Aussie bizman cites Clark’s potentials

• Source:http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2016/02/26/aussie-bizman-cites-clarks-potentials-459439
• Friday, February 26, 2016

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- Australian businessman Peter Wallace has cited Clark’s potential as an investment area.

Wallace included in his speech topics like “Why Invest in Clark” during the 51st General Membership Meeting of the Pampanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PamCham) here on Tuesday.

He mentioned the presence of an international airport, reliable power and water supply, competitive lease rates, steady supply of labor, college and universities with programs aligned with industry needs, adequate infrastructure, and others.

Wallace added that Clark has adequate health facilities; hotels, resorts, casinos and golf courses; low to mid-cost housing; and proximity to key cities like Angeles, Mabalacat, and San Fernando.

Wallace earlier suggested to the Pampanga businessmen that the Clark-Subic area be made the country’s new capital.

I’m suggesting to you that Clark, Subic become the new capital of Philippines,” he told PamCham officers and members.

The area has all the necessary attributes like the deep water and large and well protected harbor of Subic and the wide aviation complex of Clark International Airport, according to Wallace, chairman and chief executive officer of the Wallace Business Forum.

“So it can be done. So it makes a lot of sense to decentralize Metro Manila up to here,” he said.

An estimated 12 million people occupy 620 square kilometers of land in Metro Manila which is declared as 15th most dense city in the world, Wallace said.

“Metro Manila is one of the most dense cities in the world. It also has the worst traffic [condition] on earth,” he added.

Aside from these, Manila is also predicted to be flooded 50 years from now because of climate change, he said. “One or two, three meters of water rise in the ocean, Manila will be under water.”

“So we have to move. Manila has to move. One of the most dense cities growing and growing. Almost five millions are coming in, not enough roads and no railways,” Wallace said.

He also stressed the need to construct a fast railway which will connect Clark airport to Metro Manila and other points in Central and Northern Luzon.

“If we have Clark as the next international airport which will come soon and connect it with fast rail from here to there,” Wallace said.