CLARK FREEPORT — What began as a simple internship requirement became a transformative journey for 30 student interns who completed their on-the-job training under the Clark Development Corporation’s (CDC) Town and Gown Program.
Held under the theme “ELEV8TH: Exceeding Limits, Achieving the Infinite,” the culminating and pinning ceremony on May 21 gathered the 8th batch of interns from Angeles University Foundation, Holy Angel University, Pampanga State University, Pangasinan State University, and University of the Assumption, schools that are among CDC’s 28 academic partners under the program. Since 2024, CDC has already welcomed 571 interns through the initiative.
Also present during the activity were Assistant Vice President for Business Enhancement Group Rodem R. Perez, Assistant Vice President for Administration Atty. Bonifacio Tarenio, Jr., Special Assistant to the President and CEO Ma. Zoraida Camello, Communications Manager Astrud Aguinaldo, Human Resources Division Manager Rachelle Yusi, Tourism Promotions Division Manager Elenita Lorenzo, Building and Facilities Maintenance Division Assistant Julianne Anthea Valerio,, Investment Promotions Division II Manager Josielyn Linga, IPD II Assistant Manager Erwin Pattaui, and Construction Management Division Manager Rogelio Magat. (CDC Photo)
For CDC President and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera, the batch stood out not only for their competence, but also for the character and sincerity they displayed throughout their stay inside the corporation.
“You are not just OJT. You are not just interns here in Clark Development Corporation. You are our ambassadors,” Devanadera told the students during the ceremony.
She added that beyond academic excellence, character remains the foundation that carries young professionals through future challenges.
For many interns, the experience required sacrifice and courage. JR Rey Maglalang of Pampanga State University recalled nearly declining the opportunity because of the long commute and financial burden of traveling daily from Guagua to Clark.
“At bilang isang anak, estudyante, at indibidwal na mataas ang pangarap, kailangan ng sakripisyo at tapang para maabot ito,” he shared.
Meanwhile, Marigold Ortega of Pangasinan State University described the internship as a journey far beyond her comfort zone after leaving Pangasinan to pursue opportunities in Clark.
“Instead of drifting away, the wind carried us toward a bigger ship, a ship called CDC,” Ortega said as she reflected on the experience.
Other interns echoed similar sentiments, describing CDC as an environment that nurtured not only technical skills but also confidence, professionalism, camaraderie, and personal growth.
As Clark continues to expand across industries such as logistics, tourism, manufacturing, aviation, and business services, CDC said its Town and Gown Program remains part of its commitment to helping prepare future professionals through real-world industry exposure.
For the ELEV8TH batch, however, the experience became more than preparation for employment.
Long after their internship hours ended, many of them now leave Clark carrying a title they proudly earned along the way — Clark ambassadors.
