cargo. Filipinos have historically filled a large contingent of these marine seafaring positions throughout the world.  In fact, Filipinos account for the largest assembly of seafarers in the world.

Philippine Transportation Secretary Authur Dugade recently said: ?It is my hope for the Philippines to become a major international hub for crew change.? In the last four months alone, 734 ships have set anchor in the Port of Manila for the purpose of crew change. The Philippines is looking at becoming the largest international crew change player in the world. Besides Manila, the country has added three additional ports to help see this dream to fruition.  Panila, Capinpin and our beloved Subic Bay are all included in the government?s designation as crew change ports.  Additional ports that include Cebu, Davao and Batangas are also on the list for future consideration. 

It is hoped that the hospitality industry along with the maritime and seafaring industries will be advanced by embracing the crew change port concept.

There is one problem though, for this hope to come to fruition, the Philippines had to change the way it did things. As it turned out, the country has had one of the strictest and longest running lockdowns for the coronavirus pandemic.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, 300,000 ship crew members were stranded at sea.  To speed up crew change and to help minimize the spread of the disease, the Philippine government created the Green Lane guidelines. Senior government officials signed the agreement in July of 2020 in Manila. Green Lane provides guidelines for safe and quick disembarkation for thousands of Filipino and foreign sailors within its framework.  This framework applies to both inbound and outbound sailors.

Japan counts on Filipinos for about 75% of its shipping crew requirements. Numerous Japanese-controlled ships have been sent to the Philippines to carry out crew changes during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Japanese have quickly adopted the Philippines Green Lane protocols for crew change. 

Officials in the maritime industry are calling for a global approach for seafarers from around the world by adopting a common digital quarantine pass system using blockchain to implement a high-tech contact tracing system for the seafarers. Once all the countries agree on and implement this common protocol, it will help instill confidence in airlines and ports for allowing more fluid and certain crew changes.  Qatar Airways stated it has capacity to fly three times daily to destinations in the Philippines. It is currently awaiting approval from the Philippines aviation authorities for the extra flight slots.

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed all our lives and caused us to make drastic changes in the way we live life. This is a learning process for all of us. The implementation of governmental and personal policies is crucial not only for the control of this pandemic, but also for the control of the next one that could quite possibly be right around the corner.

Viral infections seem to be on the rise.  Since the beginning of the century, we have lived through SARS, Bird Flu, MERS, H1N1, Ebola and now Covid-19. As we continue to learn and grow through these, let us not forget what we have learned as we are build on our previous lessons in our approach to the viral infections of the future.  

Besides the new crew change designation, Subic Bay is becoming increasingly crucial to the economy of our country in a myriad of ways.  The ability for us to maintain a vibrant economy during pandemics is directly tied to governmental policy, protocols, and procedures.  We as investors, are thankful for the government?s implementation of these standards as we grow towards the future. 

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New Virology Center to be Built in Clark New City

COVID-19 has changed everything! The niceties that helped take the sting out of the monotony of life, such as going on weekend trips to distant resorts, eating out at restaurants or dancing the night away at clubs have been stripped from our lives. We have spread our wings and opening gradually, but then find ourselves closing-up society again when the infection starts to overload our medical system.  Tragically, an insidious and dangerous contagion continues to destroy our way of life. 

We find ourselves in the midst of the worst pandemic since the Spanish flu of a hundred years ago. With the inability to move freely and conduct commerce, we are paralyzed.  Not only is the health of our people in jeopardy but our delicate economy we all depend on is threatened.

Even after the Coronavirus has eventually subsided, whether by way of an effective vaccine or other means, the possibility of new (novel) viruses like COVID-19, which we have no group immunity to, is a very real and continuing threat to our worldwide societies. Rapidly growing world populations and climate change are just a couple of the contributing factors to new contagions spreading and reaping the same if not worse scenario on our country and world. 

Given what is at stake, the Philippines government has recently and proactively stepped in to plan for the inevitable outbreak of future contagions. Our government has designated New Clark City as the location for the new Philippines Virology Center of the Philippines.  What better place to locate a state-of-the-art infectious disease control center than in the modern, disaster-resilient zone of Clark New City. 

The administration has approved the establishment of this virology center as part of its growth in infrastructure program known as Build, Build, Build.  The project is the joint work of the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).  Vivencio Dizon, Presidential Advisor for Flagship Programs and Projects for the DBCC and president and chief executive officer of BCDA stated on Thursday, August 5, 2020, that the new Virology institute will indeed be located in the New Clark City zone.

This is good news for the nation and more specifically for our local region as it continues the move forward in building-out this major new hub of commerce and government administrative offices in the area, bringing additional jobs and growth of this new national capital region of Central Luzon.

New Clark City is a fast-growing track of land designated at 9,450 hectares (23,400 acres). Of this enormous chunk of land, only 3,500 hectares of this parcel are to be developed.  The remaining land will be green, open spaces for a cleaner, greener, and more ecologically desirable city environment to live and work. This area was formerly part of the U.S. military base Camp O’Donnell.  The sparkling new city is located within the municipalities of Capas and Bamban of the Tarlac Province. Administration offices for New Clark City are in Angeles, Pampanga as part of the Clark Special Economic Zone.

The government?s actions are indeed commendable.  During this exceedingly difficult life lesson we are all living through, we must learn from it, stay focused, work collaboratively and intelligently and with a set purpose of defeating this pathogen and future ones that will be lurking around the next corner. We must do everything we can to find our way back with a new proactive perspective.  We must look to the successful mitigation strategies of other countries around world and consult with and imitate their measures. After all, our entire way of life is at stake.  

COVID-19 Coronavirus Antiviral Drug Remdesivir – Availability in the Philippines

Remdesivir, is a broad-spectrum antiviral drug, originally created in 2009 for the treatment of hepatitis C, then later tested for treatment of the Ebola virus.  Although it was ineffective in treating Ebola, as of this writing, it is the only approved drug to treat COVID-19.  Remdesivir has presented promise in studies showing up to a 63% decrease in the risk of death when compared to standard care without the drug. This finding needs further confirmation, as noted by Gilead, the creator, patent holder and maker of the drug.   

Recent reports that the U.S. has bought up the entire current 500,000 dose supply of the drug has caused fear that the drug will not be available to other nations including the Philippines. 

However, the Directory of the Philippines Department of Health (DoH) informed the public that there are other suppliers in Asia that could provide the drug to our country. While we wait for further word of these sources, hope abounds for the therapeutic to become available sooner that later. 

Meanwhile, Gilead recently signed a non-exclusive licensing agreement with pharmaceutical companies in three countries, India, Pakistan, and Egypt to allow companies in these countries to make the drug for mass distribution throughout 127 countries around world, including the Philippines. These designated distribution countries represent those in the low to middle-income category, along with some other high-income countries.  The countries also represent those with populations having substantial difficulties with healthcare access.

These licensing agreements will allow the companies to utilize the intellectual property rights for production of a generic form of the therapeutic drug remdesivir. This will allow these licensed generic drug companies to ramp up production more quickly for distribution to healthcare facilities and those suffering with COVID-19. These licenses will extend royalty-free until an approved vaccine is approved or up to the end of the pandemic as declared by the World Health Organization (WHO).  This advanced licensing agreement extended to the generic drug companies will allow the companies to set their own discounted prices for the drug. 

We hope to keep you informed in this blog of issues effecting the Clark and Subic Bay Freeport Zones, and, when appropriate, the entire Country of the Philippines. Given the fact that COVID-19 and its resultant extreme public health, economic and tourism impact have presented a difficult challenge to us all, we feel we must examine and relay any positive news to help alleviate the suffering and pain brought on by this pandemic.?

DISCLAIMER: The neither the article writer, website owner, nor webmaster for clarksubicmarketing.com DO NOT endorse nor make any representation about the efficacy, appropriateness or suitability of any tests, products, procedures, drugs, treatments, or services as related to this article on this website. THE ARTICLE WRITER, WEBSITE OWNER AND WEBMASTER FOR CLARKSUBICMARKETING.COM ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE NOR LIABLE FOR ANY COURSE OF TREATMENT, ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS OR ANY OTHER SERVICES, INFORMATION, OR PRODUCTS THAT YOU OBTAIN AS A RESULT OF THIS ARTICLE PUBLISHED ON THIS WEB SITE.

Yokohama Tire and South Korea COVID -19 Pandemic Response, What We Can Learn

COVID-19 App on Cell Phone
COVID-19 App on Cell Phone

A Company and a Country COVID-19 Case Study

The Japanese Clark locator Company Yokohama Tire Philippines Inc, (YTPI) was recently commended for being able to maintain continuous operations of its Philippine factory throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.  Permission was recently given to continue their operations due to the company?s adherence to strict operational prevention and safety protocols. 

Local leaders from communities surrounding the plant and the greater Clark Freeport have praised this company?s efforts. These local community leaders were from the townships of Angeles City, Pampanga, Mabalacat, Pampanga and Bamban, Tarlac.  Mabalacat City Mayor Crisostomo Garbo gave the ok recently for the company to continue its operations. Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin, Jr. also expressed support for the company, offering to help in any way he can to maintain jobs during this crisis. 

YTPI is currently maintaining 80 percent production capacity. The company was able to utilize advanced safety equipment and safety measures to adequately mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in their work environment.  The policies and actions of YTPI?s executives allowed the company to continue operations, preserving the majority of the 2500 jobs at the plant thus far.  A remarkable accomplishment for any manufacturing company with that number of employees. 

The above case is one example, and proof that we are not rendered hopeless in the grips of a pandemic.  If, we are diligent and careful, utilize technology and are diligent, using learned measures to mitigate infectious spread, we can gain control over an otherwise uncontrollable enemy.  In the process we can continue our economy while minimizing the virus?s nefarious effects on our populous and economy.

We can also view other countries as models, while looking deeply at their methods used to minimize infections and deaths while maintaining their economies. Countries that have been able to bend the curve substantially include, New Zealand, Australia, and Norway. However, most noteworthy, given its proximity to the China where the outbreak occurred, is the example of South Korea.  

As of this writing, this technologically advanced nation of almost 52 million people has managed to keep their total COVID-19 deaths down to approximately 300, with a total of almost 14,000 confirmed cases.  As of this writing, compare this to countries such as the U.S. showing 146,000 deaths with 4.1 Million cases with ongoing deaths of over 1,000 per day.  While the U.S. has a population of approximately 328 million, the per-capita infection rate for the U.S. is 1.25%. Compare this to the South Korean infection rate of .027% which is a small fraction of a percent of the U.S. rate.  If you do the math, this works out to South Korea experiencing an infection rate of around 2% of the United States? rate.

Even though South Korea experienced one of the world?s worst initial outbreaks early in the pandemic in mid-February 2020.  A single person transmitted the virus to many of the approximately 1,000 other worshipers in attendance that day at a mega-church Daegu, South Korea. The South Korean authorities were however vigilant, jumping on the task of interviewing approximately 230,000 members of the entire church members. They found several thousand exhibiting symptoms of the virus.  By the end of February, to a large extent, the result of this single infection, Korea had the most COVID-19 patients outside of China. 

The above the action of the government jumping on the threat of further infection was quite remarkable.  Essentially, most of the members of the church were contacted and in cases of infection, self-isolated or hospitalized depending on the severity. Cell phone location data was used to investigate additional contacts outside of the church?s congregation.  Many of those with milder cases, were sent to government converted, corporate training facilities, to isolate and obtain more limited medical attention. Within only a few days, government officials ensured that thousands of people in Daegu, the city where the outbreak occurred, were tested for the virus. Mask wearing became the mandated norm, with few if any people seen without a mask.  Within a month, the outbreak in South Korea was essentially contained. Since the early weeks of March 2020, the daily rate of new daily cases fell from 800 to only in a few dozen and even in the single digits up until this writing in late July 2020.     

Korea managed to curtail and contain the virus much better than most of the rest of the world. What did they do right?  In a sentence, strict, accurate, quick-result virus testing, diligent and advanced contact tracing, governmental involvement in the isolation of people at all levels of infection, and the implementation and compliance with rigorous, prevention measures such as mask wearing, social distancing, and hand washing. Credit must also be given to the people of the country, whose diligence in conforming to governmental mandates and guidelines for mask wearing, social distancing and isolation were outstanding.

In conclusion, we must ask ourselves, what we can learn from employers such as Yokohama and counties like South Korea??? What aspects of their processes and procedures can we implement in our work environment and throughout our country? Our health, economy and quite literally our survival may just depend on it.

Clark, the New Aerotropolis

CLARK FREEPORT 7/22/2020 ? What is an aerotropolis?  Well, according to the website aerotropolis.com, it is ?a new urban form where cities are built around airports speedily connecting time-sensitive suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and businesspeople to distant customers, clients, and marketplaces.?  You may ask, what does an aerotropolis have to do with Clark International Airport (CRK)?  If the Luzon International Premier Airport Development Corporation (LIPAD) has anything to say about it, everything! 

Big plans lay head for the Clark International Airport in the coming years. This airport site projected to become the central focus of growth and development in the Central Luzon area.  LIPAD is the current contractual management company for the Clark airport, including the management of a massive 800-hectare parcel of land surrounding the airport within the Clark Civil Aviation Complex. 

Yet another acronym in this story for you to remember is ADPI which stands for Aeroport de Paris Ingenierie. So, what is this French sounding acronym?  This is simply a master plan and feasibility study accomplished in 2013 through a grant from the French government.  Just recently, the organization that is LIPAD said it is planning on updating its own master plan to include the ADPI airport development study. 

So, where will this take us regarding an aerotropolis future for Clark?  Well, LIPAD, in accordance with the ADPI study proposal, is planning for Clark to become the next premier mixed-use township destination in Central Luzon. Think of NAIA on steroids.  The plans are for Clark International Airport to be the very center of it all. The mega-facility will integrate general aviation, commercial logistics, tourism, employment/work, lifestyle/living, along with leisure, all combined in the Philippines new, premier mixed-use world-class aerotropolis.

LIPAD Corporation team members are currently meeting with government officials to fast track this plan. Some of the companies comprising LIPAD include the following:  

  • Filinvest Development Corporation, a publicly listed holding company focused on the hospitality, real estate, and transportation markets.
  • JG Summit Holdings Inc., with business interests in air transportation, banking, food manufacturing, hotels and more.
  • Airport Ground Support Solutions Inc., an airport operations and passenger handling company.
  • Changi Airports Philippines (I) Pte. Ltd., whose parent company is a leading consultant, manager, and investor in the aviation market, growing world-class airports around the planet.

So, hang onto your hats as development of the Clark International Airport continues at an unprecedented rate.  See you at the aerotropolis.