CLARK FREEPORT — Infrastructure developments that serve key areas outside of Metro Manila have been critical in stretching progress beyond the National Capital Region. One of these areas is Central Luzon, where ongoing new and massive real estate developments demonstrate the region’s rapidly expanding local economy.
On April 23, leading global diversified professional services firm Colliers (NASDAQ, RSX: CIGI), in partnership with Hann Resorts, a South Korean-led investment firm and the name behind Hann Casino Resort, the first and only luxury integrated resort in Central Luzon, hosted a business forum to highlight the progress and prospects of this exciting region. Dubbed, “Talakad: Central Luzon’s Economic Rise,” the event held at Clark Marriott Hotel featured engaging and insightful discussions with key government officials and private sector players.
Colliers director and head of research Joey Roi Bondoc presented an overview of Central Luzon’s macroeconomy and property sector. This was followed by a panel discussion graced by key government officials with first-hand knowledge of the region’s economic and development prospects, including Rodem R. Perez, assistant VP for business enhancement of Clark Development Corp.; Kenneth Peralta, VP for investment promotions and marketing of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority; Joseph Pascua Alcazar, president of Clark International Airport Corp.; and Maricar Bautista, spokesperson for business infrastructure of the Department of Transportation.
The forum also featured Agnes “Neki” Liwanag, VP for real estate and property development at Hann Philippines Inc., who shared the company’s story from its humble beginnings in 2006 to what it has become today, a hotel, entertainment, and leisure powerhouse in Central Luzon and the name behind two exciting projects, Hann Casino Resort and Hann Reserve.
“Hann Philippines Inc. is a significant driver of economic growth in Central Luzon through its portfolio of luxury integrated lifestyle resorts. The established Hann Casino Resort in Clark Freeport Zone generates considerable tourism revenue and employment opportunities.” Liwanag said.
“Furthermore, the expansive Hann Reserve in New Clark City is projected to amplify these economic benefits by attracting substantial investment and high-value tourism with its world-class amenities, including championship golf courses, international luxury hotels, a commercial center with a casino, and exclusive residential offerings, all while emphasizing sustainable development principles,” she furthered.
The event’s second panel discussion featured representatives from top developers who are making their mark in Central Luzon: Atty. Christopher Ryan Tan, CEO and president of Hausland; Nikki Gilladoga, general manager of Aeropark Development Philippines Inc.; Paolo Ilusorio, AVP of Filinvest Alabang Inc.; and Patrick John Avila, COO of AyalaLand Logistics Holdings Inc. The discussion was moderated by Colliers senior director and head of Capital Markets and Investment Services Julius Guevara.
According to Guevara, Pampanga is the pulsating heart of Central Luzon, a province ripe for more property development projects. “The significant levels of public infrastructure investment over the past few years coupled with the Luzon Economic Corridor initiative have set the stage for further growth in Central Luzon. This is already evident with regional and national developers launching massive vertical and integrated communities, which will likely further raise the attractiveness of new commercial, residential, industrial, and hotel and leisure projects in the region.” Press release/Photos: BZL
