A new momentum for the Subic-Clark Economic Corridor vision

Clark–Pampanga–Subic Travel Corridor helps revive local tourism

By Camille Eloise Eisma

IIn 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 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.