CLARK FREEPORT — “We are with you in trying to survive this pandemic. We will not start collecting rental for April, May, and June until the reprieve is finally resolved.”
This was the announcement of Clark Development Corp. president Noel F. Manankil on the rental reprieve to its locators during the Clark Investors and Locators Association (CILA) second general membership meeting via Zoom app on Thursday.
The online meeting was virtually attended by the CILA executives, board of directors, and its members headed by its chairman Dr. Irineo “Bong” Alvaro Jr. and president Frankie Villanueva, and moderated by its PRO, Evelyn Yumul.
“We sent a letter to DTI for authority to grant reprieve for the months of April, May, June. And last week we have received a reply from the DTI, basically saying that the board of CDC can explore within its power and mandate to what extent reprieve can be granted,” Manankil said.
Manankil also said that the CDC board has sent a letter to OGCC and COA for guidance to settle the issue on the rental reprieve possibly in 30 days.
According to Alvaro, CILA has sent a letter to CDC seeking relief on rental reprieve for its locators in line with the pronouncement of the President on giving relief to companies particularly on rent as early as March 16.
Alvaro also noted that he has been optimistic on CDC’s support to help its locators pointing out that the vital component of other countries such as Vietnam and Singapore’s response in propping up the economy amid the Covid-19 crisis is to work better with the business sectors by helping SMEs through lowering interest rates, delaying payments of taxes, and land use fees.
Alvaro also said despite the continuous rise of Covid-19 cases in the country as Pampanga is also placed under the MGCQ status, the impact goes beyond tourism and the aviation industry as other industries also feel the “ripple of devastation” including the manufacturers and other industries that are in this freeport.
“All of us are in the same boat. And the boat is still sinking. I will not dare to rub salt into our injuries. But we must admit we are all working wounded. The Covid-19 crisis has been the greatest challenge of humanity in recent history,” Alvaro said.
“We must demand that we will be given equal support and opportunity to help the recovery of this economy. The fire that will kickstart the economy will come from the businesses and industries most especially in the economic zone,” he added.
