COLLECTIVE is a quarterly publication of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority. TABLE OF CONTENTS 3 Restarting PH sports safely in Clark Bubble 8 Building Asia’s next aerotropolis 10 Filinvest’s township project in the New Clark City 12 BGC’s Man of Action 16 Army receives BCDA-donated medical equipment for continued, safe dental services amid pandemic
17 DA inks deal with BCDA to put up agribusiness hub in New Clark City 18 Snapshots: A round-up of BCDA’s milestones in the past quarter 20 Saludo sa sundalo: Helping our troops heal amidst a turbulent year
ON THE COVER
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San Miguel Beermen and NorthPort Batang Pier compete to qualify in the succeeding rounds for the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup.
Riding around Clark’s Wild West
25 The importance of being agile 26 Keeping up with the new normal 27 Clark–Pampanga–Subic Travel Corridor helps revive local tourism 28 A new momentum for the Subic-Clark Economic Corridor vision 30 Get fed by your Hungry Neighbors 32 Icon: Khmer Monument at the Bataan Technology Park
Gregorio D. Garcia III CHAIRMAN
Vivencio B. Dizon
PRESIDENT AND CEO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Leilani Barlongay-Macasaet EXECUTIVE EDITOR Vanessa Abellon MANAGING EDITOR Marie Therese Cimafranca ASSOCIATE EDITOR Valore Jaime Veneracion STAFF WRITER Denver Moreno CONTRIBUTORS Kathrina Charmaine Alvarez, Patria Iane Balilla,
Ryan Carl Mangubat, Suzanne Marie Ramos, Maricar Savella-Villamil Clark Development Corporation Clark International Airport Corporation John Hay Management Corporation Poro Point Management Corporation Subic-Clark Alliance for Development PHOTOGRAPHERS Samuel Luke Galivo, Philippine Basketball Association CIRCULATION Samuel Luke Galivo
@THEBCDAGROUP 2 Collective / Issue 11
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
RESTARTING PH SPORTS SAFELY IN CLARK BUBBLE By Kathrina Charmaine Alvarez
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The deadly coronavirus pandemic quite literally stopped the world, keeping people in their homes, suspending travel, and hurting our economies. It also forced postponements and cancellations of major sporting events, including the Tokyo Olympics. In the Philippines, two much-awaited schedules supposed to be held in New Clark City in 2020 were affected: the ASEAN Para Games and the Asian Swimming Championships. Hoping to bring a sense of normalcy amid the overwhelming feeling of fear and chaos, Clark hosted the first sports bubble in Asia— the 45th season of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA)—in late 2020. Taking a cue from the successful Disney Bubble of the National Basketball Association (NBA), Clark gave our professional basketball players the best COVID defense by isolating them in a restricted environment for two months, allowing them to play without having to worry about their health and safety. For Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Vince Dizon, the concurrent deputy chief implementer of the National Action Plan (NAP) Against COVID-19 and chief testing czar, hosting the bubble was beyond just resuming professional basketball. “The bubble is important in building confidence in slowly opening our economy,” said Dizon. “This concept shows that as long as we do it safely, we will slowly but surely get some semblance of normalcy amid the challenges that we face.”
Why Clark?
PBA’s 45th season in Clark. Manankil was the president and CEO of CDC at the time. According to PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, more than 20 groups proposed different locations. Of the total, three were shortlisted: Clark in Pampanga, El Nido in Palawan and the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City. Dizon and Manankil presented options for game and practice venues, hotels, recreational areas for outdoor activities, and, more importantly, in cases of COVID suspects, Clark’s medical facilities, including hospitals, quarantine facilities, and its own molecular laboratory built in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross. “Doon sa 20, iba-iba ang plano nila. Pero dito [sa Clark], maraming gagawin ang mga players. Pangalawa, mayroon silang sariling laboratory at nandoon ang mga hospitals,” Marcial said. The 350-member PBA delegation composed of players, coaches and other team staff stayed at the Quest Plus Conference Center, located within the 200-hectare Mimosa Leisure Estate. “The ability of Clark to contain a specific area like Mimosa, I think, spelled the difference in the decision of PBA,” said Dizon. After securing a provisional authority from the national government’s COVID-19 task force or the Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATFEID), it was all systems go. More than opening the PBA safely, Manankil said that the sports bubble will help in reviving the tourism sector in Clark: “We all know that the most affected sector is really tourism, so this is a first step into trying to help the tourism locators, especially in Clark, going towards a new normal for everybody.” Manankil added, “This will be a testament to the resiliency of Clark in handling the COVID-19 pandemic.”
It was NLEX Coach Yeng Guiao, foIt was NLEX Coach Yeng Guiao, former vice governor and congressman of Pampanga, who first proposed the idea of holding the PBA bubble in Clark. After hearing about it in the news, Dizon and the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), led by Noel Manankil, approached the PBA Board Inside the bubble to pitch why it made sense to hold the Clark observed strict health measures and 4 Collective / Issue 11
protocols, including disinfection, regular testing, contact tracing, and isolation to ensure that the bubble remains intact throughout the season. All delegates were swabbed days before entering the bubble, and again upon check-in. They underwent triage upon entry, and were also required to use the StaySafe.PH contact tracing application so that their movements within the bubble were monitored. The application could also make contact tracing easier if someone tested positive for COVID. “The rules and the protocols are set to be followed for a reason,” NLEX Road Warriors player Kiefer Ravena said. “You want to make sure that everybody, even their staff maintains proper hygiene, social distancing with face shield, face mask. Ito ’yong bagay
na ayaw mong maging careless kasi isang mali, baka matigil lahat. Mabuting nang safe para tuloy-tuloy ang balik ng liga.” Jeff Cariaso, head coach of Alaska Aces, praised the organizers for the smooth entry of teams inside the bubble: “Safety protocols set upon arrival at Quest Hotel were very organized and efficient.” The strict and multilayered processes were tested when one of the referees— followed by a player—tested positive. The tests later turned out to be false alarms, as subsequent antigen and RT-PCR tests showed they were cases of false positives. Although the games were temporarily suspended, Marcial assured the teams that they had nothing to worry about. Nevertheless, they had to be vigilant:
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The bubble is important in building confidence in slowly opening our economy. This concept shows that as long as we do it safely, we will slowly but surely get some semblance of normalcy amid the challenges that we face. VINCE DIZON BCDA PRESIDENT & CEO
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“Walang virus sa bubble. Halos isang buwan na kami sa loob. Paano makakapasok ang virus? Ang higpit ng protocols.” Staff from both the Angeles University Foundation (AUF) gym and the Quest Hotel, who entered the bubble prior to the players’ arrivals, also underwent regular RTPCR testing. The PBA bubble presented itself as both an opportunity and challenge for the Quest Hotel management, having to implement stricter protocols for check-in, tighter security measures, and constant disinfection in all rooms and facilities, among others. They also had to prepare varied meals based on the nutritional plans of athletes. “Everything has been smooth,” Quest’s Executive Assistant Manager Mabel Roman said proudly. “PBA, ‘di ba game ito, eh? So we had a game plan that made it easy for us.” Quest’s preparations did not go unnoticed with players expressing their approval of the PBA management’s decision to choose the Clark hotel. “Quest Hotel, sobrang good job kayo,” Magnolia Hotshots guard Paul Lee said of the quality of hotel food. Packed meals for the players were placed on tables outside of their rooms to lessen contact. “Karamihan ng teams, may nutritionists at iba-iba ang gusto nilang pagkain,” said PBA Chairman Ricky Vargas. “We’re very happy that it is not just one meal 6 Collective / Issue 11
for everybody. You [Quest] are adjusting to their requests; we are very happy and thankful that you are doing that.” When they weren’t busy with games, workouts, and team practices (or for some, doing vlogs and pranking each other), players and coaches would also do a round of golf at the nearby Filinvest Mimosa Plus Leisure City, where Mondays were reserved exclusively for the PBA delegation. The PBA and Clark management took care of everyone’s needs to make them feel at home, from ensuring their safety through regular COVID-19 testing to even getting them haircut services. “Hindi po nagkamali ang PBA na maging partner at pinili ang Clark sa PBA bubble,” Marcial said. “Kasi ’yong expertise po ni Secretary Vince at ’yong team niya—ang
Quest Hotel, ang AUF—ginawa po nila ang lahat para matuloy ang bubble na ito. Muli po, nagpapasalamat po kami for making the PBA bubble a success.” After two months inside the bubble, the San Miguel Gin Kings clinched the title, with Coach Tim Cone hoping that “there is going to be only one bubble championship” in PBA history. The hope is the same not just for basketball-crazed fans, but for everyone, if it meant sports and physical activities would return to “normal.”
The future of sports in Clark
Clark, which has been awarded sports destination of the year multiple times, will always be a haven for athletes and sports
enthusiasts. Clark, after all, is resilient, and will adapt and persevere through unexpected circumstances—and the PBA bubble is a testament to that. While COVID-19 made a lasting impact on sports, the future remains bright, especially for the youth. Just 15 minutes away from where the PBA bubble was hosted is a brand new city that will continue to be developed for present and future generations of athletes. One of the key projects in New Clark City is the National Academy of Sports for high school students, targeted to be completed in 2021. The path of sports remains unclear, and while it will take a long time to rebound from the setbacks caused by the COVID pandemic, the only way to keep moving forward is to work together as one team. Collective / Issue 11 7
BUILDING ASIA’S NEXT AEROTROPOLIS By Denver Moreno
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One of the most notable projects under the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) stewardship is the Clark Civil Aviation Complex (CCAC), which sits at the heart of Pampanga province. The project sprawls across an area of approximately 2,300 hectares wide, with a runway that’s 3,200 meters long. Built within its boundaries are the associated taxiways, aircraft parking apron, passenger terminal building and other facilities. Its aim is to build an aerotropolis, an urban form where a metropolis is built around an airport. It also seeks to create diverse business opportunities for both local and international investors, as well as to generate more jobs for the residents of Central Luzon. In just a few years since the CCAC launched its expansion plans, the development has already piqued the interest of big international companies in the aircraft industry. According to the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), one of BCDA’s subsidiaries, the Philippines is now considered a key player in the aerospace industry. Currently, three of the world’s biggest aircraft maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) providers are in Clark, namely, the Singapore Engineering, Lufthansa Technik, and Hong Kong’s Metrojet Engineering.
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escalate economic growth across Central Luzon, generate more jobs, and boost the country’s tourism industry. Currently, the Luzon International Premier Airport Development Corporation (LIPAD) is in-charge of the operations and maintenance of the airport.
Locator highlight
In line with its 36th year of operations in the Philippines, on October 6, 2020, FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corporation unveiled its USD30 million gateway facility inside the Clark Aviation Airport Complex. The facility is expected to launch in April 2021. It is equipped with state-ofthe-art technologies that could hasten the company’s sorting capabilities to 9,000 documents and parcels per hour. The facility will also have designated areas where large heavyweight freight could be processed. Once the store opens, this investment is expected to bring the total number of team members to more than 800, in Clark alone. John Peterson, director of FedEx Express Philippines says, “Moving our Philippine gateway to Clark will enhance our ability to serve customers across the Philippines. Given the expansion of the Clark International Airport and a 24/7 customs clearance operation, customers Completed on time from Northern Luzon and Cebu will enjoy Hailed as “Asia’s Next Premier Gateway,” an extended cut-off time, while deliveries the Clark International Airport has a New in Northern Luzon will arrive earlier by Passenger Terminal Building (CRK-NPTB), two hours, on average. FedEx will maintain completed ahead of time, in September a facility in Manila to continue serving all 2020. The CRK-NPTB is an infrastructure customer needs.” flagship project under the “Build Build Build” “The government’s ongoing infrastructure program of President Rodrigo Duterte’s projects will decrease travel time between administration. The new terminal is slated to Northern Luzon, Metro Manila, and commence operations by June 2021. Southern Luzon. This move supports the According to the CIAC, once it opens, government’s efforts to decongest Metro CRK’s current operational capacity is Manila.” expected to get a boost, with the airport’s The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) passenger volume tripled, from the current has massively caused delays in infrastructure 4.2 million to 12.2 million passengers projects in the whole country.But Clark came annually. The development of CRK-NTPB is a joint through in the clutch. Its goal of becoming the country’s next sustainable metropolis project of the BCDA and the Department of Transportation (DOTr). It is intended to remains on track.
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SMART CITIES
Filinvest’s township project in the New Clark City By Suzanne Ramos
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A smart city’s main goal is to improve people’s quality of life by ensuring economic, social, and environmental sustainability in all its endeavors. With the help of new technological breakthroughs, smart cities aim to provide and integrate potentially effective and sustainable solutions to urban problems, while improving policy efficiency, socio-economic development, connectivity, accessibility, and mobility, and maximizing social inclusion, to name a few. One of the key elements of a smart city is its ability to preserve the wellbeing of its people by giving them a place where they can work, live, and play— and, at the same time, provide their basic needs such as an efficient transportation system, urgent medical services, shelter, and business opportunities, among others. A smart city is nested in an environment filled with opportunities and resources. Filinvest in New Clark City In 2016, Filinvest formed a joint venture with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) for the development of a 288-hectare, mixeduse land in the New Clark City, Tarlac. Only three years later, in 2019, Filinvest broke ground on its new township project in the smart city. The project, which is nearing completion, is a mixed-use industrial development, envisioned as a strategic center of economic activities. It is expected to attract local and international investors, and to create an environment that is centered on an industrial park. The park would showcase modern technologies, created to enhance estate livability, sustainability, and branding. The industrial park will have four main districts: 1. the Research and Development district (a campus-type development, which targets locators that will provide support to the Innovation Park), 2. the Lifestyle Mixed-Use District (developments within the city’s key locations, composed of hotels, office buildings, and commercial establishments), 3. the Commercial Mixed-Use district (business developments with commercial establishments on the lower floors, made up of local and global brands), and 4. the Residential district (where low-
density condominium developments are located). Why New Clark City? Filinvest chose the New Clark City as its township project’s location because it is the first “real” smart city in the country. The New Clark City was always an enticing proposition, specially considering other aspects, like the sports facilities and the National Government Administrative Center. The township project is unique, wherein Filinvest was given a chance to build something without the constraints of a congested city like Metro Manila— in other words, it was like creating something on a clean canvas. Through the New Clark City, Filinvest was given the opportunity to plan and future-proof their development without the need to retrofit modern technologies. Filinvest Innovation Park during pandemic Filinvest is on its way to completing its 120-hectare Filinvest Innovation Park, a world-class industrial park within an accessible, sustainable, and future-ready township. And while the pandemic has been causing delays in the construction and real estate industries, Filinvest has been able to keep their deadlines. During the early stages of the lockdown, Filinvest had to suspend construction works in the township project—like any other infrastructure project. When they were allowed to resume work, they made sure to comply with the health and safety protocols imposed by the country’s health experts. As of December 2020, the initial land development of the Filinvest Innovation Park Phase 1 (FIP Ph1)— around 62 hectares in gross land area and one hectare average lot size—is already 99% complete. This includes the construction of the interior roads, perimeter fence, drainage lines, and land development works in FIP Ph1. Soon, the whole of FIP Ph1 would be done. Once finished, the Innovation Park shall house businesses in the line of light manufacturing, logistics, storage, warehousing, cold storage, and food processing. In the months to come, Filinvest would see itself achieving one of its main goals: improving people’s quality of life. Collective / Issue 11 11
BGC’s Man of Action By Patria Iane Balilla
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The COVID-19 pandemic pummeled the country’s financial and real estate sectors. But in the face of a bleak business environment, barely three months after being appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Fort Bonifacio Development Corp. (FBDC) in January 2020, Mr. Wilfredo
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Teodoro, Jr. pushed forward to sustain the company’s main development project, the Bonifacio Global City (BGC). Let us know more about Mr. Teodoro, better known as Jay or JT to his friends and colleagues, and his action plan to lift BGC above the obstacles posed by the pandemic.
PROFILES
How did you start your career in real estate development?
After graduating from college, I joined Landco as a business planning analyst. Back then, it was a relatively new real estate development company that provided consultancy services to other developers through its Business Planning (BP) Department. Coincidentally, my first project as a BP analyst was for BGC. After Landco, we set up a new real estate consultancy company called LandExcel Consulting (LEC). My LEC experience exposed me to different real estate projects such as industrial, residential, and commercial uses. It allowed me to work with top real estate developers. My humble beginnings helped me realize that my passion lies in real estate development. After LEC, I joined Eton for close to 2 years before joining Ayala Land for 11 years. My last three estate projects for Ayala Land before being transferred to FBDC were Vertis North, Cloverleaf Balintawak, and Vermosa.
anxious. FBDC’s total revenues fell by 27% compared to the prior year, primarily driven by a 50% decline in mall leasing revenues. The lockdowns and health restrictions resulted in a substantial decrease in mall traffic, adversely affecting merchants’ sales.
What were your immediate steps to keep the company going?
During a crisis such as this, the company needs to maintain a healthy financial position. Fortunately, FBDC’s financial situation is stable, but we still opt to be more prudent in our spending and make sure that we efficiently manage our cash flow. The first thing we did was to ensure everyone that the company had a plan specifically for this pandemic that revolves around a five-point strategy: (1) protecting our people; (2) serving our customers and partners; (3) helping the community; (4) thinking ahead for the recovery; and (5) ensuring financial sustainability. In line with this strategy, we assured our employees that the company would protect How has the pandemic affected their jobs, which can only be possible if the your personal life? company remains financially sustainable. During the first day of the Enhanced During the enhanced community Community Quarantine (ECQ) in Metro quarantine, FBDC provided renfftal Manila, my third daughter was born. It was a big adjustment as I had to juggle my concessions to enable merchants to continue to operate and avoid mass lease preduties with the new baby, as the family’s terminations. We also implemented extensive “tribute” for grocery runs and other sanitation and health protocols in all our errands, and working from home. facilities to ensure the safety of customers. To have some semblance of normalcy, I did my usual routines, such as dressing We also started initiatives to drive back up in work clothes. I also continued my traffic to our malls and help our merchants triathlon training at least five times a week, bounce back from the pandemic. even though all races were halted in 2020. We opened a curbside pick-up in My day would usually start at 4:30 a.m., Bonifacio High Street (BHS) to enable so I could be at the office or start working contactless transactions. We also around 8 a.m. I made sure that I kept my partnered with delivery platforms to body healthy, especially that we are in a offer personalized shopping services. We health crisis. But I also got to pick up some new skills also took advantage of our malls’ outdoor while on lockdown, like baking bread. I can orientation by providing extended dining make pretty good sourdough bread. facilities in our parks and open spaces. We also placed QR codes on these outdoor What were the challenges brought tables to allow customers to conveniently view the menu, order, and make payments to by the pandemic to FBDC? our various BHS merchants. At the onset, the pandemic brought a lot of uncertainty for our different To further drive mall traffic, we closed a stakeholders. People were worried and very portion of 5th avenue during weekends and
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allowed our merchants to set-up booths and We made sure that our actions and our coordination with the LGU were quick, so sell their goods. even before the initial case of COVID-19 Can you share BGC’s milestone in was declared in BGC, the estate had already rolled-out information campaigns on 2020 amid the pandemic? COVID-19 and had implemented isolated I consider how the entire FBDC lockdowns as necessary. At present, BGC organization’s management team, and Taguig City have one of the lowest cases employees, and partners responded during of COVID-19 in the metro. the first few days of the Metro Manila We also did not just focus on our lockdown as one of BGC’s most significant businesses, but we also helped our milestones for 2020. Because of FBDC’s community. Through Fort Bonifacio quick response to the pandemic, we were Development Foundation, Inc. (FBDFI), able to maintain business continuity the company’s social responsibility arm, the throughout our entire businesses, including team raised over PHP7 million in cash and malls, offices, and utility companies. kind to assist BGC front liners and lowFurther, all estate services such as security, income neighboring communities. We also traffic, waste management, and grounds deployed BGC buses to provide free shuttle maintenance continued to be in place service to medical frontline workers of St. during the strict community quarantine. Luke’s Hospital-BGC. BGC was also one of the first developments BGC was also among the first private that implemented regular sanitation of its developments to establish bike lanes and high-touch public facilities. launch its first app-based Personal Mobility
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Because of FBDC’s quick response to the pandemic, we were able to maintain business continuity throughout our entire businesses, including malls, offices, and utility companies.
Devices and bike-sharing program, in partnership with Moovr, to support the biking community further.
but implementation will depend on the market situation. There are currently 28 ongoing projects in BGC, and 25 of them have resumed their What is your vision for FBDC for construction activities this last quarter of the coming years? 2020. We expect ten of these projects to finish I think FBDC’s success ties up with BGC, by 2021, including FBDC’s Grade A office so I envision it as the most admired city building and the BGC Corporate Center 2. in the region for its efficiency, excellent We will also implement initiatives to city services, lively culture and arts, and improve customer experience and overall overall livability. Achieving these goals will estate services within BGC. surely open several opportunities for the company.
Moving forward into 2021, what are the plans for BGC?
We are cautiously optimistic that the Philippine economy will start recovering this year; thus, our focus for 2021 is to continue planning projects while anticipating a steep market recovery. We have already identified these key projects,
What is your message to the public, as more people keep visiting BGC for dining and leisure, with Metro Manila’s eased lockdown?
BGC, being an outdoor retail development, allows for better air circulation compared to most enclosed malls. This advantage, coupled with the extra precautions we take in ensuring public health and safety, provides a safer retail environment for our community. Collective / Issue 11 15
NEWS
Army receives BCDA-donated medical equipment for continued, safe dental services amid pandemic
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The 1301st Dental Dispensary under the Philippine Army’s Headquarters and Headquarters Support Group (HHSG) received from the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) air-driven dental instruments that will aid the Army in providing dental services safely for troops amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The equipment will help ensure the well-being of Army health workers, military troops and their dependents, and civilian personnel, while preventing COVID-19 infection during the conduct of dental services. Included in the donated items were air filter machines, dental aerosol vacuum machines, dental aerosol isolation boxes, and disinfectants, such as UV lamps and misting machines. The HHSG, led by their commander, Colonel Rosalio G. Pompa, expressed their gratitude to the BCDA. “We are fortunate to have proactive partners in government, such as the BCDA, who continuously support and recognize our service through their corporate social
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responsibility program,” Col. Pompa said. “The dental equipment will boost our operations and help us maintain a safe and COVID-free environment, both for our personnel and patients.” The HHSG’s dental procedures and surgical operations require air-driven instruments that generate aerosols. Having air purifiers and disinfectants during the said procedures will help prevent cross infection from such aerosols, thereby avoiding the spread of the coronavirus among dental health workers and their patients. The equipment facilitates the HHSG’s strict compliance with safety protocols and guidelines set by the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) and the Department of Health (DOH). The HHSG had also received dental equipment for use in prosthodontics and endodontic services, which help in modernizing healthcare facilities, and in supporting the operational readiness of our troops.
NEWS
DA inks deal with BCDA to put up agribusiness hub in New Clark City
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The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) in December, to develop an inclusive agribusiness hub in New Clark City. New Clark City will be the first site of DA’s “Agro-industrial Business Corridors” (ABC) to be established across different regions to attract more investments in the agriculture sector. The 50-hectare ABC in New Clark City seeks to introduce innovative agricultural technology to farmers, and to provide them with access to quality seeds. The first phase of the project will involve putting up the first National Seed Technology Park (NSTP). “Alam niyo ang kahalagahan ng buto: it represents life itself because it sustains the life of a crop. Itong araw na ito ay mahalaga because we are starting to realize the vision for putting up the future of agriculture that we want to have,” Secretary Dar said. “We want to work out what are the component strategies that will make it possible for this country, really being an agriculture country, to unleash its potential as a major pillar of the economy.” The MOA was signed by Agriculture Secretary William Dar and BCDA President and CEO Vince Dizon at the DA office in Quezon City. Also present during the signing ceremony were DA Undersecretary for Agro-industrialization and Fisheries Cheryl Marie Natividad Caballero and OIC Regional Executive Director Crispulo Bautista, Jr., and BCDA Executive Vice President Aileen Zosa
and Vice President for Business Development Arrey Perez. “The Agro-Industrial Business Corridor is critical not just for Clark but for the entire country because agricultural sustainability is really the cornerstone not just of this government but of the entire country and of governments to come,” Dizon said. Dizon also highlighted infrastructure investments in the region and New Clark City’s resiliency, making the new metropolis a strategic location for the ABC. “Kinakailangan lagi tayong handa to face the many challenges—especially unknown and unpredicted challenges—that we may have in the future and this pandemic really highlighted how important this is,” he said. The DA will start the development of the agribusiness hub with a seven-hectare land where the NSTP will be built. The NSTP, which will include a seed laboratory and mini-seed production farms, will allow the development of all types of seed varieties to ensure access to high-yielding seeds. The other components of the first phase of development include incubation hubs, a Project Management Office, and other institutional developments of the DA. The New Clark City agribusiness hub is also seen to complement the planned Clark Fresh Food Market in the Clark Civil Aviation Complex, which aims to integrate post-harvest facilities and target niche markets for organic produce, halal-certified goods, and premium quality food products. Collective / Issue 11 17
SNAPSHOTS
A round-up of BCDA's milestones in the past quarter.
OCTOBER 6 FedEx marks 36 years of operations in the Philippines with a new gateway facility in Clark.
OCTOBER 16 McDonald’s expands
free RT-PCR testing program to 20,000 restaurant crews and managers.
NOVEMBER 9 Groundbreaking
ceremony for the Fixed Wing Hangar, Rotary Hangar, and Multi-Level Parking of the Philippine Air Force.
NOVEMBER 16 The National Task NOVEMBER 18 BCDA donates
DECEMBER 9 Filinvest Consortium Force Against COVID-19 and the BCDA 1,000 hygiene kits to the Armed Forces signs 25-year lease agreement for a 5,700sqm property in Camp John Hay. The conducts Aggressive Community Testing of the Philippines. agreement will pave way to the construction in Capas East Central High School. of a 200+ room hotel in the property.
DECEMBER 10 New Clark City’s sports facilities were recognized as the 2019 Sports Tourism Destination during the 4th Sports Tourism Awards Night.
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DECEMBER 22-23 BCDA delivers Yuletide packages to 1,500 soldiers from the Philippine Air Force, Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, and Philippine Marine Corps.
Luzon Bypass Infrastructure Project
The Luzon Bypass Infrastructure Project is a joint project of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). The project is under the government’s National Broadband Plan, which intends to establish an ultra high-speed information highway. It will help improve the Internet speed and accessibility in the country. Once operational, the economic zones under the BCDA will benefit from up to 500,000 megabytes per second (MBps) of Internet speed yearly. This will contribute to building a strong foundation for our own smart cities. bbbphilippines
#BuildBuildBuild
#ComfortableLifeForAll
SALUDO SA SUNDALO
Helping our troops heal amidst a turbulent year By Maricar Savella-Villamil
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HEROES
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Two months later, in March, the COVID-19 pandemic posed a new challenge. The health crisis prompted the BCDA to donate dental equipment to the 1301st Dental Dispensary. The donations, which were distributed in September, sought to ensure the well-being of army health workers, and their patients, while protecting themselves from the threat of COVID-19 infection during the conduct of dental services. Included in the donations were air filter machines, dental aerosol vacuum machines, dental aerosol isolation boxes, and disinfectants, such as UV lamps and misting machines. PA-HHSG Commander Coronel Rosario G. Pompa expressed his gratitude during the simple turnover ceremony: “We are fortunate to have proactive partners in government, such as the BCDA, who continuously support and recognize our service through their corporate social responsibility program.” The 7CRG, for its part, was given 1,000 health kits that contained face masks, face shields, and Isopropyl alcohol. These kits were distributed to the troops, who were deployed at different swabbing centers, quarantine facilities, and checkpoints throughout the National Capital Region (NCR). During the Yuletide Season, BCDA partnered with the three AFP service branches by providing a total of 1,500 bags Projects in 2020 In January 2020, tragedy hit the country of Christmas food packs to troops from the Philippine Army (PA), Philippine Air when the Taal Volcano suddenly erupted, and affected at least 71,000 families living Force (PAF), and Philippine Navy/Marine Corps (PN). This activity stemmed from the in the provinces of Batangas, Laguna, “Pamaskong Handog 2020” organized by the and Cavite. Among the troops who were Philippine Army-Civil Military Operations on the front line of the rescue and relief Regiment, a gift-giving activity for troops operations in Lipa, Batangas were our airmen from the PAF-AETC. Unfortunately, who are away from their families while performing their duty to the country. The members of the Command and their Christmas food packs for the Army were families were also among those severely distributed to troops assigned in Negros affected by the eruption. Occidental and Lanao del Sur. To protect our troops from possible Apart from organizing “Saludo sa health complications caused by volcanic Sundalo” programs, BCDA also partnered ashes, BCDA provided 5,000 N95 masks, 300 protective goggles, and gallons of safe with the AFP Civil-Military Coordination Center (AFP-CMCC) to support the latter’s drinking water. Our frontliners from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)—who led rescue, relief, and peacekeeping operations amidst the country’s toughest challenges— received aid worth PHP3.2 million from the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). The aid was given in various forms through BCDA’s Corporate Social Responsibility projects under the “Saludo sa Sundalo” program, which aims to honor and recognize the military for their service and sacrifice. The program gives the soldiers opportunities that can help improve the quality of their lives as they protect their fellowmen and their country. Among the beneficiaries of the aid were the Philippine Air Force-Fernando Air Base-Air Education and Training Command (PAF-AETC); the 1301st Dental Dispensary under the Philippine Army’s Headquarters and Headquarters Support Group (PAHHSG); the 7th Civil Relations Support Group (7CRG) of AFP-Civil Relations Service (AFPCRS); the Army’s Civil Military Operations Regiment’s (PA-CMOR) 12th Civil-Military Operations Battalion based in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur; the 62nd Infantry (Unifier) Battalion based in Isabela, Negros Occidental; frontliners from the Philippine Air Force, the Philippine Navy, and the Philippine Marine Corps.
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The AFP is grateful for the partnership and support of the BCDA. We are looking forward to future partnerships with BCDA, especially in extending services in times of suffering in calamites.
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outreach project called “Tulong Bayanihan.” The project intends to assist victims of BGEN GABRIEL CERDAN VIRAY III Typhoons Rolly and Ulysses in the Cagayan Region. BCDA, through its 2020 Yuletide Committee, donated 100 sacks of rice worth hospitals due to lack of facilities and/or PHP100,000 for the project. specialists. On top of the hospitalization assistance, “Tulong Bayanihan” is led by BGen BCDA also contributed a total of PHP15.16 Gabriel Cerdan Viray III, Assistant Deputy billion to the modernization program of the Chief of Staff of Civil Military Operations, AFP, during the first four years of President AJ7. He thanked BCDA and the general Rodrigo Duterte’s administration. public for their response to the AFP’s call As of December 2020, BCDA has contributed for donations to help communities affected a total of PHP46.6 billion to the AFP since the by calamities. He said “The AFP is grateful agency was created in 1992. for the partnership and support of the These activities and contributions amplify BCDA. We are looking forward to future BCDA’s support for President Duterte’s partnerships with BCDA, especially in commitment to upgrade the capabilities of extending services in times of suffering in the AFP under his leadership. The President calamites. The general public, too, has been has given our soldiers the assurance that the very responsive.” sustained modernization of the military is one He added, “Your help altogether will go a of his administration’s top priorities. long way to alleviate the lives of the people BCDA is guided by its CSR philosophy: to affected by the typhoons.” “fulfill our mandate to our stakeholders by improving the quality of life of and giving Other landmark projects dignity to our workforce, our families, and The BCDA has allocated up to PHP5 the communities that we develop through the million in revolving funds for the injured conversion of former military bases and other troops, whose medical cases cannot properties into premier sustainable centers of be treated in government and military economic growth.” 22 Collective / Issue 11
LOCATORS
RIDING AROUND CLARK’S WILD WEST By Marie Therese Cimafranca
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The difficult days are barely over. But as the economy dwindles, most businesses try to cope with the trying times by slowly opening their doors and operating under the new normal. As early as July 2020, the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and the Clark Investors and Locators Association (CILA)—a non-profit organization convened by investors and business owners—collaborated to explore ways to support the businesses in the Freeport,
and to help them overcome the devastating impacts of the pandemic. “Our biggest priority now is to enable our locators to restart operations,” former CDC President Noel F. Manankil said. “So that is why we have been monitoring the number of employees reporting on a weekly basis.” CDC and CILA both took a huge leap in prompting a fresh start for the deeply affected businesses, shortly after the wearying months of disrupted operations. “CDC and CILA are leaving no stone Collective / Issue 11 23
unturned to ensure that the operations of locators and employment of workers here will remain to be on track,” assured Manankil. Following more relaxed travel restrictions, local tourists began to flock in the open spaces of Clark. Before long, businesses in the Freeport were no longer paralyzed, and slowly got back on their feet. The smaller enterprises were momentarily revived by the Sunday Market, a weekend bazaar organized by a private sector–led non-profit organization called the Greater Clark Visitors Bureau. Unfortunately, the bazaar was temporarily closed in December.
The El Kabayo
The El Kabayo is among the businesses in CDC that are flourishing under the new normal. It operates in a vast open space, where customers get to enjoy the remarkable view of Clark’s natural landscape. El Kabayo’s beguiling facility—hinted by its name—is reminiscent of the classic western films. It features a full-scale replica of a sheriff’s office, a county jail, a saloon, and a post office, among others. But don’t let its gritty façade fool you: it is rather homey, with its hospitable staff—and it’s a frequent venue for children’s birthday parties. El Kabayo allows experienced horsemen to ride thoroughbreds, quarter horses, and standardbreds alone, while beginners can ride with an expert trainer, on fixed routes along Clark’s scenic greenbelt. Riding activities range from 30 minutes to hours depending on the trails and the routes. Lessons are also offered to novice riders who are keen to get better at horseback riding. Besides the exhilarating riding experience, customers can also sample the items on the divine smoky barbeque menu at the must-try foodie destination: the Amante Ribs & Steaks. Located within the El Kabayo grounds, the restaurant offers unlimited buffet service for less than 1,000 pesos—a blissful experience if you’re a fool for good roast beef and if you’re budgetconscious at the same time. The buffet
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Amante Ribs & Steaks’ signature succulent roast beef is a staple in their buffet menu.
menu includes a hearty soup of the day, a pasta dish, their signature tender roast beef and chicken karaage, a one-time serving of fall-off-the-bone back ribs and grilled salmon, and a selection of delectable side dishes and desserts. Flavorful premium steak choices are also available on their à la carte menu. If you’re dreaming of riding a horse while the ’70s song “Wildfire” is playing in the background; or if you’re interested in being a cowboy for a day; or if you’re just curious about riding horses, visit El Kabayo and experience the majestic greenery of Clark. Squeeze in an unforgettable Old West dining experience, too, at the Amante Ribs & Steaks. Head to Clark Freeport Zone from Metro Manila via the newly-inaugurated Skyway for faster travel time, then through NLEx and SCTEx. Within the Freeport, set out from Gil Puyat Avenue. El Kabayo is definitely hard to miss. Follow @elkabayo.horsebackriding on Facebook or give them a call at +63916 519 9149 to book your horseback riding adventure.
FREEPORTS AND ECOZONES
The importance of being agile By Zyrelle del Prado
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The pandemic has put the business establishments inside the John Hay Special Economic Zones (JHSEZ) in survival mode. The John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) locators have been challenged by the significant decrease in economic activity inside Camp John Hay. Adding to these challenges are the imposition of several lockdowns, community quarantine restrictions, and work-from-home directives from various sectors. As the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) continues to implement strict health protocols, JHMC foresees a rapid decline in customers visiting the Camp. To cope with this looming market trend, businesses have accelerated the digitization of their processes and services. JHMC supports this rapid digital transformation by maintaining and strengthening connectivity, support, online security, and sourcing, through its digital channels. Social media accounts have been kept busy, as well. Businesses have been posting updates about their store hours, contact details, and delivery service partners on their social media accounts. This allowed customers to access from their homes goods offered by businesses inside the Camp. In addition, JHMC has ramped up
enhancement and maintenance activities for the Special Economic Zone Regulatory Information System (SEZRIS), a webenabled information system for the various front-line services of the corporation. Complying with the no-contact policy, JHMC has enabled clients to apply and process permits online. Permit approvals can also be done online.
Safety inside the camp
To date, foot traffic has been gradually increasing inside Camp John Hay. Its picnic grounds are slowly starting to see families and friends hanging out—while observing social distancing and health protocols, of course. The pandemic has moved the dining and leisure scene to the outdoors—and this is where Camp John Hay has an advantage. Unlike stores in malls, Camp John Hay boasts of al fresco retail stores and establishments. Plus, it offers a 360-degree view of pine trees and mountains, clean air, and the cold breeze. The COVID-19 pandemic has put JHMC and its locators to the test. Despite this, they continue to thrive, and focus not only on business continuity, but also on business agility.
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FREEPORTS AND ECOZONES
Keeping up with the new normal By January Guia Caringal-Bawat
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The Poro Point Management Corporation (PPMC) has remained resilient throughout this pandemic. While the whole country is battling COVID-19, the PPMC continuously organizes activities that ensure the safety of its employees, staff, and neighbors. The PPMC—together with the National Task Force (NTF), the Provincial Government of La Union, the City Government of San Fernando, the Poro Point Freeport Zone (PPFZ) management, and barangays—held a three-day aggressive Community Swab Testing at the PPMC Administration grounds on October 20 to 22. The said off-site swabbing tested a total of 2,716 individuals from priority sectors, such as tricycle drivers, ambulant vendors, officials and health workers from different
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barangays, uniformed personnel from the Police Regional Office 1, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy, and Philippine Coast Guard, locally stranded individuals (LSIs), and other frontline workers. Out of the 2,716 individuals, only two tested positive for COVID-19. After the mass testing, everyone was urged to continue the collaborative efforts and proper observance of minimum health protocols in fighting the virus. On October 22, a simultaneous meeting was held at the Agora Events Hall, Thunderbird Hotel & Resorts, to discuss the current situation in La Union. Attendees of the meeting included the Coordinated Operations to Defeat Epidemic (CODE) team members of the NATF, NTF chief implementer Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr., Bases Conversion and Development
City Mayor Alfred Ortega, PPMC President and CEO Atty. Felix S. Racadio, Regional Director of the Police Regional Office 1 Police Brigadier General Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr., and Chief of Police, Police Lieutenant Colonel (PLTCOL) Orly Z. Pagaduan.
Bloodletting Program
On December 28, PPMC conducted its annual bloodletting program, in partnership with the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC). This is in line with PPMC’s Corporate Social Authority (BCDA) President and CEO and Responsibility (CSR) mandate. testing czar Vivencio Dizon, contact tracing A total of 35 individuals from the czar and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, Magalong, Department of Interior and Philippine Coast Guard, Police Regional Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Office 1, La Union Police Provincial Office, Jonathan Malaya, Department of Health etc. participated in the activity. (DOH) director Gloria Balboa and DOH PPMC ensures its employees and Assistant Secretary Atty. Charade Mercado- stakeholders that minimum health Grande, La Union Governor Francisco protocols and guidelines implemented by Emmanuel “Pacoy” Ortega III, San Fernando the IATF are strictly followed at all times.
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Clark–Pampanga–Subic Travel Corridor helps revive local tourism By Camille Eloise Eisma
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In a bid to revive tourism, the Department of Tourism Central Luzon (DOT-3), in partnership with the Clark Development Corporation (CDC), the Local Government of Mabalacat, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, and the SubicClark Alliance for Development, launched the Clark-Pampanga-Subic Travel Corridor on November 27 to 29. Re-introducing the freedom to travel under the new normal, while safeguarding public health, the travel corridor marks a major milestone in the global struggle against the pandemic. DOT-3 chose Clark, Pampanga, and Subic as benchmarks for the new-normal
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tourism because their tourist destinations and related establishments are equipped with uniformed, smart contact tracing technologies and adequate quarantine and medical facilities. The three-day experiential tour gained positive feedback from the Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines (TPB) and the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) participants, raising hopes about the resumption of economic activity in the region.
New normal tour
Under CDC’s supervision and with sUnder CDC’s supervision and with
strict adherence to health protocols, the tour began at the newly renovated Clark Museum with an adjacent 4D Theater, which encapsulated for visitors the past, present, and future of Clark. The next stops were a thrill for adventure-seekers: the Clark Sun Valley, a 304-hectare complex that is home to a 36hole golf course; the Clark Safari Adventure Park, a first-of-its-kind upcoming safari experience in the heart of Central Luzon; and the El Kabayo, an old-westernthemed town with a mini theme park, where children and adults alike can enjoy horseback riding and glamping. To boost the adrenaline of the participants, they were made to experience target shooting at the Mountain Clark Firing Range; go-karting at the Clark International Speedway; and riding the ATV along the Sacobia River. Next in the itinerary was what Pampanga has become synonymous to: eating good food. Lola Nor’s Meryendahan, a traditional Kapampangan restaurant, welcomed the group with a cooking demo of their heirloom recipe for biko. The restaurant served their authentic specialties such as pindang damulag, suwam na mais, asadong manok, sisig, pancit luglog, pinakbet and tibok-tibok. Tibby’s Farm, a social enterprise of the Community Sustainability Ventures Inc., wrapped the Pampanga tour. The EAT (Education, Accommodation, and Tourism) Facility offers “farm-cation” and farmto-table dining to promote sustainable agriculture. Meanwhile, in Subic, the Camayan and the All Hands Beach resorts found a way for their customers to enjoy the sun while observing physical distancing. Partitions have also been set up to keep the beachgoers safe. Pre-booking is also required as both resorts have enforced a limited capacity per day. The participants then met Tata Kasoy, the leader of the indigenous Aeta Tribe and resident tour guide at the Pamulaklakin
Forest Trail. Clad in traditional clothing, while wearing a face mask and a face shield, Tata Kasoy demonstrated how the Aetas are a treasure to the community. Tourist favorite Ocean Adventure was still a must-see during the tour. The first open-water marine theme park in Southeast Asia boasted exciting marine interactions with its various aquariums and animal shows. The grand Subic Bay Yacht Club Sunset Cruise concluded the eventful tour. The premier yacht club hosted luxurious recreation with its top-of-the-line berths and facilities. Unfortunately, its carrying capacity has been cut to 50 percent, in compliance with government protocols.
Restoring travel confidence
Putting a spotlight on tourism is one of the key factors in resuscitating the pandemic-challenged economy. Thus, the Clark-Pampanga-Subic Travel Corridor is a major step towards restoring the tourist confidence, while assuring locals who would be welcoming the visitors that they would be kept safe and secure at all times.
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A DINER’S DIGEST
Get fed by your Hungry Neighbors By Ryan Carl Mangubat
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In the midst of the pandemic, foodies are having a hard time satisfying their cravings. Some fast food favorites have become boring servings, while specialties at favorite restaurants have been harder to come by as businesses have either slowed down or ceased operations. But fret not, there’s Hungry Neighbors, a restaurant that hasn’t stopped cooking up delectable treats for their loyal foodie customers. Put it on your list of must-tries in Pampanga.
specialties like piri-piri chicken, lechon macau, pasta, kebab and steak, there’s always something to excite the taste buds at the Hungry Neighbors. And good food is not the only thing they offer. Customers can enjoy their wide variety of beverages—such as freshly blended fruit juices, local and imported beer, wine, and cocktails—at the comfort of their cozy interiors. For a more intimate set-up, the Hungry Neighbors also has function rooms in all of its branches, where people can hold Satisfying the appetite, and celebrations, gatherings, or meetings. May it be casual dining during the more! pandemic, catching up with friends, Since their first branch opened in celebrating special occasions, or having Angeles City in 2015, Hungry Neighbors, simple gatherings with loved ones, Hungry known for their fusion of Western and Asian delights, has been a go-to restaurant Neighbors has something for everyone. of Kapampangans. A year and a half into their operations, Reaching Hungry Neighbors owners and siblings Gino Puno, Lloyd Visit the Hungry Neighbors in Angeles Nicolo Puno, and Rio Puno-Cornel put City, San Fernando City, or at the Clark up another branch, this time in their Freeport Zone, or call (045) 304 4366 for hometown of San Fernando City. inquiries or reservations. Now, they have a third branch inside the You may also have their tasty delights Clark Freeport Zone. delivered to your doorstep via food With a wide array of choices, even delivery app Mangan.ph, which allows the pickiest eaters will have a tough you to order from popular restaurants in time resisting their mouthwatering Central Luzon. Follow the Hungry Neighbors on temptations. From their appetizing salads, calamari, Facebook (Hungry Neighbors PH) and on Instagram (@hungry_neighborsph). chicken wings and nachos, to their
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Khmer Monument The Bataan Technology Park (BTP) was once home to around 400,000 refugees from 1981-1994. Previously known as the Philippine Refugee Processing Center, the 365-hectare property in Morong, Bataan accommodated Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Laotian refugees, who had received skills and language training, and education before heading to their permanent resettlement area. The refugees left behind traces of Indochinese culture, such as the Khmer Monument, which is reminiscent of Cambodia’s breathtaking Angkor Wat.
