CLARK FREEPORT, Philippines – The over 2,000-hectare property surrounding the Clark International Airport (CRK) has now been named as Clark Aviation Capital of the Philippines, according to the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC).

The CIAC is a subsidiary and the prime aviation and land development arm of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). It was tasked by the Department of Transportation to exercise oversight functions over the CRK.

CIAC President Arrey Perez formally launched on Monday, September 23, what he described as the “aviation-centric business capital of the country.”

The Clark Aviation Capital spans 2,367 hectares of government-owned land aimed at attracting both local and foreign investments.

Perez said he envisions an aviation-centered metropolis that will enable dreams to take flight as Clark seeks to become a significant gateway to the world.

He also highlighted the goal of creating a dynamic ecosystem by integrating aviation, logistics, commerce, and sustainable urban development, all aimed at fostering national economic progress.

“Clark makes one’s dream work. Then the airport is at the center of Clark, the heart that connects the country to the world. But the airport is just one special component in this aviation capital we will build, because beyond this airport is an aviation-centered metropolis that will make the dream that work, fly. And because it works, dreams fly,” Perez said in a statement.

“The [aviation] capital will transform the erstwhile idle lands to a global hub for innovation, investment and infrastructure to boost airport operations, generate new revenue streams, and promote economic and food security,” he added.

The CIAC is seeking partnerships in cargo and logistic services, vertical infrastructure projects, and sustainable development of heritage parks to boost tourism under its Seven Flagship Projects initiative. 

Among the flagship projects include the Clark National Food Hub, as proposed in a bill approved by the House committee on trade and industry.

Other flagship projects in the pipeline also include the establishment of the World Events and Entertainment Center, the Urban Renewal and Heritage Conservation program, as well as Direct Access Road Link to Clark Airport, upgrades to road networks and facilities, a detailed site development plan for the second CRK runway, and the construction of the Clark Aviation Capital headquarters. – Rappler.com

[OPINION] Clark International Airport, one of world’s most beautiful airports, is badly underutilized