CLARK FREEPORT— Clark Development Corporation (CDC) has always been a company whose mandate is to help not only in developing this Freeport into a world class investment destination but also in generating employment for the communities surrounding it, including the indigenous people.
Over the years, the company has been providing job opportunities for Filipinos in order to have a chance for a better life or grow out from poverty.
One of the mandates of the state-owned firm is to extend this assistance to the up landers living within the boundaries of Clark — the Aeta community. Now on its 25th year, the corporation gives recognition to one of its very first employees, an Aeta, who has witnessed the development of the Freeport and CDC over the years, and his very own development as well.
Cresencio Laxamana, known to his co-employees here as “Vigor,” has been serving CDC for 25 years now — from the humble beginnings until the widely successful development. He was the 20th employee of CDC when it was established in 1993.
During the recent 25th anniversary celebration, he was one of the service awardees recognized by the stateowned firm as among the pioneer employees of CDC.
Laxamana said that through CDC, he was able to provide decent life to his family, and even send to education to his children.
During his tenure, Vigor never felt discriminated because of his ethnicity and for lack of education but instead he was given a chance through training.
Thus, he reciprocated it with dedication and hard work making him reach a quarter of century working for the state-owned firm.
“CDC has extended so much help to the Aeta. It has given a lot to them and it never got tired of helping them.” said Laxamana.
He also thanked CDC for allowing Aetas to sell their crops in the designated areas in the Freeport to be able to have decent income for their families living in various Aeta communities adjacent to the Freeport.
Vigor is a proof that CDC gives high regard to the importance of helping the Filipino people, no matter what race or ethnicity, for as long as there is willingness and dedication to advance.
