Japanese firms demonstrate the different applications of i-Construct at the project site of the Clark International Airport new passenger terminal building. Photo Courtesy of BCDA
CLARK FREEPORT – “High-technology” on “ICT Construction or i-Construct” and the positioning of satellite utilization were introduced by the Japanese government here.
Led by the Cabinet Office of Japan and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), the Japanese government introduced and demonstrated i-Construct during a seminar organized in partnership with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).
“I want to thank the Japanese government for making Clark and the Philippines a testing ground for this wonderful technology that is going to change the way we build infrastructure,” BCDA president-CEO Vince Dizon said.
The Philippines is “the fastest growing country in the ASEAN region in terms of its GDP (gross domestic product), with the second largest population after Indonesia,” noted Professor Dr. Masahito Kawamori.
“Currently, the GDP around the Clark area reaches around nine percent, much higher than the rest of the country. Therefore, it is logical to consider Clark to become the locomotive of the Philippine economy…With its young population and aggressive growth plan for New Clark City and its fast-growing international airport, Clark will require lots of infrastructure development, and this is where i-construction will be an ideal tool for development” said Kawamori. “This is why we chose Clark.”
Kawamori, Keio University special professor, made his observations in an interview. He is also the representative for the ICT Construction and positioning satellite utilization in Clark.
“With its human and natural resources as well as aggressive ‘Build, Build, Build’ plans, Clark can certainly become an attractive investment target,” Kawamori said. “For that, it is important that local partners, both in private and public, work closely with potential investing partners with a clear vision.”
Japanese firms such as Hitachi, Kokusai Kogyo Co., Topcon Corp., and SITECH Japan showed the different applications of i-construction at the site of the Clark International Airport’s new passenger terminal. These include demonstrations on the digital drone survey, machine control for excavator, and machine control for dozer.
Arata Kimora, TOPCON’s deputy general manager for Smart Infrastructure Business Division, said in his closing remarks that i-Construct can contribute to the Philippine government’s Build Build Build program and help address the shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry.
Among BCDA’s high-impact projects under the Build Build Build program include the New Clark City, which houses the world-class sports facilities used during the Philippines’ hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games, and the Clark International Airport— envisioned to be a major global gateway. The new passenger terminal will be operational by mid-2020.
