(STRENGTHENING ECONOMIC TIES. CDC president and CEO Noel F. Manankil and General Santos City Mayor Ronnel Rivera sign the documents on the joint intent for collaboration between Clark Freeport Zone and General Santos City, agreeing to pursue collaborative undertakings that will help each area to achieve mutual economic benefits. Photo Courtesy of CDC-CD)
CLARK FREEPORT— Dubbed as “a partnership for investment,” the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) and General Santos City (GenSan) in South Cotabato recently signed a joint intent for collaboration.
A statement from the CDC said the accord is meant to expand its partnership for investments.
CDC president-CEO Noel F. Manankil signed the agreement with GenSan City Mayor Ronnel Rivera during the latter’s visit here.
According to Rivera, the activity is a preliminary step in strengthening linkages between the city and this freeport to help achieve mutual economic benefits.
The partnership also promotes collaborative undertakings in the promotion of air connectivity of both areas through their airports, organization of trade and business missions that focuses on tourism and investments, and exchange of best practices on areas such as agro-industrial development and environmental protection.
Manankil encouraged the local government of GenSan to push for stronger air connectivity between Clark airport and General Santos City. He also mentioned the potential of GenSan as a tourist destination.
“We will be very happy if we have a direct air connectivity from Clark to Gen San. Kasi kilala ang GenSan sa kanilang mga tuna and sa mga magagandang beaches na pwede ring puntahan ng mga turista (Because GenSan is known for its tuna and its beautiful beaches that can be visited by tourists),” Manankil said.
The signing was also witnessed by CDC officers and some 20 delegates from General Santos, formerly known as Dadiangas — a first class a highly urbanized city in Soccsksargen in Mindanao, which also had a study tour here.
