COLLECTIVE is a quarterly publication of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority. TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 Reopening Clark helps spur economic rebound 6 Emirates marks milestone voyage at the Clark International Airport 8 Preparing for the pandemic 10 BFP, BCDA ink agreement for fire management in New Clark City 11 UK gov’t, BCDA partner on New Clark City Central Park, affordable housing project 12 Snapshots: A round-up of BCDA’s milestones in the past quarter 14 AFP Mobile Kitchen: feeding the nation in times of crisis 17 Safe opening: Hilton Hotel rises in Clark’s horizon 20 CDC, CILA collaborate to sustain operations, employment in Freeport
ON THE COVER
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Clark Freeport Zone’s fastgrowing skyline symbolizes progress not only within the freeport, but also throughout the Central Region.
Clark sister companies seek transfer of locators’ contracts, shared revenue generation
24 PPMC in the new normal 27 JHMC eases the effect of pandemic for its locators 28 A new momentum for the Subic-Clark Economic Corridor vision 29 Rediscovering food delights amid the pandemic 32 Icon: Clark bike lane
Gregorio D. Garcia III CHAIRMAN
Vivencio B. Dizon
PRESIDENT AND CEO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Leilani Barlongay-Macasaet EXECUTIVE EDITOR Maria Vanessa Abellon MANAGING EDITOR Marie Therese Cimafranca ASSOCIATE EDITOR Valore Jaime Veneracion CONTRIBUTORS Kathrina Charmaine Alvarez, Patricia Ruth Cailao, Michelle
San Juan-De Vera, Ryan Carl Mangubat, Denver Moreno, Ana Trina Sulit Clark Development Corporation Clark International Airport Corporation John Hay Management Corporation Poro Point Management Corporation Subic-Clark Alliance for Development PHOTOGRAPHERS Samuel Luke Galivo, Ryan Carl Mangubat, Borj Meneses CIRCULATION Samuel Luke Galivo
@THEBCDAGROUP 2 Collective / Issue 10
EDITORIAL ADDRESS
BCDA Corporate Center 2/F, Bonifacio Technology Center 31st Street cor. 2nd Ave. Bonifacio Global City Taguig City, Philippines CONTACT NO.
(632) 8575-1700 FAX
(632) 8816-0996 E-MAIL
bcda@bcda.gov.ph WEBSITE
www.bcda.gov.ph
By Ryan Carl Mangubat
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“We can no longer stay in this prolonged lockdown because the economy is reeling from the effects not only of COVID-19, but of the lockdown. We have to start easing up slowly but surely.” Vince Dizon
BCDA President & CEO
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When the national government gave its nod for the resumption of public and private construction projects last May, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) promptly put shovels back on the ground at Clark to help revive the battered Philippine economy. As of July, BCDA and CDC facilitated the return to work of some 800,000 personnel, or 65% of the total workforce in Clark. Aside from putting money back in the pockets of workers and enabling them to put food on their families’ tables, the resumption of activity in Clark pumped much-needed revenues in the industries of manufacturing, leisure, and business process outsourcing. “We can no longer stay in this prolonged lockdown because the economy is reeling from the effects not only of COVID-19, but also of the lockdown,” said Vince Dizon, BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer during the Asia CEO Clark Online Forum on July 16. “We have to start easing up slowly but surely.” Mr. Dizon is concurrently the Deputy Chief Implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19.
Taking flight again
At the top of the priority list is getting construction work back on track at the Clark International Airport New Terminal Building, a flagship project under the government’s Build Build Build program. “It’s meant not only to create jobs, but also to create all the necessary multiplier effects that infrastructure provides,” Mr. Dizon said. “Having a new airport makes it easier for tourism to kickstart and makes it easier for businesses to kickstart, knowing that there is a new gateway to the country.” Aside from the private firms, government offices at the One-Stop Shop Center were able to resume operations.
According to CDC, the agencies that have reopened included the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), PagIbig Fund, PhilHealth, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), Social Security System (SSS), and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA). Aviation activities at the CIA resumed operations in June, culminating with the landing of Emirates’ first commercial flight in September––a milestone for the facility, following months of airline travel restrictions.
Slam dunk
After much evaluation and scrutiny, the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga emerged as the venue of choice for the historic bubble season of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). The postponed Season 45 of the PBA is slated to resume in October, and is expected to run until December. Basketball stars will shoot hoops at Angeles University Foundation (AUF) Gym and will be billeted at the Quest Hotel. PBA officials had recognized that Clark offers the complete package, from a safety standpoint––with nearby hospitals, shorter travel time for teams, and strict adherence to health protocols. There are also great golf courses in the vicinity, where players can unwind between games. When the bubble pushes through, it would be the first sports bubble in Asia. With Clark getting back on its feet, it hopes to do even more than generating jobs and revenues, and offering sports entertainment. Clark, in its own way, strives to be an example of resilience and achievement despite the pandemic.
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Emirates marks milestone voyage at the Clark International Airport By Michelle San Juan-de Vera 6 Collective / Issue 10
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In celebration of its 30th anniversary of flying to and from the Philippines, Emirates, the largest international airline in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), offered a one-off Airbus A380 flight to the Clark International Airport (CRK)—becoming the first airline to operate the A380 aircraft in the country’s premier gateway. The special flight, which landed at the CRK on August 19, 2020, was welcomed with a ceremonial water cannon salute. The Airbus A380 helped meet the huge demand for flights from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and other nearby cities, to the Philippines, and vice versa. There were 405 passengers from Dubai, en route Clark, Pampanga, who were able to experience the aircraft’s unique features. The passengers were welcomed by Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Luzon International Premier Airport Development Corp. (LIPAD) CEO Bi Yong Chungunco, Emirates-Philippines Country Manager Satish Sethi, Charge d’ Affaires, a.i., of the United Arab Emirates Embassy Shaikh Saoud Ali Mohammed Ali Almualla, Ambassador of France to the Philippines Amb. Nicolas Galey, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) Senior Vice President for Conversion Development Group Engr. Joshua Bingcang, Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President and CEO Noel Manankil, and Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) President and CEO Gen. Aaron Aquino. Chungunco said, “A few days ago, LIPAD celebrated its first anniversary as the operator of CRK. Having the first scheduled A380 service in Clark on the week of our anniversary is a very welcome event especially during these challenging times. Together with our partners, we hope to make the journey of our arriving passengers as seamless and hassle-free as possible, while adhering to the guidelines set by our IATF. It is our goal that within 3 days’ time, our passengers should be on their way home after undergoing testing and quarantine.” Pursuant to the health and safety protocols of the IATF, all passengers were subjected to mandatory RT-PCR test at the airport. They
A WATER SALUTE is performed to commemorate the first Emirates A380 commercial flight in CRK.
also had to stay in a government-accredited hotel facility while waiting for their respective test results. Flying with flight number EK 2520, Emirates’ A380 departed Dubai at 2:40 a.m. and arrived at the CRK at 3:23 p.m. It returned on the same day, then departed CRK at 6:20 p.m., arriving at the Dubai International Airport at 10:45 p.m., with flight number EK 338.
Surge in Demand
Since the UAE airline giant resumed its operations in August, it has witnessed a massive demand for its six weekly flights, as well as its daily Dubai-Manila flights. Sethi said, “We are proud to fly our first scheduled A380 service to Clark, in the year we are celebrating our 30th anniversary of serving the Philippines. Emirates has shared a long-standing relationship with the country, and our commitment to it and our customers remains stronger than ever.” He added, “We would like to thank the authorities in the Philippines for supporting us throughout the years.” Resumption of flights via the Emirates A380 aircraft is already ongoing in the following airports: London Heathrow, Paris, Cairo, Guangzhou, and Toronto. Emirates’s first flight in Clark took place in 2016. The world’s largest airline and the national carrier of UAE, it ranks number five in the 2019 Skytrax World Airline Awards.
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SMART CITIES
Preparing for the next pandemic By Kathrina Charmaine Alvarez
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A virus believed to have originated from a live animal from a seafood market in Wuhan, China has caused the spread of a contagious disease killing more than a million people worldwide. Researchers and scientists scrambled to figure out the characteristics of the virus, which was later identified as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Quickly spreading across the globe, the coronavirus exhausted health care systems, caused closure of international borders, paralyzed business productivity and economic activity, and served as a wake-up call to all nations. “Viruses are fast-evolving and we need to cope,” says Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara, Undersecretary for Research and Development at the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). The DOST is proposing the creation of a Virology Science and Technology Institute of the Philippines or VIP, similar to the United States’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The VIP will serve as the country’s premier research and development institute in the field of virology, encompassing all areas in viruses and viral diseases that affect not only humans, but also plants and animals. It will also be a venue for scientists and researchers to collaborate on studies and programs that are of agricultural, industrial, clinical, and environmental importance. “Currently, no institution in the Philippines focuses on diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccine development against viruses,” Guevara explains. “With the rise in the number of viral diseases, especially those that infect both animals and humans, it is important to have our state-of-the-art research center dedicated to virology. The VIP will focus on these important viruses to immediately address and forecast future outbreaks in the
Philippines, while also building the expertise of Filipino researchers in the field of virology.” The DOST eyes to start the construction of the virology institute by 2021, with the completion of the project expected by September 2023. The institute is already included in the government’s list of infrastructure flagship projects.
Pandemic readiness
In the Philippines, the deadly COVID-19 has infected more than 400,000 people, and has claimed at least 8,000 lives. Despite the strict health protocols and the government’s efforts to ensure public safety as the economy is slowly being reopened, the nation cannot help but feel a collective sense of helplessness. There is hope, however, with the virus vaccines seen to be available to Filipinos by 2021 or early 2022. These vaccines to be imported from at least three drug makers will be made available first to the healthcare workers, poorest of the poor, and the most vulnerable sectors. When the VIP becomes operational, Filipinos would have easier and cheaper access to vaccines. “Our country will drastically increase our pandemic readiness,” says Guevara “The Filipino people will have access to cheaper, home-grown technologies in the form of diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines. The country needs diagnostics to detect and limit the spread of this virus, vaccines to provide long-term protection, therapeutics, or treatments to save lives in the shorterterm, and social science to understand the behavioral and societal implications.” The DOST official emphasizes, “With a population of 106 million spread across an archipelago with several large urban centers, we need to be able to protect our people, our biodiversity, and our economy with a virology institute that can quickly respond to biological emergencies.”
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“With the rise in the number of viral diseases, especially those that infect both animals and humans, it is important to have our state-of-the-art research center dedicated to virology. The VIP will focus on these important viruses to immediately address and forecast future outbreaks in the Philippines, while also building the expertise of Filipino researchers in the field of virology.” DR. ROWENA CRISTINA GUEVARA DOST UNDERSECRETARY FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
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NEW CLARK CITY’S ATHLETES’ VILLAGE is among the first facilities converted by the government into a quarantine facility that accommodated returning OFWs.
The virology institute is proposed to be set up in New Clark City, a sustainable and resilient metropolis, located north of Manila. The VIP will have a Greenhouse Laboratory Building, a Biosafety Level 3 and Level 4 Buildings, an Animal Laboratory, Lecture Hall and Meeting Rooms, and a two-storey dormitory. The infrastructure will follow guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO) in relation to establishing virology laboratories in developing countries.
New Clark City’s resilience
Asked why the DOST chose New Clark City as the location for the virology institute, Guevara says: “New Clark City is not an urban area, the location is not busy and not congested.” New Clark City’s resilience is also one of the major considerations for DOST and other government agencies seeking to locate their offices in the new metropolis. For one, New Clark City’s elevation is 60 meters above sea level, as compared to Metro Manila’s five meters. It is also surrounded by mountain ranges, which naturally serve as buffers that reduce the impact of strong typhoons in the Central
Luzon area. In terms of the threat of destruction caused by earthquakes, New Clark City is approximately 19 kilometers away from the nearest fault line located east of Zambales. “Resiliency was the major characteristic that we wanted for New Clark City to have,” says Secretary Vince Dizon, President and CEO of BCDA and concurrent Deputy Chief Implementer of the government’s National Action Plan Against COVID-19. “The pandemic has highlighted that [with] the use of facilities over the past couple of months in the major response efforts.” New Clark City was one of the first few locations, which responded to the COVID-19 pandemic early on when it opened the Athletes’ Village as a quarantine facility for returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Its National Government Administrative Center is also being used by the government to treat COVID-positive patients with mild symptoms and those who are asymptomatic. If there’s one thing to take away from the COVID pandemic, it’s that we should heavily invest in public health infrastructure today to prepare for the possibilities of tomorrow.
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NEWS
BFP, BCDA ink agreement for fire management in New Clark City By Kathrina Charmaine Alvarez
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The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the implementation of the Fire Code of the Philippines (Republic Act 9514), and the construction of a fire station in New Clark City. Present during the signing held last July 29 at the Philippine National Police Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City, were Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año, DILG Undersecretary for Public Safety Nestor Quinsay, Jr., BFP Chief Jose Embang Jr., and BCDA President and CEO Vince Dizon and Executive Vice President Aileen Zosa. Under the agreement, a technical working group shall be created by the BFP and BCDA to craft guidelines on responsible fire prevention, program training for fire safety practitioners and firefighters, and facilitate the establishment of a one-stop-shop for the registration of fire-related licenses and
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permits among New Clark City locators. The BFP will also be constructing a 1,000-square meter fire station at New Clark City. “We are glad that the Bureau of Fire Protection has partnered with us in strengthening fire prevention and response in New Clark City. BFP’s presence is an added value to the resilient features of the area, ensuring full safety and protection for future locators and residents in the city,” Dizon said. The ongoing New Clark City development is home to the world-class facilities used during the 30th South East Asian Games. Facilities in the new metropolis include the 20,000-seater Athletics Stadium, the 2,000-seater Aquatics Center, 525-room Athletes’ Village, a 1.4-km River Park Corridor, government buildings and residences, and a UP-PGH Polyclinic with quality medical equipment and services.
NEWS
UK gov’t, BCDA partner on New Clark City Central Park, affordable housing project By Kathrina Charmaine Alvarez The British Embassy Manila and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to design the New Clark City Central Park and an affordable housing project in the new metropolis. The MOU was signed by British Ambassador to the Philippines Daniel Pruce and BCDA President and CEO Vince Dizon during a virtual ceremony on Wednesday, September 16. “What is being done in Clark is pioneering and hopefully creating a model for developments elsewhere in the Philippines and the region,” said Pruce. “It’s exciting that we face the prospects of something which is going to be clean, green, sustainable and resilient and a city that’s inclusive as well where all branches of the community and society can find their place,” he added. New Clark City, envisioned as the first smart, green, sustainable and resilient metropolis in the country, was chosen as one of the pilot areas of the UK Prosperity Fund Global Future Cities Programme. Phase 1A of the New Clark City project, which involved the construction of world-class sports facilities used in the 30th South East Asian Games (SEA Games), government buildings and residences, and a 1.4-kilometer river park, was completed last year. Under the MOU, the UK and BCDA will work on three key areas for New Clark City:
(1) Participative Design for New Clark City Central Park and citywide public space recommendations; (2) Housing Strategy and Livelihood Recommendations for Clark Special Economic and Freeport Zone (CSEFZ) and New Clark City; and (3) the Establishment of a Sustainability Unit for New Clark City. “We’re very, very thankful to the British government for staying the course and really believing in New Clark City and believing in the leadership of President [Rodrigo] Duterte who actually got such an ambitious project off the ground and starting it and moving it into the future,” Dizon said. “I don’t think we would have found a better partner to develop the green and open spaces than the United Kingdom,” he added. Through the Future Cities programme, the UK and BCDA will come up with a conceptual and detailed design for the Central Park, which will also be integrated to the open space network of New Clark City and its immediate surroundings. The parties will also design a pilot 33.89-hectare affordable housing project in New Clark City, and will review the existing housing strategy within the CSEFZ and New Clark City. Under the MOU, the parties will also set up a sustainability unit for New Clark City and facilitate development of activities on urban planning, disaster resilience, urban design, landscape architecture, and sustainable development goals. Collective / Issue 10 13
SNAPSHOTS
A round-up of BCDA's milestones in the past quarter.
JULY TO AUGUST Repatriated OFWs from Barbados, Singapore, Dubai, Doha, and South Korea arrived at the Clark International Airport
AUGUST 6 The Department of Health and the IATF
SEPTEMBER 3 The Philippine government launched
SEPTEMBER 22 BCDA donated dental equipment to
SEPTEMBER 28 Clark welcomed PBA players as they
on Emerging Infectious Diseases, in coordination with the Department of Interior Local Government, Department of Tourism, Metro Manila Development Authority, and BCDA, officially launched the One Hospital Command Center at the MMDA Arena in Makati City
the 1301st Dental Dispensary of the Philippine Army and the 7th Civil Relations Group of the Armed Forces of the Philippines 14 Collective / Issue 10
the StaySafe.ph application as the official contact tracing application of the government. StaySafe.ph, as pointed out by FinTech, will help reduce risk of virus transmission in establishments since it is paperless and ecourages use of personal devices
embark on the first sports bubble in the country
HEROES
AFP Mobile Kitchen feeding the nation in times of crisis By Garry Cativo
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We all know that the soldiers’ main role is to protect the people and to secure our state. But most of us don’t know that our men and women in uniform go the extra mile to perform their duties to the people-to the point of putting their lives at stake. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have been on the front line of all the calamities and disasters that are happening now. In 2020, the pandemic turned the life of every Filipino around. It has left thousands of people jobless, hungry, and dead. During this difficult time, MGen Ernesto Torres Jr. (AFP), the Commander of the Civil Relations Services-Armed Forces of the Philippines (CRSAFP), pitched the idea of using the AFP Mobile Kitchen as a tool to serve the civilians. The AFP Mobile Kitchen (AFPMK) is one of the projects under the AFP “Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko” advocacy, which was conceptualized by the CRSAFP, through the leadership of MGen Torres. It was originally intended to provide food for the troops, who fought at the Battle of Marawi in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.
The Vessel of Blessings
Major Louzel L. Lara (AGS) PA, Group Commander, Media and Civil Affairs Group, CRSAFP, led the operation of the AFP Mobile Kitchen in areas affected by the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila. Major Lara said that the “Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko” campaign helped provide the basic needs of the disadvantaged individuals in different communities, with the help of AFP’s partners and stakeholders. It utilized the AFP Mobile Kitchen to provide hot meals to the homeless, street dwellers, poorest of the poor, and residents of areas with security risk, and those areas that are tagged as high-risk for COVID-19 infection. The AFP Mobile Kitchen, also called the “Vessel of Blessings,” is made up of two large trucks. It is operated by soldiers
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trained in culinary arts, kitchen personnel from the Office of the Quarter Master General (OTQMG), support personnel from the CRSAF, who handle beneficiary identification and security, and the civilian volunteers, who distribute food at the dropoff points. In 2020, the AFP Mobile Kitchen first operated on April 20 to 23, in Tatalon, Quezon City, while the General Community Quarantine was in place. They distributed around 21,450 hot meals, and 15,000 pieces of bread from their partner agency, the Technical Education and Skills Development (TESDA). Major Lara said, “During the earlier months of the pandemic, we operated almost every week. We’ve been to the following cities: San Juan City, Malabon City, City of Manila, Marikina City, Pasig City, Parañaque City, Quezon City and even in some areas of San Mateo, Rizal. A total of about 100,000 hot meals and 70,000 breads were distributed to the communities in the said cities.” She added, “This is not an easy operation for us. Basically, coordination and implementation was a challenge, due to safety procedures and protocols that must be complied with. Also, the anxiety of being infected by the virus made it more difficult for us. The orchestration of the daily operations with the civilian volunteers that were tapped to help in the distribution of the food was also a challenge.” But despite the challenges, Major Lara 18 Collective / Issue 10
said that it was satisfying to witness the frowns turning into smiles. “Walang kapalit na kasiyahan ’yon,” she said. “You can see hope in their faces. You can see the gratitude in their smiles, and you can feel the warmth of their appreciation in their waves and goodbyes.” The AFP Mobile Kitchen’s operation would not have been successful without the help of AFP’s partners, stakeholders, donors, sponsors, and the civilian volunteers. Major Lara said, “The AFP is truly thankful to everyone who helps in the operation of the Mobile Kitchen. It has become a symbol of renewed ‘Bayanihan’. More than the food given, the AFP was able to share hope, a taste of happiness and humanity, and a glimpse of compassion and empathy during this crisis.”
LOCATORS
Safe opening
Hilton Hotel rises in Clark’s horizon By Patricia Ruth Cailao
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COVID-19 has taken its toll in the tourism industry but established hotel brands such as the Hilton Hotels & Resorts are finding ways to safely provide a luxurious hospitality experience amid the pandemic with the opening of its new branch in Clark, Pampanga—Hilton’s second property in the country and the first one in the northern area. “An emerging destination such as Clark is always a welcome development. And as we expect domestic travel to return first [post-lockdown], compared to international travel which will take longer to rebound
from the pandemic, Clark is by far the easiest destination for Manila residents in terms of location and accessibility,” says Leo Holli, general manager of the Hilton Clark Sun Valley Resort. According to Holli, Hilton Clark is a “tropical sanctuary commanding a prime location – a perfect base for those travelling on business or leisure and want to explore Clark [and] neighboring destinations like Subic, Bataan and Baguio.” The hotel is part of the 309-hectare integrated resort complex following a joint agreement with the management of Collective / Issue 10 19
Clark Sun Valley Resort back in 2016. The resort complex features a casino, private golf country club, an international school, and high-end residential villas. Guests can expect a luxury of space with outdoor venues inside the hotel complex. It boasts of 308 rooms, big banquets, and other amenities such as outdoor pool, meeting spaces, valet and laundry services, a fitness center, outdoor jogging path, spa and restaurants. Hilton Clark also further strengthens Clark’s economic portfolio with its proximity to the Clark International Airport which will soon open a new world-class passenger terminal by 2021, and the Clark Global City, a booming office space market in Luzon. Explaining the Hilton group’s decision to expand in Clark, Holli traces the group’s long history of “anticipating and exceeding guest expectations” in destinations that matter most, including Clark. The US-based multinational hospitality brand is also on a great growth trajectory in the Philippines having opened its brands, Conrad Manila and Hilton Manila back in 2016 and 2018, respectively.
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“This is a testament to the brand’s recognition of the immense potential of the country’s booming tourism industry. Clark is an emerging destination and has earned its place as a thriving business, aviation and tourism hub in the Philippines. With the Clark airport now positioned as the second major gateway to the Philippines, the city is more than just a freeport zone, connecting visitors to year-round festivals and celebrations.” Holli furthers adds that Hilton’s expansion in Clark enables business and leisure travelers to experience a hotel with personality, where they can reenergize, restore and relax throughout their stay.
Gastronomic experience
Its sumptuous restaurants include the Olive, a vibrant and interactive all-day dining experience with sweeping views of the pool and the greenery, complete with an open-kitchen concept, and XI—the hotel’s Chinese restaurant that offers a modern way of Cantonese specialties, and revisits the grandeur of traditional cuisine. For exclusive affairs, the restaurant has three private dining
rooms that can fit up to 30 people. Finally, the Treat, is where guests can witness a unique space evolving from a perfect coffee and snack spot in the morning to a relaxing cocktail area in the evening. It presents a cozy space ideal for pre-dinner drinks with its creative take on cocktails, complemented by a well-stocked wine cellar. The hotel is also an ideal venue for weddings and other social gatherings. The stylish Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 1,200 guests in theatre-style seating. Its seven meeting rooms are well-equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual and technical facilities for events, ranging from business meetings to team building sessions.
Safety and convenience
Earlier this year, Hilton has announced a new program to deliver an industry-defining standard of cleanliness and disinfection in all its brands covering 6,100 properties globally. It has collaborated with RB, the maker of Lysol and Dettol, and Mayo Clinic in developing a process and staff training that will help guests enjoy a cleaner and safer stay from check-in to check-out. The program Hilton CleanStay adopts a rigorous system that incorporates know-how and scientific approach to cleaning practices and product offerings. Experts from Mayo Clinic’s Infection Prevention and Control team has also assisted in enhancing Hilton’s cleaning and disinfection protocols following the COVID-19 outbreak around the world. “Hilton CleanStay will build upon the already high standards of housekeeping and hygiene…The goal is to provide guests with assurance and peace of mind when they stay…The initiative will create a focus on cleanliness that will be visible to guests throughout their entire stay – in their guest rooms, restaurants, fitness rooms and in other public spaces,” according to Hilton Worldwide’s website. The brand has developed this program to meet and complement evolving consumer expectations during the pandemic. Holli assures that Hilton’s CleanStay program helps create more confidence for a safe travel and hotel staycation which also positions Clark as a preferred safe destination for guests.
“Our team is passionate about redefining the hospitality landscape in Clark, anchored on Hilton’s celebrated 100-year legacy. I am confident that with the strength of the brand, coupled with the genuine warmth of the Filipino hospitality, we will deliver exceptional guest experiences to each and every guest,” Holli underscored.
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FREEPORTS AND ECOZONES
CDC, CILA collaborate to sustain operations, employment in Freeport CDC Communications Division
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The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and the Clark Investors and Locators Association (CILA) continue to collaborate in exploring various ways to sustain the jobs of thousands of workers in this Freeport amidst the pandemic. CDC and CILA are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the operations of locators and employment of workers here will remain to be on track. This was gleaned during the recent general membership meeting of CILA officers and members, where CDC President and CEO Noel F. Manankil shared updates inside the Freeport. The meeting was conducted through video conferencing. In collaboration with CILA, Manankil said CDC can now focus on addressing the specific needs of each industry inside the Freeport. “We have been looking at it before from a macro perspective, looking at Clark as one.
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But it now makes sense to look into specific industries to determine what is the best help that we can give,” he said. The state-run firm and the officers and members of CILA are also taking steps to help locators and employees restart and recover in their operations. “Our biggest priority now is to enable our locators to restart operations. So that is why we have been monitoring the number of employees reporting on a weekly basis,” Manankil mentioned. In his report, Manankil said that as various locators here get back to business, more employees are now returning to work. He mentioned that 59 percent of the total labor force in the Freeport, or 78,686 workers, are now reporting to their workplaces. Prior to the declaration of the pandemic, Clark has a total workforce of 132,969. He also cited that a large portion of these
workers are under the industrial sector. Of the 45,474 number of workers in this sector before the health crisis, 28,642, or 63 percent, are now reporting for work. Manankil added that this was the result of the resumption of operations by 491 firms or 39 percent of the 1,262 locatorcompanies here. Manankil likewise shared that the staterun firm has undertaken actions on the request of locators for a possible rental reprieve. He emphasized that CDC is one with its locators in surviving the challenges of the pandemic. “We have written the DTI for authority to grant reprieve for the months of April, May, and June and we received a letter reply, basically saying that the CDC board can explore within its power and mandate to what extent reprieve can be granted. This was reported to the CDC Board and we have written and asked for guidance from
two government agencies which are OGCC (Office of Government Corporate Counsel) and also COA (Commission on Audit). So, we expect this to be settled in one month. But in the meantime, we will not start collecting rent for the period of April, May, and June until it is finally resolved,” he said. For their part, CILA President Francisco Villanueva Jr. said they will continue their initiative in supporting recovering industries among the locators. “We plan to conduct workshops per industry where we can have representatives from CDC and CILA and talk about measures to take to support those industries to avoid an unfortunate turn of events,” he added. Villanueva shared that a bubble housing facility for Clark employees is also in the pipeline as part of their measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the labor force in this Freeport.
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FREEPORTS AND ECOZONES ECOZONES FREEPORTS AND
PPMC in the new normal By January Guia Caringal-Bawat
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The coronavirus pandemic remains a major threat to the province of La Union. In the past few months, this tourist spot in the Ilocos region has seen small businesses closing down and citizens losing their jobs. To prevent further economic collapse, the Poro Point Management Corporation (PPMC)—a subsidiary of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA)—decided to continue its operations, but not without conducting mass testing, to ensure the safety of their staff and employees. On May 15, 2020, PPMC adopted a policy based on the “Interim Guidelines on Workplace Prevention and Control of
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COVID-19,” issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). In the policy, employers are encouraged to have their employees tested on a regular basis. Unfortunately, testing kits are expensive. To lighten their financial load, PPMC president and chief executive officer (CEO) Atty. Felix. S. Racadio sought the help of BCDA president and CEO Vivencio B. Dizon (also the deputy chief implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19). In partnership with the provincial government of La Union, the PPMC staff
were able to undergo COVID-19 RT-PCR tests for free. On September 25 and 26, a total of 579 individuals were tested for COVID-19, at the PPMC Administration Building. Included in the mass testing were PPMC employees and immediate family members, PPMC locators, government employees who were assigned to the offices in the special economic zone, Poro Point Freeport Zone (PPFZ), and uniformed personnel and staff at PPFZ, to name a few. The tests were conducted by the Philippine Arena Team. All results came out negative. In preparation for the mass testing, PPMC had organized an online mental preparation program, in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH) for all participants. The program, held on September 23, via Google Meet and Zoom, ensured that all participants were mentally fit for testing.
Testing for PPMC neighbors
The PPMC has always been concerned with the safety not only of its employees and stakeholders, but also of its neighbors. During the mass testing activities, the PPMC welcomed anyone who worked or resided near the vicinity of the PPFZ– including the locally stranded individuals (LSIs) and walk-in participants. This brought to a total number of persons tested to 579, more than double the expected number. When the pandemic forced many tourist destinations to close down, the PPMC chose this quiet time to refine its popular spots, like the Poro Point Baywalk. During the quarantine period, the baywalk underwent regular maintenance works. When the government decided to open the tourism industry, it had clean bathrooms, neatly maintained grounds, and polished walkways. Now, the entire PPFZ is more than ready to get back in business. All PPFZ locators that are planning on operating again soon should first submit to PPMC their own health and preventive
measures, in line with the protocols of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases. Preventive measures include, but are not limited to the following: wearing of personal protective equipment, observing proper hygiene and physical distancing, filling out health declaration forms, temperature checking, etc. Hotels and restaurants need to implement stricter policies on food handling and safety, maximum customer capacity, and table and seating arrangements. Flying schools are required to submit to PPMC their safety measures on transportation and conduct of training, dormitory arrangements, management of unwell persons, visitor guidelines, aircraft maintenance activities, etc. As the country continues to live in the new normal, the PPMC is slowly recuperating. But its utmost concern is still the health and safety of its employees, locators, and stakeholders— and even its neighbors.
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A new momentum for the Subic-Clark Economic Corridor vision By Camille Eloise Eisma
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FREEPORTS AND ECOZONES
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Even when the crisis ends and the masks come off, the coronavirus pandemic will permanently change policy responses. The thrust has shifted from the efficiency of globalized supply chains to the resiliency of domestic ones as countries are forced to depend on their own products and workforce. This economic change is already materializing as the Senate adopts the Balik Probinsya (return to the province) program, which would decongest Manila and reinforce domestic industries and regional development for an equal distribution of wealth, livelihood opportunities, and economic growth nationwide. In Central Luzon, creating a viable local economy in the new normal reiterates the role of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Clark Freeport Zone and the corridor between (Subic-Clark Corridor) as the centerpiece in the region’s growth—for crucial economic agents are unique within its landscape, such as its strategic geographical position, convergence of hubs, and ease of doing business, among others. The Asian Development Bank (2013) suggests investing in developing economic corridors to create a balanced economic growth in all regions. It further identifies economic corridors as a link between economic zones, usually along urban environments, where economic resources and actors are concentrated.
A lone economic zone will not be able to foster growth. Thus, integration of zones is necessary, but it requires an agency that will ensure rigorous policy coordination and proper implementation of projects at the central and local administrative levels. One such agency is the Subic-Clark Alliance Development (SCAD) Council. Executive Order No. 504 was issued on February 1, 2006, creating the SCAD Council. Its mandate was made more comprehensive with the issuance of EO 504-A in 2008: “strengthening and enhancing of the powers and capabilities of the SCAD Council to ensure the development of the Subic-Clark Corridor as a world-class mega-logistics hub and the global gateway to the Asia Pacific Region.” The members of the Council are various government entities, which are prime movers in the region: the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Clark Development Corporation, Clark International Airport Corporation, Northrail Corporation and Department of Trade and Industry. With the Balik Probinsya program, the SCAD council now has the opportunity to materialize the Subic-Clark Economic Corridor. This will help reboot the economy and create a significant post-COVID role for the region. May this period unravel the potential for a robust regional development, where participation, belongingness, and competitiveness thrive.
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FREEPORTS AND ECOZONES
JHMC in talks with locators to boost profits amid the pandemic By Zyrelle del Prado
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Camp John Hay, Baguio City – John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC), the administrator of Camp John Hay, is taking initiatives to help strengthen and empower the businesses inside the camp that are affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. A subsidiary of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), JHMC is currently in talks with its locators to discuss ways to bring back the vibrant economy inside the camp. Multi-faceted efforts and programs are being formulated and developed by all parties involved. JHMC is considering easing up the restrictions inside the camp. As of press time, JHMC, its locators, and the security providers are exploring various ways and means to ease the restrictions without compromising the standard health protocols issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).
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Since the lockdown was implemented, businesses inside the camp have suffered a decline in revenue. To help sustain their operations, locators have recreated their menus, and modified their products and services, offering reasonable prices and rates to their customers. JHMC have also put together media campaigns to boost business activity. On September 15, JHMC, in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), conducted a seminar on “Workplace Prevention and Control of COVID-19,” emphasizing the management of asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals in the workplace. This is another way for JHMC to help its locators survive and thrive amid the pandemic.
A DINER’S DIGEST
Rediscovering food delights amid the pandemic By Denver Moreno
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Today, it is almost impossible to talk about anything under the sun without relating it to the new normal brought about by the pandemic. But even as the whole world is seemingly put to a halt, businesses have to continue operating, lest they bleed their investments dry and go bankrupt. Food businesses, in particular, have to adapt to the changes and modify their daily operations, while factoring in the welfare and safety of both their employees and customers. One such establishment that strives to continue its service amid the pandemic is the Menya Kokoro in Uptown Mall, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City.
A hearty taste of Japan
Menya Kokoro is known as one of Japan’s leading restaurants that serves mazesoba, which directly translates to the phrase “mix the noodles.” It is a soup-less ramen, which makes it interesting and different from the regular ramen. In July 2019, Menya Kokoro opened its first branch in the Philippines, and immediately captivated the hearts of Filipinos. The diners loved sumptuous mazesoba and the unique way they are consumed. One of their best-selling items is the Zenbu Mazesoba, which is topped with chasu, minced pork, ajitama (seasoned egg for ramen), onsen tamago (hot spring eggs), chives, onion leaves, garlic, and of course, their signature mazesoba sauce that is bursting with flavor and will leave you wanting more. The Cheese Mazesoba and the Classic Tokyo Mazesoba (available in frozen do-ityour-own kit) are also some of the top choices of mazesoba lovers. But there are a lot more items on the menu that would surely satisfy a diner’s Japanese food craving. Aside from its branch here in the Philippines and in Japan, where it originated, Menya Kokoro also has branches in Malaysia,
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Indonesia, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand and Canada— proof that they offer a menu that is world-class.
Let’s eat?
Ever wondered how you could eat mazesoba the authentic way? Menya Kokoro offers a unique way of eating the soup-less ramen that is guaranteed to make your food experience memorable. Just follow these quick simple steps: 1. Mix the noodles; 2. Eat some noodles and mix them again; 3. Add the kombu vinegar (pour desired amount) to complete the experience; 4. Add oimeshi (a portion of their rice mix) to the remaining sauce; and 5. Finish your meal. And that’s how you eat your mazesoba the right way!
Safety is top-most priority
This restaurant has had its fair share of ups and downs during the pandemic. And as quarantine protocols have become more lenient, Menya Kokoro has followed the steps needed for safer and more convenient dine-in and take-out services. According to DK Herrera, Marketing Manager of Menya Kokoro, after the lockdown, the authentic mazesoba restaurant had resumed their delivery service. They continue to offer the service even after the government allowed the public to dine in again. Menya Kokoro also has a QR code for their menu, which allows for cashless payments. Recently, they also launched their website, both as response to the pandemic, and as a way to move forward and offer their famous mazesoba items to a much broader crowd. Indeed, this pandemic has dealt everyone a major blow, but restaurants like Menya Kokoro have chosen to move forward, adapt, and become better despite the hit. If you’re ever in BGC, visit Menya Kokoro at the 3rd Floor, Uptown Mall, 8th Avenue, BGC, Taguig City.
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Clark bike lane Traveling around and about Clark is made easier down to the last mile. In 2020, the construction of a bike lane that lined every street and avenue in the Freeport was completed.
