Download PDF - Holy Angel University

In the years leading to 1991, Angeles with
its galloping economy was the premier city
of Central Luzon. It was second only to Manila
in terms of family income, and second
only to Cebu as the most progressive city in
the provinces. It had the highest population
density in Region III (4000 residents per square
kilometer), almost like Singapore’s and just
slightly lower than Hong Kong’s. Angeles City
helped Central Luzon become the third most
104
1991: 1991: ANGELES’
ANGELES’
APPOINTMENT APPOINTMENT WITH WITH DESTINY
DESTINY
The city was readying itself for the expiration of
the US military bases agreement, scheduled that year—
and then, the explosion that was heard around the world
By Robby Tantingco
At midday on June 15, 1991, Mount Pinatubo blew its top and in just a matter of minutes; its 5725 ft peak was reduced by almost
a thousand feet to 4855 ft. Top photos show the volcano before the eruption (left) and after (right). Above photo superimposes
pre-eruptive and post-eruptive Mount Pinatubo. (Bear Sobkoviak)
productive region, after Metro Manila and
Southern Tagalog.
1991 was the year the US military bases
agreement was set to expire. The city,
which had been economically dependent
on Clark Air Base (CAB) for almost a century,
was in a panic mode, supporting calls
for an extension of the agreement on one
hand and preparing for a takeover of CAB
lands on the other hand. The Angeles City
Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.
(ACCCII) made studies on alternative uses
of the military base: agro-industries, manufacturing,
an international airport, economic
zones similar to Hong Kong’s, and
military camps. Local businessmen and
investors knew, however, that the bonanza
of opportunities was nothing compared to
the $560 million yearly rent by the United
States government. That’s P30 billion up