WORK ETHICS. Clark Development Corp. President-CEO Arthur Tugade presents to members of the Capampangan in Media Inc. developments at the Freeport rising out of a “culture of industry” and “work ethics” among its workers.
Photo by Bong Lacson
CLARK FREEPORT – Amid shortage of leasable lands, Clark Development Corp. (CDC) President-CEO Arthur Tugade has revealed that his state firm has already “recovered” a total of 240.9 hectares from investors who contracted but never used the areas.
In briefing members of Capampangans in Media, Inc. (Cami), Tugade said he has also ordered an audit of all vacant lands within CDC jurisdiction to find out their status.
“We expect to finish this work within this year,” he said.
Tugade cited four firms from whom 26.8 hectares were recovered only last April and May, including BB International Inc. covering 20 hectares, Ritzville covering 4.96 hectares, Food and Beverage, Inc. covering 0.69 hectare and Paz Americana covering 0.43 hectare.
Over the eight months since he assumed post, Tugade said the CDC has been able to “recover” a total of 240.9 hectares which could now be leased out to investors under agreements that would ensure they would make use of the lands under a contractual timetable.
Earlier, the CDC said only about 146 hectares out of some 2,400 hectares of Freeport lands under its jurisdiction have remained for leasing out to investors. The rest have been leased out to investors, including wide areas that have remained idle over the past years.
While Tugade admitted that lease contracts over idle lands could no longer be rescinded, there were other means to make the areas productive. He said he had talked to some of the investors who have been convinced to either realize projects in the areas or voluntarily give back the lands to the CDC.
The lease contracts covering idle areas were done before Tugade took over the CDC last December.
To prevent such situations, Tugade said that new lease contracts with investors impose a ”contractual commitment” identifying that projects are to be accomplished under a timeline. Violation of such timeline would lead to termination of contract, he said.
Earlier, the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) bared plans to gradually move out six units of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) from some 320 hectares allocated to them in this Freeport. This is expected to provide the CDC with more lands for leasing to investors.
Tugade said the bulk of CDC’s income is derived from payments of land lease in this Freeport.
