President Benigno S. Aquino III views the Clark Green City scale model during the groundbreaking ceremony of the project in Sitio Baloy, Barangay Aranguren, Capaz, Tarlac on Monday (April 11). In photo are Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, Interior and Local Government Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) president and chief executive officer Arnel Paciano Casanova, BCDA chairperson Ma. Aurora Geotina-Garcia and Capas, Tarlac Mayor Antonio Rodriguez, Jr. (MNS photo)
CAPAS, Tarlac (PNA) – President Benigno Aquino III on Monday led the groundbreaking ceremony of the Clark Green City which is set to become the country’s first green and intelligent global metropolis.
The Chief Executive, in his speech, cited the economic gains of his administration which regained the confidence ”both in ourselves, and the confidence of investors here and around the globe.”
He said the Clark Green City is another major expression of such confidence as it is one of the biggest ever joint undertakings between the government and the private sector.
The project will cover 9,450 hectares and its development will cost around Php607 billion.
It will be home to companies, retail outlets, schools, government offices, residential communities, parks, and even urban farms that are seen to accommodate an estimated 1.12 million residents and 800,000 workers.
President Benigno S. Aquino III shovels dirt during the groundbreaking ceremony of Clark Green City in Sitio Baloy, Barangay Aranguren, Capaz, Tarlac on Monday (April 11). In photo are Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, Interior and Local Government Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) president and chief executive officer Arnel Paciano Casanova, BCDA chairperson Ma. Aurora Geotina-GarciaCapas, Tarlac Mayor Antonio Rodriguez, Jr. (MNS photo)
Aside from its economic benefits, the President said the Clark Green City also embodied the vision for a more resilient Philippines.
He said the Clark Green City is an example of a development that has approached the problem on climate change strategically as it will not be flood-prone since its lowest elevation is 56 meters above sea level, while its central park will serve as a flood catchment basin.
Likewise, the Clark Green City enjoys natural protection from typhoons, with the Sierra Madre to the West and the Zambales mountain range to the east.
He also thanked partners in the private sector, particularly Filinvest and Japanese agencies such as the JICA for their active participation in making the dream a reality.
”There is nothing that can forestall our ambitions except ourselves. Let us devote more and more to seeing our dreams fulfilled today,” he added. (PNA)