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.