LOCATORS continue to come in or expand their existing operations in the Clark Freeport zone in Pampanga, despite anxiety over the “Trabaho” bill and the fall of investment pledges in the country’s economic zones.
Rodem R. Perez, Clark Development Corp.’s assistant vice president for business development, said Hong Kong’s La Rose Noire will be expanding its facility in the former American base, while one of the world’s largest cheese makers —the identity of which is still being withheld—will be setting up a facility inside Clark.
“La Rose Noire will be sourcing their cacao in Davao for their needs. They are now in talks with Malagos Chocolate as a supplier,” he said, referring to the iconic chocolate maker that has boosted Davao’s brand as a food maker.
The Trabaho bill is the second phase of the Duterte administration’s tax-reform package that mainly deals with corporate taxation. Its other main feature, the rationalization of tax incentives, is what worries ecozone locators.
Although its passage by the 17th Congress was derailed as a result of reservations among senators, business groups worry that an administration-dominated 18th Congress may yet fast-track its passage.
From only six locators when the free port started out in 1994, Clark now has more than 1,000 locators.
Aside from factories, Clark is also targetting the Mice market or the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, as the Clark International Airport will have a major upgrade with its new terminal.
Clark is targeting to have 5,000 rooms in two years, from the current 2,900 rooms.
Among the developments are a new facility of Royce Hotel and Casino, which will have 700 rooms and will be completed in 2021; the Hilton Hotel with 268 rooms; Posco’s the Sharp condominium, which mainly targets Korean nationals and has 500 units; Mirej Clark that has 100 rooms; and the resort and entertainment complex of the Isoc Holdings.
The condo units of Posco are 80 percent sold as Clark is marketing itself as a place for Korean tourists and expatriates.
About P2 billion in investments are being poured into theme parks inside Clarkfield, including the Aqua Planet theme park and the Clark Safari Park.
Clark is playing host to some of the games of the upcoming 30th Southeast Asian Games, which the Philippines is hosting.
A P13-billion funding from the private sector is being poured into the New Clark City Government Administrative Center to construct a small sports complex that includes a 20,000-seater track and field stadium, a 2,000-seater aquatics center and an Atheletes Village.
Image credits: Bernard Testa