CLARK FREEPORT – The arrival Emirates Airlines here – starting with its maiden flight October 1 — has become a catalyst to further spur economic activity in the region as more investors are mulling of moving into this vibrant freeport that once served as a US military facility located some 80 kilometers north of Manila Economic indicators show that this freeport and Subic, a former US naval base me 50 kilometers west of heret, are beginning their transformation into world-class business and travel hubs with the overhaul of the Clark International Airport (CIA) in preparation for Emirates Airlines and as the Philippines’ new international gateway.
“The renewed and increased economic activity and the positive future of tourism up north of Metro Manila make investors bullish about investing,” said Gigie Baroa, Emirates Philippines country manager.
Lopez group eyeing Clark This renewed development has also prompted the First Philippine Industrial Park, Inc. (FPIP) of the Lopez group of planning to develop industrial parks here and in Subic, complementing the rise Business indicators also show that industrial parks, offices and residential developments are on the rise, further fueling the area’s potential for economic and tourism development.
Ditto, with the upcoming investments and expansion of manufacturing and business process outsourcing (BPO) firms which in turn drive higher demand in the retail market.
SM City Clark expands with BPO buildings, hotel
The grand opening of the expansion of SM City Clark, located on the southeastern area of this freeport, is slated next month, offering a bigger mall with more local and international brands. SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPHI), which operates 47 malls in the country including Clark, three in China and Guam, will also inaugurate two buildings with three storeys each inside the leased property of SM City Clark in November to serve as BPO offices for Arvato Services, a company which offers customer support on the phone, the development and execution of customer loyalty programs, processing financial transactions and logistics among others.
It has approximately 63,000 employees in more than 40 countries. SMPHI is also set to inaugurate the Radisson Hotel, an international hotel company with 470 locations in 73 counties, at the leased area of SM City Clark in 2015.
Property development on the rise
Property developer CBRE Philippines reportedly said businesses from Metro Manila have begun to expand because of infrastructure developments, making Central Luzon a major investment destination. Already, Hausland Development Corp., which developed the Fiesta Communities, recently broke ground on a new 27-hectare housing development site in nearby Mabalacat City and has on-going projects in Subic and Tarlac City.
Travel and leisure opportunities are also open to travellers, especially international ones who would like to explore another side of the Philippines apart from Metro Manila.
North Luzon tourism potential eyed
On the west coast from Subic, the Zambales coast is known for its laidback resorts and surfing spots. For a break on the beaches, one can head inland to the majestic Lake Mapanuepe, formed after Mt. Pinatubo erupted in 1991.
Head to Lingayen and come face to face with the Hundred Islands, which are part of a national park covering almost 20 square kilometers in the Lingayen Gulf. Snorkeling is a popular activity in these islands.
Further along the coast, La Union draws visitors, both foreign and local, for its surfing-perfect beaches. Found at the northeastern end of the Lingayen Gulf, La Union does not only provide access to magnificent waves and beaches but it also boasts of trekking and climbing activities.
Further up north is Ilocos Sur, almost synonymous with its popular old town, Vigan. Situated near the western bank of the Mestizo River, Vigan was an important political, military, cultural and religious center during the Spanish times.
The old town is characterized by cobbled streets and some of the finest old colonial architecture in the country.
For history- and culture- buffs, Laoag the capital of Ilocos Norte, features a number of sites related to former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, who was born in the nearby village Sarrat.
On the northwestern edge of Luzon, excellent beaches can be found in Pagudpud.
Home of OFWs
But aside from tourists and businessmen, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are the number one benefactors of these developments. Luzon is the largest exporter of OFWs with Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), down south of Metro Manila, contributing 18.1 percent of the total OFWs in the country and the National Capital Region (NCR) with 12.6 percent.
However, Central Luzon, which has initially registered a 14.1 percent, is steadily climbing with the total number of OFWs living north of Metro Manila going up to 75 percent.
Emirates Airlines to mount daily flights
This increasing number is geared towards the CIA which is set to host Emirates Airline’s maiden flight from Dubai to Clark on October 1. The non-stop flights will then be scheduled daily. “We at Emirates have always seen the need of our kababayans from Northern and Central Luzon who have to travel three or more hours just to get to Manila. So we decided to open up a new hub at Clark International Airport,” Baroa said.
“Whether they are business savvy individuals or OFWs, they are now assured of the convenience of our flights through our new route,” she added.
With Clark opening as an international gateway in addition to Manila, it is set to be another business gem shining brightly, business observers said.
About Emirates
Emirates, one of the fastest growing airlines in the world, has received more than 500 international awards for excellence and has over nine million members worldwide of Skywards, the airline’s frequent flyer program.
Emirates flies to 134 destinations in 76 countries and operates 203 wide-bodied Airbus and Boeing aircraft.
The airline has orders for an additional 190 aircraft, worth more than USD$71 billion. Renowned for its excellence in service and innovation, both on board and on the ground, Emirates holds an impressive array of prestigious awards most recently including, the ‘Best Airline Food and Wine’ by Frequent Business Traveler and the highly coveted 2013 ‘World’s Best Airline’ award presented by Skytrax.
