Village chief welcomes Capillion project in Clark
- Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2015/06/22/village-chief-welcomes-capillion-project-clark-414701
- Monday, June 22, 2015
- By Reynaldo G. Navales
ANGELES CITY -- A barangay chairman here has described the controversial P7 billion Capilion project in Clark Freeport as a "welcome development" for his village and the whole of Angeles City.
Rey Nacu Gueco, chairman of Barangay Malabanias, said he fully supports the Singapore-based Capilion Corporation Pte. Limited, which has committed to lease and develop a three-hectare lot at the main entrance of the Freeport.
Malabanias will directly benefit from the mixed-used facility that could be used for business process outsourcing (BPO), residential, commercial, and retail enterprises, according to Gueco.
The village chief even assailed some groups and local leaders opposed to the project.
Contrary to claims that Capilion will harm local businesses, Gueco pointed out that the project will even spur growth in the locality.
He cited the case of SM City Clark, which attracted small and medium enterprises. Businesses started sprouting in the area when SM Supermalls established its mall in Clark, the barangay leader stressed.
Gueco disclosed that he already issued the Singaporean firm a barangay clearance for the construction of a five-storey building.
Aside from employment for the people of Angeles City, the village will also benefit from the project in terms of tax, according to Gueco.
Clark Development Corporation (CDC) head Arthur Tugade earlier said that the Capilion, which the biggest contract signed by his administration, is expected to generate about 75,000 in seven years.
Some local officials and businessmen aired their strong objection against the project because of its location saying it will directly compete with local businesses.
This contradicts the essence of Republic Act 7227 or the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992, which guarantees the protection of local businesses, they said.
The city council has approved a resolution expressing its vehement opposition to any construction of structure along the MA Roxas Avenue, which is running parallel to Don Juico Avenue along the south perimeter fence of Clark Freeport.
SP Resolution Number 7184 Series of 2015, sponsored by Councilor Max Sangil, stated that "it has been a matter of policy that no structures or edifices will be built in the said area which is significant as a buffer zone since the time of the Americans."
The business structure will disturb the beauty of the area and create monstrous traffic congestion, the resolution added.