CLARK FREEPORT – Both taking the cue from the erratic cost of fuel in the world market, both Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President Felipe Antonio Remollo and this province’s first district Rep. Carmelo Lazatin almost simultaneously bared plans to push for the use of bicycles as a daily means of transport.
Lazatin has filed House Bill No. 5335 entitled “Bicycle Use Act of 2011” which required the designation, if not the construction, of bicycle lanes nationwide, plus bicycle racks at offices and business establishments.
“There is a serious need to find alternative modes of transportation and one is the use of bicycle amid erratic oil prices in the market.
We can’t allow ourselves to be hostaged by fuel,” Lazatin said.
This, even as Remollo, who heads the CDC which runs this freeport, also announced plans to revive bicycle lanes which were overtaken by widening of roads here. A bicycle lane used to run from Clark’s main gate to other parts of the freeport during the era of the Americans in this former US air force base.
In a press statement, the CDC said Remollo “is keen on the rehabilitation of bike lane systems for a more eco-friendly means of transportation inside this Freeport zone.”
“During the time of the Americans at the former US-run Clark Air Base, bike lanes were constructed for the safety of the bicycle-riding employees inside the base,” the CDC said.
Lazatin noted “the government’s lack of serious program to promote bicycle use despite the many benefits it brings, not only to health, but to the economy and environment as well.”
Under the bill, secure and ample parking spaces and facilities would be required to provide bike racks in their areas. “This would include all public and private commercial establishments, including but not limited to public markets, malls, restaurants and stores,” Lazatin said.
Lazatin also said “the bill provides that employers grant legitimate bicycle-riding employees a 30-minute window before they be considered late, taking into consideration the long travel time they will take in reporting to work. “
“In coordination with the local government units, the national government shall lead the establishment of bicycle lanes on all major thoroughfares all over the country,” Lazatin said.
He said that local government units would be required to “monitor all private, public establishments and employers in complying with all the provisions of the bill and implement penalties to those who violate them and at the same time ensure that bicycle lanes are properly utilized for the purpose.”
Remollo, who is known to be a staunch advocate of clean environment and sports tourism, also said that the CDC has adopted the promotion of tourism here as a flagship project.
“Clark’s nature-based environment makes it an ideal venue for environmental and sports tourism events.
Resources targeted to create eco-tourism and sports-based attractions that will transform the Zone into a priority tourist destination,” he said.
Remollo also revealed plans for the establishment of a center to transform this freeport into the country’s premier sports training center and amusement hub.
To be known as the Clark Sports Training Amusement and Recreation Center or simply Clark Star was presented to Japanese investors during Pres. Aquino’s visit to Japan last Sept. 26.
Remollo said he had already met with Japanese businessmen who have expressed interest in investing in the project.
“Clark Star will have various facilities for water sports such as wakeboarding, rowing, water skiing, parasailing, kayaking, dragon boating and jet skiing. It will be built near the Sacobia River to answer the need for a body of water for the water sports,” the CDC said.
It will also have world-class facilities for basketball, baseball, swimming, tennis and soccer, as well as dormitories for athletes, sports academy and training ground, the CDC added.
