BCDA Collective | Issue 8 2020

COLLECTIVE
is a quarterly publication of the
Bases Conversion and Development Authority.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3 Sports hub turns into safe haven amid pandemic
7 Red Cross sets up COVID testing lab in Clark
9 MTD Philippines: A legacy builder
12 Empowering commuter nation
14 The business of luxury
17 The Sacobia bridge
18 BCDA remits P2.7B to support government’s COVID-19 response
19 ADB Philippines opens Clark office to strengthen project
20 Heroes: A woman. A soldier. A leader.
23 A home away from home
26 Snapshots: A round-up of BCDA’s milestones in the past quarter
27 CIAC’s P130M remittance boosts gov’t fight vs COVID-19
28 Clark: A top destination for all
30 BCDA snags 1 gold, 3 silvers
31 Koko Buri: The fusion we need
32 Icons: Domes Village at New Clark City
ON THE COVER
The We Win As One slogan
during the 30th SEA Games is
reworded to “We Heal As One”
as the country faces a pandemic.
Gregorio D. Garcia III
CHAIRMAN
Vivencio B. Dizon
PRESIDENT AND CEO
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Leilani Barlongay-Macasaet
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Maricar Gay Savella-Villamil
MANAGING EDITOR Kathrina Charmaine Alvarez
ART DIRECTOR Ana Trina Sulit
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Patricia Ruth Cailao
WRITERS Marie Therese Cimafranca, Michelle San Juan-De Vera,
Ryan Carl Mangubat, Denver Moreno, Suzanne Marie Ramos
PHOTOGRAPHERS Garry Cativo, Samuel Luke Galivo, Ryan Carl Mangubat,
Borj Meneses
CONTRIBUTORS
Clark Development Corporation
Clark International Airport Corporation
John Hay Management Corporation
Poro Point Management Corporation
Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority
Subic-Clark Alliance for Development
RENDERS Budji+Royal Architecture+Design
EDITORIAL ADDRESS
BCDA Corporate Center
2/F, Bonifacio Technology Center
31st Street cor. 2nd Ave.
Bonifacio Global City
Taguig City, Philippines
CONTACT NO.
(632) 8575-1700
FAX
(632) 8816-0996
E-MAIL
bcda@bcda.gov.ph
WEBSITE
http://www.bcda.gov.ph
CIRCULATION
Samuel Luke Galivo
@THEBCDAGROUP
2 Collective / Issue 8

SPORTS HUB
TURNS INTO
SAFE HAVEN
AMID PANDEMIC
By Kathrina Charmaine Alvarez
Collective / Issue 8
3

We cannot imagine the kind
of stress and anxiety that our
OFWs have felt since the news
about COVID-19 broke out.
The least we can do is to help
them—keep them safe amid
this difficult time.
VINCE DIZON
BCDA PRESIDENT AND CEO
AAthletes, sports enthusiasts and fans would
have packed the Athletics Stadium and the
Aquatics Center, as tourists, friends and
families enjoyed picnics and snapping photos
at the “Instagrammable” River Park. It would
have been a different sight.
Numerous events and activities were
already lined up to take place at New Clark
City, but a pandemic forced the metropolis to
go on lockdown as early as February.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
public health emergency requires a whole-ofgovernment
approach. The Bases Conversion
and Development Authority (BCDA) was in a
unique position to extend its assistance to the
national government, having just completed
the first phase of the country’s first smart,
green, sustainable, and resilient metropolis.
And being a resilient metropolis, New Clark
City is ready for any and all situations, even
those that concern public health.
From housing hundreds of athletes in the
Athletes’ Village during the 2019 South East
Asian Games (SEA Games), New Clark City
hosted overseas workers sent home due to
the threat of COVID-19. The repatriates came
in three batches: the first two in February
were those from Wuhan, China and workers
of the M/V Diamond Princess cruise ship; the
others returned from San Francisco, USA off
the M/V Grand Princess cruise ship. The long
lines of spectators to watch the Games were
replaced with barricades to make sure that
residents in the nearby communities are kept
safe and protected.
That was just the beginning.
Safe haven
On March 7, the Department of Health
(DOH) confirmed the first local transmission
4 Collective / Issue 8

of COVID-19 in the country. National and
local governments, and public and private
health care providers were alerted for the
possible increase in suspected and confirmed
cases. Just five days after, Metro Manila was
placed under community quarantine; and on
March 16, the quarantine was expanded to
cover the whole of Luzon.
Businesses had to temporarily close
operations, classes were suspended,
transportation in the metro was halted,
and many were left stranded. At the Clark
International Airport, some of the stranded
passengers were returning overseas Filipino
workers (OFWs).
In support of the government’s efforts
against COVID-19 and to aid our kababayans,
BCDA initiated the creation of Task Force
Clark Safe Haven. The stranded passengers
were provided free accommodation and
meals, as well as medical assistance,
through the joint efforts of BCDA, the Clark
Development Corporation (CDC), Clark
International Airport Corporation (CIAC),
the Angeles and Mabalacat city governments,
and the provincial government of Pampanga,
among others.
“As public servants, it is our duty to keep
our people safe, especially in this difficult
time,” said BCDA President and CEO Vince
Dizon. “We hope that by declaring Clark a
safe haven for our OFWs, we have somehow
eased their worries and of their loved ones
waiting for their safe return home.”
Seaman Jimmy Catubig, one of the OFWs
who were accommodated for free at The
Mansion Hotel in Clark, expressed thanks to
the efforts of the government. “Noong sinabi
nila na dalhin kami dito, hindi ko rin alam ang
lugar na ito, pero nang makita ko, wala akong
masabi…Kumportable kasi safe kami dito.
Pinapasalamatan ko na sa panahon na ganito,
sinalo kami ng gobyerno.”
“We couldn’t have found a much better
place to be stranded. We thank God it is here
in Clark. The amenities are great. The room
is comfortable, and staying here makes our
situation lighter to bear. Being away from
family is difficult but we praise God for the
people of BCDA who are always looking out
for our welfare,” Davao-based radio station
manager, Magnolia Fernandez-Yrasuegui, who
was also stranded in Clark, said.
We Heal As One Centers
The Task Force led by Dizon, CDC
President and CEO Noel Manankil, CIAC
Officer-in-Charge President Joshua Bingcang,
and BCDA Vice President for Business
Development Arrey Perez also established
quarantine facilities for COVID-positive
patients, and suspected and probable cases.
In just a few weeks, the ASEAN Convention
Center in Clark, Pampanga and the National
Government Administrative Center in New
Clark City, Capas, Tarlac were converted
into We Heal As One Centers, with an initial
combined capacity of 838. The ASEAN
Convention Center has 150 cubicles, while the
National Government Administrative Center
has 688 cubicles, but can still be expanded
up to 1,000. The 525-room Athletes’ Village
was also made available for suspected and
probable cases, as well as the University of
the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital
(UP-PGH) Polyclinic.
The conversion of facilities into quarantine
centers is part of the government’s strategy
to locate (test and trace), isolate, and cure
suspected and probable cases. The ASEAN
Convention Center and the New Clark City
government building is only two of total 15
facilities in Central Luzon and the National
Collective / Issue 8
5

Capital Region converted into We Heal As
One Centers.
“At this point, it’s better to have these
facilities and not need them, than to need
them and not have them – that’s our
mentality right now,” Dizon said, as the
government plans to build and convert more
quarantine facilities throughout the country
in the coming months.
“The strategy is simple – to locate, to
isolate, and to cure. To locate means to test—
to find those who have been infected by the
virus and to make sure that they are isolated
from their communities and their families in
order to prevent further spread, and then, to
cure and to treat them,” Dizon said.
Unsung heroes
The unsung heroes manning these facilities
are the frontliners who have answered the call
to provide 24/7 medical care to patients and
suspected cases.
Doctors and nurses hired to man the
facilities in Clark said they want to be
of service to Filipinos despite the risk of
contracting COVID-19.
Nurse Jaime De Jesus, Jr. of Macabebe,
Pampanga said he used to work for an
emergency room at a hospital in Saudi Arabia,
and has been a nurse for eight years.
“Kaya gusto ko magtrabaho bilang isang
frontliner ulit dito sa Pilipinas kasi gusto ko
6 Collective / Issue 8
“At this point, it’s better to have these facilities and
not need them, than to need them and not have
them–that’s our mentality right now.”
tulungan yung mga kapwa nating Pilipino
na nagkakaroon ng sakit. Nasa isang krisis
tayo; kailangan kaming mga nurse at medical
professionals ng bansa natin para lumaban
dito sa COVID crisis,” De Jesus said.
Dr. Christine Polintan-Lao, a doctor of
seven years and a resident of Tarlac, said that
the frontliners’ passion to serve outweighs
the risk of COVID-19.
“Lahat ng mga frontliners, nurses at
doctors, lahat ng mga nasa health field, lahat
ng pumapasok sa mga companies, janitors,
security guards, they are all being selfless and
they are really doing a great job para matapos
na itong pandemic that greatly affects our
country,” she said.
“Para sa ating frontliners, we salute you
all for always giving your best to solve this
pandemic, and para sa inyong mga nasa
bahay, please keep healthy, stay at home and
matatapos din ang lahat ng ito,” she added.
Health workers will be compensated for
their selfless service, and are given free meals
and accommodation in hotels within the
Clark Freeport Zone.
Getting through this crisis calls for
teamwork from the government, private
sector, our health workers, and even ordinary
citizens who are doing their duty by simply
staying put in their own homes.
We already won as one; the challenge now
is to heal as one.

Red Cross
sets up
COVID testing
lab in Clark
By Karl Paulo De Leon
“We have to
test, test and test
to unmask the invisible enemy.”
SEN. RICHARD “DICK” GORDON
Philippine Red Cross Chairman and CEO
Collective / Issue 8
7

A
COVID-19 molecular testing laboratory
has been set up in Clark, Pampanga, as part
of the joint efforts of the Philippine Red
Cross (PRC) and the Bases Conversion and
Development Authority (BCDA) in fighting
the deadly disease.
“The facility is part of the national
government’s strategy to ramp up the testing
for the coronavirus disease,” says BCDA
President and CEO Vince Dizon, also the
deputy chief implementer of the National
Action Plan Against COVID-19.
The construction of COVID-19 labs is part
of the “Test, Trace, Treat” strategy of the
government and private sector in ramping up
testing capacity nationwide.
The Red Cross lab in Clark was finished
in less than two weeks on May 8, 2020
through the partnership of BCDA, Clark
Development Corporation (CDC), Clark
International Airport Corporation (CIAC),
and the Megawide-GMR Construction JV
Incorporated (MGCJV Inc.).
“It will have three polymerase chain
reaction (PCR) machines, with each capable
of conducting up to 1,500 tests per day,”
Dizon, who is also the chief coordinator of the
T3 Program, said.
The government’s goal is to reach a daily
testing capacity of 30,000 by May 30.
“Why are we testing? We’re testing more
because we want to know as much as we can
[like] what is the spread of infection in the
communities. We want to be able to pinpoint
who they are, where they are, so that we can
immediately intervene and isolate,” Dizon
said in a virtual interview.
The Red Cross has also opened
molecular laboratories at its headquarters
in Mandaluyong and the Port Area, Manila,
capable of running up to 12,000 tests per day.
It will also set up testing centers in Subic,
Batangas and Los Baños.
“Now we can do more tests because the
more people we test, the better chances we
have of preventing the further spread of the
disease. The focus must be victory over the
virus. That’s why we have to test, test and
test — to unmask the invisible enemy,” PRC
Chairman and CEO Senator Richard Gordon
said.
8 Collective / Issue 8

SMART CITIES
MTD Philippines:
A legacy builder
By Patricia Ruth Cailao
JJanuary 23, 2018 was a hot and sunny day
in New Clark City which was then bare land.
At the middle, a white tent stood with close
to a hundred people—mostly high-ranking
government officials—gathered inside in a
ceremony that paved the way to building the
project’s first phase.
MTD Philippines, Inc., the infrastructure
firm who proved constructing a world-class
sports complex and so much more can be
done in just 18 months, looks back at its
accomplishment and partnership with BCDA.
“What made us excited was the ability to
prove doubters; only BCDA believed that we
can complete the project on time. There were
a lot of people who did not believe in the
project—that it can’t be done,” said President
and CEO Patrick Nicholas “Nikko” David.
“Experts around the world knew that building
these types of [projects] take a long time;
the best firms in the world would have taken
twice the time we needed to complete the
project.”
This project entailed the construction
of sports facilities that meet certification
requirements of international bodies for the
country’s hosting of the South East Asian
MTD CHAIRMAN Isaac David (far right) pose for a photo at the
New Clark City Aquatics Center with ASEAN Ambassadors. Beside
him is MTD President Patrick Nicholas David.
Games (SEA Games), disaster-resilient
government buildings, a residence for
government employees, and a river park.
MTD Philippines, a subsidiary of Malaysia’s
MTD Capital Berhad, however had the edge,
aside from experience. It shares the same
vision with the government—to spread
growth outside the capital region.
Countryside development
MTD Capital Berhad ventures in longterm
concession projects such as toll roads,
and metro rail transit systems, government
facilities including schools and offices, and
other income-generating facilities. The
Malaysian firm has been involved in railway
projects in Singapore, housing constructions
in Australia, and has ventured out in building
One Crown Place, a mixed-use development
in London that has residences, offices, and
other commercial spaces.
MTD started its operations in the
Philippines in 2016, when it rehabilitated
and expanded the existing 24-kilometer
South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). After
the said expansion, MTD ventured into
building government centers through country
“What made us excited was the ability to prove doubters; only BCDA
believed that we can complete the project on time. There were a lot of
people who did not believe in the project—that it can’t be done.”
Collective / Issue 8
9

SMART CITIES
MTD CHAIRMAN ISAAC DAVID
representatives, Chairman Isaac David and
President and CEO Nikko David.
Both civil engineers, the father-and-son
tandem agreed to work for the Malaysian
conglomerate and contribute to nationbuilding
through infrastructure. Chairman
Isaac David was managing an engineering
consultancy group for the last 16 years
before retiring. In 2007, he was invited by the
Malaysian group to head a new company to
develop SLEX.
“In 2012, we decided to embark on
developing government centers with the
Putrajaya as our inspiration on the concept.
This is putting all government offices in one
place as a way of improving efficiency and
effectively providing government services,”
the older David recalled.
They started out with a regional
government center in CALABARZON located
in Calamba, Laguna. The concept was
partnering with the local government who
owns the land while MTD will design, build,
and finance the project.
“Our proposed solution to the worsening
traffic condition in major metropolises
like Metro Manila, is dispersal of economic
development to the countryside. The
government centers are expected to catalyze
such countryside development,” says
Chairman David, citing that this is a vision
which MTD shared with President Rodrigo
Duterte’s Build Build Build Infrastructure
Program.
MTD believes that the Philippine
government needs a back-up facility where it
can continue to function even under extreme
circumstances.
Both Davids agree that Metro Manila,
where most of the government’s facilities
are currently placed, is vulnerable to a lot of
natural calamities. New Clark City perfectly
fits their idea of a government center.
“The location for this purpose will call
for a huge space and [the land] has to be
government-owned. Only the New Clark City
corresponds to the said necessary features,”
President Nikko David underscored. “New
Clark City will be the next Metro Manila.
It’s where opportunities for developers and
contractors are aplenty.”
Proving the impossible
New Clark City, as a world-class
infrastructure project under the Build Build
Build program, was a welcome opportunity
for MTD though the huge project was also a
challenge. Such a large-scale project usually
takes four years to complete, and MTD was
only given 18 months to build Phase 1A. They
were able to deliver and build the sports
facilities in time for the Philippines’ hosting
of the 30th SEA Games.
MTD made the tight construction schedule
into a big opportunity to show “that we,
Filipinos, can construct projects within
budget, within the quality and standards
comparable to the best in the world, and
within deadline.”
Touring inside New Clark City, there is
more to it than meets the eye. MTD was able
to turn the once idle land into a growing
metropolis with all the structure blending in
innovation, functionality, and art.
10 Collective / Issue 8

SMART CITIES
MTD PRESIDENT PATRICK NICHOLAS DAVID
Guided by the design of Budji+Royal
Architecture+Design, the internationallycertified
Athletics Stadium and Aquatics
Center both showcase Filipino culture
and identity. Aside from these two sports
facilities, MTD also built the Athletes’ Village
where national and foreign athletes stayed
during the SEA Games.
There’s also the 1.4-kilometer River Park
which was built as a rest and recreation haven
for the athletes and future residents in the
city, a government center, and condo-type
buildings for future government workers and
city residents.
Turning a crisis into an opportunity
Though implementation and construction
works are suspended due to the coronavirus
disease (COVID-19) outbreak, MTD and
BCDA are turning this situation to another
opportunity—this time, to help residents in
the region.
With the support of the provincial
government of Tarlac, MTD and BCDA are
working together in making New Clark City as
one of the quarantine sites in Central Luzon.
This is part of the government’s initiative
to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the
communities.
For the meantime, the New Clark City
Polyclinic, the National Government
Administrative Center (NGAC), and the 525-
room Athletes’ Village have been converted
into quarantine facilities known as We Heal
As One Centers.
All structures have air-conditioned rooms,
free internet connection, clean sanitation
facilities, and will be manned by medical staff
round the clock. Beside the Athletes’ Village
is The Residences which will house the hired
health care workers who will take care of the
COVID patients.
The idea may not be appealing to many,
especially after the successful hosting of the
SEA Games in New Clark City, but when the
opportunity to serve calls, BCDA and MTD
will always be ready to respond.
“We consider it as an honor and privilege to
help, to the extent possible , whenever we are
called upon by the government,” says Nikko
David.
Early this year, the Athletes’ Village served
as a safe refuge for Filipino repatriates
from Wuhan City, China—the outbreak
epicenter— who had undergone a 14-day
quarantine period. After that, Filipino workers
aboard virus-hit cruise ships were also
accommodated in the said building.
Yet, this does not worry MTD. After all,
they built NGAC with the aim of making
public service more efficient and closer to the
people.
“With the current situation, businesses,
governments and other clients are focusing
their resources in combating this issue first.
Once the pandemic is over, we believe that
there will be more opportunities for us,”
Nikko David says.
Both Isaac David and Nikko David are
optimistic that the infrastructure legacy they
built in New Clark City will last through time,
even with plans of privatizing the operations
and maintenance.
“It gives me great pride every time I get
to see successfully completed projects I
was actively involved with. If I am with my
family…and now with my grandchildren, I
would brag saying ‘Did you know that I was
the one who built that project?’ They would
then ask ‘How’d you do that?’ That gives me
joy seeing them amazed as I tell them the
story,” said Chairman David.
Collective / Issue 8
11

SMART CITIES
By Therese Cimafranca
12 Collective / Issue 8

SMART CITIES
This transitway is devoted to making things easier for commuters.
With pre-imposed schedules, fixed stops, and the absence of a
“boundary system”, the commuting public is assured that
their safety is the top priority.
DDespite tougher policies levied to subdue
the traffic woes in Metro Manila, some (the
more fortunate ones) are still riddled by two
choices—whether to brave the gridlocked
roads driving a car or taking public transport.
In the case of Metro Manila, it’s almost a loselose
situation. Driving induces extra expenses,
for instance, costly fuel and outrageous
parking fees. Commuting is just as dreadful—
paying to squeeze in crowded buses, jeeps and
trains, not to mention the long queue and the
uncertainty that you’ll arrive on time.
The crippling traffic situation in the
capital impelled Clark to rethink mass
transportation.
Hence, just in time for the hosting of the
30th South East Asian Games (SEA Games),
a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system was
launched. This new transitway called Clark
Loop is on its pilot operation, streamlining
populous areas within Clark Freeport Zone,
and connecting the Freeport to New Clark
City. For the time being, Clark Loop utilizes
10 buses that service two routes—or loops—
namely, the Clark Freeport Zone Loop and
the New Clark City Loop.
Clark Loop, along with other free shuttles
dispatched during the SEA Games, relieved
the momentary influx of commuters in Clark.
“Late last year, we introduced Clark Loop
(the pilot BRT system) as a primary mode of
public transport in Clark Freeport Zone and
New Clark City. The ridership, presently, is at
8,000 passengers per day,” shared BRT Task
Force head Engr. Mark Torres.
Following the SEA Games, Clark Loop was
confronted with stumbling blocks—among
those, the low ridership, which translates to
the lack of public support at the beginning of
its operations. Undeterred, the fleet dutifully
carried on according to their schedules and
within weeks of full operation, the tides have
changed. Buses now reach their full capacity
and even exceed it during rush hours.
Clark Loop buses are equipped with
a digitized bus management system, a
centralized platform employed to monitor
the performance of each bus. Devices are
installed in the buses to accurately track
their locations and transmit that information
to the bus and station monitors real-time.
This notifies the passengers of the estimated
time of arrival of the buses to the locations,
a feature notably disparate from the existing
public transport vehicles in the country.
This transitway is devoted to making things
easier for commuters. With pre-imposed
schedules, fixed stops, and the absence of a
“boundary system” or the infamous scheme
requiring drivers to reach a daily quota that
leads to reckless driving, the commuting
public is assured that their safety is the top
priority.
Succeeding the pilot operation, the BRT
system will continue its service to satisfy the
transportation demand in Clark especially
beyond the full implementation of its master
plan. Ultimately, Clark Loop will connect
all the districts in Clark Freeport Zone and
New Clark City. Additional stops will be
established to support auxiliary routes.
Clark values sustainability the most.
Lowering emissions, prioritizing safety,
and enabling effective transport networks
are among the initiatives recognized to
substantiate its livability. With a highquality
transitway earmarked to support
its full development, commuters will gain
accessibility and mobility that’s safe and
reliable.
As the government and the people continue
to ponder over curbing Metro Manila’s
traffic situation, Clark advocates an upfront
solution—to empower the commuter nation
with an efficient transportation option.
Collective / Issue 8
13

PROFILES
The business of luxury
By Michelle San Juan-De Vera
“We intend to build a unique
connection with all our guests as
we create an experience that will
make them keep coming back.”
14 Collective / Issue 8

PROFILES
IIt was 2005 when Mr. Daesik Han, the
Chief Executive Officer and President of
Hann Development Corporation first set
foot in Clark, Pampanga where he envisioned
setting up his own business in the area.
Hotel choices at the Clark Freeport Zone
were very limited then that Han ended
up staying in a small hotel somewhere in
nearby Angeles City. Disappointed with the
amenities and quality of service, Han saw
this as a business opportunity. He began
studying Clark as a location for investment,
and saw its strengths, possibilities, and
challenges.
The vision
Han, a Korean businessman, knew where
to look for opportunities; and Clark fit the
vision he had in mind. Being a Freeport zone,
Clark was the perfect location for Han having
planned to set-up a fully foreign-owned
company.
Having its own airport is also one of the
Clark’s main advantages, said Han. The
Clark International Airport (CRK), formerly
known as Diosdado Macapagal International
Airport (DMIA), provides daily direct flights
to and from Korea making it very accessible
to Korean tourists and investors.
Back then, he already envisioned the
Airport’s possible expansion and when
that time comes, more tourists from other
neighboring countries will come to Clark. “I
have always believed the Clark International
Airport will undergo expansion in the future
which is what’s happening now.”
The expansion of the Clark International
Airport is targeted to be finished midyear.
It will be able to accommodate 12
million passengers annually once it starts
operations.
Another business-conducive element that
Han saw was the population of Englishspeaking
locals, making Clark a perfect
location for a hotel business. For him,
people is key to a successful business.
Han set up his hotel business in 2006
which he branded as “WIDUS” originating
from the play phrase “With Us” that connotes
unity, connection, link or bond. “We intend to
build a unique connection with all our guests
as we create an experience that will make
them keep coming back,” Han said.
Widus Hotel has since been known as one
of the pioneer premier leisure destinations in
Clark.
Expanding horizons
Setting up Widus Hotel was only the
beginning of Han’s story in Clark. He
witnessed the fruits of his labor, with Widus
continuously thriving from its high occupancy
rate to its increasing foot traffic, especially
during holidays and long weekends.
As Clark evolved into a sports, tourism and
business destination, Han knew he had to
expand his investment.
In 2018, he opened Clark’s first five-star
hotel, after successfully franchising the
international hotel chain brand Marriott—
adding to his company’s portfolio in the
hospitality sector in Central Luzon.
According to Han, setting up a business
inside Clark is easy and simple compared to
other locations in the country. But just like
any other business, once it is operational and
running, that’s when the real challenge comes
in.
“Nothing is forever. We’ve been doing
very good (Widus and Marriott) but it’s no
guarantee that we are going to perform this
well over 10, 20, or 30 years. It’s impossible.”
Han said.
But Han is a very hands-on businessman.
A typical day for him includes checking on
the operations of his hotels, meetings with
the managers and staff, and making sure
that guests and clients get the best customer
experience during their stay.
Han believes that the way to make
businesses thrive longer is to never be
comfortable with the successes of today. Han
constantly plans for the future in order to
grow and evolve his business.
Collective / Issue 8
15

PROFILES
Play Bold. Live Bold.
Clark became a booming business and
leisure hub under the Duterte administration.
And for businessmen like Han, prospects at a
time as such should not be taken for granted.
After careful planning, consultation and
negotiation with the Bases Conversion and
Development Authority (BCDA), Han made
a bold decision to set up another business,
this time, at the government’s 9,450-hectare
greenfield development—New Clark City.
“When I heard about the vision of Vince
(BCDA President and CEO) and how he plans
to develop New Clark City, I was thinking
will there be any opportunity for another
business, and that is the time I started
studying his vision for New Clark City,” Han
said.
With just one year from the opening of
Clark Marriott Hotel, Widus Group signed
a lease agreement with the BCDA for the
development of the Hann Lux, a 450-hectare
luxury mountain resort in New Clark City. It
will be the niche of global hospitality brands
such as the Banyan Tree Hotel, Angsana
Hotel, and the Westin and Luxury Collection
by Marriott.
Hann Lux will be the first integrated
ultraluxury resort to be established north of
Manila. With an investment commitment
of Php12 billion, Han said that the entire
resort shall be developed in two (2) phases.
Phase 1 shall include the development of the
Angsana Hotel and the Banyan Tree Hotel—a
leading global hospitality group that is rooted
in its ethos of sustainability “Embracing
the Environment, Empowering People” for
sustainable tourism development; one 18-
hole championship golf course by Nicklaus
Design, and a clubhouse. It is expected to be
completed within five (5) years and with a
total investment of Php5 billion.
Phase 2 meanwhile shall include the
development of Westin and Luxury Collection
by Marriott, two 18-hole championship golf
courses designed by KJ Choi and Sir Nick
Faldo, outdoor recreation facilities, premium
villas and residences, a mixed-use commercial
center, and a 10-hectare public park for a total
investment of Php7 billion.
Undoubtedly, Clark has proven to be a
viable business destination, and this has been
Han’s belief since he first set up his hotel
business in the area.
“Clark is fast becoming one of the top
destinations in Northern Luzon for both
tourists and investors. We hope to attract
more with the development of a new leisure
resort in New Clark City, one that is in
keeping with the vision of BCDA,” Han said.
With its slogan “Play Bold. Live Bold.”,
guests can expect a synergy from the
combined international brands at Hann Lux,
thus providing sensuous pleasure through
an integrated resort environment offering
hospitality, gaming, golfing and nature.
16 Collective / Issue 8

THE SACOBIA BRIDGE
By Suzanne Marie Ramos
1
2
The Sacobia Bridge is one of the major features of the
access road connecting New Clark City to other districts
of Clark, reducing travel time to 15 minutes.
It runs across the Sacobia River in Bamban, Tarlac.
3
The steel bridge measures 894 meters long and
29.5 meters wide.
4
5
It has a total of six (6) lanes in its main carriageway, with
two (2) bike lanes and sidewalks.
What makes the Sacobia bridge iconic? According to
Budji+Royal Architecture+Design, the Sacobia bridge
connects the old generation to the next, the past, present
and future, not just of the Old Clark and the New Clark,
but the nation’s heritage and promising times ahead.
Collective / Issue 8
17

NEWS
BCDA remits P2.7B
to support government’s
COVID-19 response
By Patricia Ruth Cailao
TThe Bases Conversion and Development
Authority (BCDA) remitted last March the
amount of Php2.691 billion to the National
Treasury as contribution to the national
government’s response to the coronavirus
disease (COVID-19) pandemic which has
affected Filipino communities nationwide.
Section 4 (y) of R.A. 11469 or the newly
enacted Bayanihan to Heal As One Act states
that “…the President is hereby authorized to
allocate cash, funds, investments, including
unutilized or unreleased subsidies and
transfers, held by any government-owned
or-controlled corporation (GOCC) or any
national government agency in order to
address the COVID-19 emergency…”
In an earlier statement, the Department of
Finance said that over “P200 billion in cash
or its equivalent in various GOCC accounts,
and national government agencies’ accounts
outside the Treasury Single Account, can be
tapped to help finance the massive funding
needed to implement the provisions of RA
11469.”
“These include measures aimed at
protecting and compensating health
workers and boosting their capability to
fight COVID-19, and to provide emergency
subsidies to 18 million poor and low-income
households who lost their sources of income
because of the coronavirus-induced crisis,”
the DOF said.
Republic Act No. 7656 or the “Dividend
Law” requires GOCCs, including BCDA, to
declare and remit at least 50 percent of their
annual net earnings.
The BCDA is also part of the government’s
initiative in establishing We Heal As One
Centers to reduce community spread and help
decongest hospitals.
In addition to the declared remittance,
BCDA has converted the ASEAN Convention
Center in Clark, Pampanga and the National
Government Administrative Center Building
in New Clark City. The two facilities can
accommodate more than 800 Covid-positive
patients with mild or no symptoms. The
525-room Athletes’ Village in New Clark City
meanwhile can accommodate suspect and
probable cases.
BCDA, together with the Clark Development
Corporation and the Clark International
Airport Corporation, also assisted returning
overseas Filipino workers who were stranded in
Clark due to the Luzon Enhanced Community
Quarantine.
“The country is facing a serious challenge
brought by the pandemic. We are united with
the national government’s ongoing fight
against COVID-19, yet we remain committed
to supporting our military stakeholders,” says
BCDA President and CEO and Presidential
Adviser for Flagship Programs and Projects
Vince Dizon.
BCDA has remitted a total of P16.367
billion to the national treasury in four years
under the Duterte administration. Out of this
amount, P15.162 billion was contributed to the
modernization program of the Armed Forces of
the Philippines, BCDA’s major stakeholder.
18 Collective / Issue 8

NEWS
ADB Philippines opens Clark
office to strengthen project
implementation
TThe Asian Development Bank (ADB)
opened a satellite office in Clark, about 100
kilometers north of Manila. The office will
serve as a hub in the central Luzon region
for ADB-financed infrastructure projects
under the government’s “Build, Build, Build”
development program.
“ADB’s new office reinforces the growing
importance of Clark as a hub for industry
and business,” said ADB Vice-President
Ahmed M. Saeed.
“We have a large and growing portfolio of
projects to strengthen road, rail, and other
transport links in central Luzon. This new
office will further improve our coordination
with government agencies, especially the
Department of Transportation, and support
effective implementation of these important
projects,” he said.
The ADB Philippines Clark Office will
help advance the $2.75 billion Malolos–Clark
Railway Project, one of the government’s
priority infrastructure projects and ADB’s
largest project financing in the Asia and
Pacific region to date. Project construction is
planned to begin by the middle of 2020.
The office will serve as a support and
coordination hub for the South Commuter
Railway Project, which ADB is preparing
for financing this year. Both the Malolos-
Clark and South Commuter projects are
part of the North–South Commuter Railway,
a 163-kilometer suburban railway network
aimed to connect New Clark City in Tarlac
province in the north to Calamba in Laguna
province in the south of Manila.
The Clark office will also support the
Bataan–Cavite Bridge Project, which is under
preparation for financing in 2021. It will help
ADB continue to provide transaction advisory
services to BCDA as the agency develops New
Clark City, a smart and livable city designed
to help ease the traffic congestion around the
national capital region of Metro Manila.
In 2019, ADB’s sovereign lending to the
Philippines reached a record $2.5 billion,
up from $1.4 billion in 2018. Infrastructure
accounts for more than half of ADB’s 2018–
2023 lending program in the Philippines.
ADB is committed to achieving a
prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and
sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while
sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme
poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68
members—49 from the region.
This news release was published by the Asian
Development Bank on 28 February 2020.
Collective / Issue 8
19

HEROES
A W O M A N
A S O L D I E R
A L E A D E R
By Mavreen Yapchiongco
20 Collective / Issue 8

HEROES
TThirty-three-year-old First Lieutenant
Jezel Frances Galera needs to have a lot done
before eight in the morning. She wakes up
early to lead the physical conditioning of her
subordinates. Then, she gives instructions to
the first sergeant of the 3rd Engineer Combat
Company about the activities for the rest of
the day. If she needs to resolve any issues
raised by the troops, she would have to bring
the whole company to a formation to talk
with them.
From eight onwards, she supervises
their planned activities and the planning
of their next activities concerning the
mission of their mother unit, the 525th
Combat Engineer Battalion, which is also
the designated Philippine Army Disaster
Response Unit based in Libis, Quezon City.
1Lt Galera had initially planned on taking
a degree in Architecture. But because her
family could not afford the cost and expenses
of studying Architecture, she opted to study
Engineering instead. After failing at her first
attempt in the Board Licensure Exam for
engineers and because she was having a hard
time finding a job, she tried applying in the
three branches of the Armed Forces of the
Philippines (AFP). Luckily, she got into the
Army.
1Lt Galera’s father is also an enlisted
personnel. “Ang mga parents ko ang
inspirasyon ko kasi naigapang nila kaming
limang magkakapatid na mabigyan nang
maayos na buhay through education.”
She says she wants to inspire other women
“by setting a good example as [a] female
officer.” “Hindi sumusuko agad sa mahihirap
na tasking na binibigay sa akin,” she says.
As the acting company commander, she’s
also responsible for how to tactically employ
her troops in operations and daily activities
of the company. She manages the training,
administration, personnel management, and
logistics of the company she delegates to
senior noncommissioned officers (NCOs).
“Toughest assignment ko ay ’yong current
assignment ko dito sa Sulu Province. Ngayon
lang ako nag-lead ng ganito kalaking unit na
puro mga kalalakihan na magkakaiba ang
character ang pinamumunuan ko,” she says.
But she’s not the only woman in her
brigade, the 51st Engineer Brigade, deployed
in Sulu Province as of writing. She says 10
to 15 percent of the brigade are women.
“Mostly sa mga females pinagkakatiwala
ang mga roles regarding admin and financial
matters, pero ngayon nabibigyan na rin kami
ng chance na mamahala sa ibang field tulad
ng logistics, operations, intelligence, at may
nade-designate din para mag-lead ng isang
company-size na units.”
She says she wants to inspire other
women “by setting a good example
as [a] female officer.” “Hindi
sumusuko agad sa mahihirap na
tasking na binibigay sa akin,”
she says.
Being a licensed Geodetic Engineer has
helped her lead a company-sized unit in
the army, which consists of 80-150 soldiers.
“Na-adopt ko ang mga sistema or methods sa
engineering when it comes to solving critical
problems, planning activities, and working as
a team to accomplish the tasks given to the
company.”
However, 1Lt Galera did not ease into the
role of a leader naturally, mainly because,
as she notes, she was scared of facing many
people at first. But over time, because of
her line of work and routine that involves
her meeting different people regularly and
inevitably, she was able to overcome her
insecurity.
1Lt Galera further encourages fellow
women to assert themselves regardless of
what industry or job they wish to do. “Sa
panahon ngayon maliit na lang ang incident na
na-didiscriminate ang females sa isang maledominated
na trabaho. Just lead by example.
Collective / Issue 8
21

HEROES
As long as kaya mong makipagsabayan at
alam mo ang forte mo, advantage na ‘yon.
Learn to exploit your strength, reduce your
weaknesses, and work passionately.”
If their schedule for the day is not hectic,
1Lt Galera sees to it that the troops are
engaged in activities like playing basketball
or other sports to keep them fit. She herself
enjoys running and riding the bike and
motorcycle to help her relax and beat stress.
Before the day ends, 1Lt Galera makes
sure to talk with the first sergeant or squad
leaders about the tasks and activities they
did for the whole day. She leads their after
activity review (AAR) to consolidate issues,
concerns, and best practices in the activities,
which they can adapt or improve on for their
future events or operations.
22 Collective / Issue 8
In her nine years and five months of service,
1Lt Galera admits she still has a lot to learn,
but she remains driven and determined to
accomplish one goal for now. “Sa Army,
change is inevitable,” she says.
“Sa itinagal ko sa Army, natutunan kong
maka-adapt agad sa biglaang changes sa
paligid, utos, situations, at circumstances.
Unti-unti kong natutunan na maging open sa
mga uncertainties at makapag-isip o magstrategize
ng paraan para makapag-deliver
ng positive output sa trabaho. Sa ngayon,
focus ko lang na ma-train at ma-prepare ang
company na pinamumunuan ko to be the
best combat engineer company sa buong
Philippine Army.”

LOCATORS
A home away from home
By Maricar Savella-Villamil
NNothing can beat the comfort of being
surrounded by family. Hundreds of Filipinos
had just that in mind when they landed at
the Clark International Airport in Pampanga
last March. Summer was in, school was out
and plans to reunite and travel together were
about to be realized. After all, they were
bound home.
But a war caught up with them. The
Philippine government had to implement
a lockdown to contain the spread of the
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). Suddenly,
those bound home were stranded.
Task Force Clark Safe Haven, a group
formed by the Bases Conversion and
Development Authority (BCDA), the Clark
Development Corporation (CDC) and the
Clark International Airport Corporation
(CIAC), stepped in to find a comfortable
place to stay for those stranded passengers.
The answer was—The Mansion Hotel at The
Villages in Clark, Pampanga.
On the 19th of March, 205 passengers
from the Clark International Airport
arrived at The Mansion Hotel. Half of these
passengers were returning overseas Filipino
workers (OFWs). For the next 60 days or
so, the Mansion Hotel became their new
community.
Alongside the imposition of health and
safety protocols was the requirement for
comfort.
Among those stranded at The Mansion
Hotel was 19-year-old Orlando Ladia, Jr.,
a scholar studying at the St. Scholastica’s
College School of Music in Manila who was
on his way back home to General Santos
City when the lockdown was imposed.
He described his stay at The Mansion as a
“blessing.”
“Pauwi po ako ng GenSan para makaiwas
sa lockdown…Pero God is great po. Hindi
ko alam may reason siya na nag-stay kami at
hindi nakasakay sa plane kasi may better plan
siya,” Ladia says.
The Villages: Live, work and play
The Mansion Hotel is located inside
The Villages, an 87-hectare mixed-use
development in Clark. The Villages served
as the hub for international baseball and
softball play-offs during the 30th South East
Asian Games (SEA Games) hosted by the
Philippines late last year.
The Villages broke ground in 2014 and
became operational in January 2015 as
a project under the Global Clark Assets
Corporation. Its mother company is the
NAB Group, a privately-owned real estate
development firm.
The concept of “live, work and play” is what
the management of The Villages sought to
impress on clients for the past five years.
Behind this Clark locator’s success is
undoubtedly, its Chairman, Ms. Bitong. The
concept of “live, work and play” is what Ms.
Bitong has built over the years.
“She had the foresight to invest in land
within the (former) American Airforce
Base turned Freeport Zone years ago,
Collective / Issue 8
23

LOCATORS
knowing that this was an opportunity to
develop something special.” says Matt
Attaway, Senior Vice President for Business
Development of the NAB Group of
Companies and Director / General Manager
of The Villages. “She took a chance on it, and
it turned out to be a very good investment
for her.”
Attaway, the son-in-law of Ms. Bitong,
ponders on the strengths of Clark.
First off: a strategic location with a
view. “Only 5 minutes away from the Clark
International Airport, The Villages is set
back in a peaceful and green landscape with
a beautiful mountain backdrop.” Second, he
commended the ease of doing business in
Clark. “We have a good working relationship
with CDC. CDC is very responsive to our
needs and easy to communicate with; in
turn, we are very supportive of their efforts
and plans for the growth of Clark. If you’ll
speak with other developers inside the
Zone, they would share the same sentiment.
This is why Clark is booming and why so
many international locators are coming in.”
Third, he notes the expansion of the Clark
International Airport: “I see the construction
going on and I am just like, ‘Wow this is
24 Collective / Issue 8
going to be incredible’.”
Global Clark Asset Corporation’s latest
project was the completion of The Mansion
Boutique Hotel. Since opening in May 2018,
The Mansion has since expanded to include
two- and three-bedroom villas and more
amenities. It was this addition to The Villages
that made Ms. Bitong’s vision of creating a
destination within Clark come to life.
Since inception, The Mansion – the only
4-star boutique hotel in Clark – has become
a popular weekend destination for those
looking for a change of pace and scenery.
Known for its excellent service and familyfriendly
atmosphere, The Mansion truly feels
like a home away from home.
An outdoor destination
The Clark International Sports Complex
is at the center of The Villages’ community
atmosphere. Comprised of 14 hectares of land,
the sports complex is a haven for outdoor
enthusiasts. It has two professional baseball
fields, four wagon-wheel baseball fields, two
multi-purpose fields dedicated to soccer
or rugby, a two-kilometer jogging path and
additional recreational facilities.
As the anchor of the first phase of

LOCATORS
development at The Villages, the sports
complex has garnered an international
reputation for its high standards of fields and
play.
The Villages has been home to the Korean
winter baseball training camps every January
through February since inception. It has also
hosted numerous sporting events, including
Duathlons and Road races thanks to its wide
road network. Notable events at The Villages
include the Philippine Amateur Baseball
Association (PABA) and Little League
Asia-Pacific regional tournaments and most
recently, the SEA Games.
In December 2019, The Villages served
as the official venue for the Baseball and
Softball Tournaments of the 30th South East
Asian Games (SEA Games) hosted by the
Philippines.
“Everyone was on cloud nine because not
everyday you get to host an international
event of that calibre…We were so excited to
host it, and as I told them after it’s over, let’s
do it again,” said Attaway.
The way forward
The Villages is not only home to a fantastic
sports complex and the highly rated The
Mansion Boutique Hotel, it also offers several
mixed-use zoned developments through its
Filipino, Korean and Chinese locators who
came on board after seeing the potential of
the development.
While current developments are primarily
residential condominiums, The Villages is also
home to the famous Korean restaurant Kang
Kang Sullai and according to Mr. Attaway,
more retail and commercial is coming in the
next several years.
“In the next few years, we expect a lot more
growth in terms of vertical construction as
the new developers begin their construction
projects. The Villages will have some of
the tallest buildings inside Clark once
completed,” said Mr. Attaway. “We are very
excited about the future of this development.”
Amidst the new normal, Global Clark
Assets Corporation will look forward to the
development projects in their pipeline. It will
carry on with that mission of making Clark
a sporting and investment destination in
the Philippines. For now, their mission is to
contribute to the whole-of-nation approach
needed to fight the pandemic.
Collective / Issue 8
25

SNAPSHOTS
A round-up of BCDA's milestones in the past quarter.
JANUARY 17 - BCDA DONATES TO TAAL
VOLCANO VICTIMS
BCDA, through its Corporate Social Responsibility
program, donated essential Personal Protective
Equipment and relief goods to members
of the Philippine Air Force affected by the Taal
Volcano eruption.
JANUARY 27 - FORUM ON BCDA’S ROLE IN
AFP MODERNIZATION
BCDA organized a forum for the Philippine Navy
to explain its current programs and future plans
to contribute to the modernization programs of
the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
FEBRUARY 6 - SENATE BUILDING FIRST
CONCRETE POURING
Senate President Vicente Sotto III, and Senators
Nancy Binay, Panfilo Lacson and Ronald de la Rosa
led the ceremonial concrete pouring activity for the
new Senate Building at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
MARCH 5 - BCDA ATTENDS ASIA BPM SUMMIT 2020
BCDA Executive Vice President Aileen Zosa presented updates on the development
of New Clark City and Clark International Airport New Passenger
Terminal Building at the Asia BPM Summit held at the Manila Marriott Hotel.
MARCH 6 - BCDAXBCI ASIA BUILDCON
Delegates of BuildCon Luzon toured the Clark International Airport New
Passenger Terminal Building. BuildCon Luzon was an event organized by the
BCI Asia Philippines, Inc. and BCDA.
APRIL 7 - LAUNCH OF #1232 COVID HOTLINE
BCDA and its subsidiary, Clark Development Corporation, launched a
hotline dedicated to COVID-19 concerns. In a collaboration with TaskUs,
the hotline is operational from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. every day.
MAY 1 - BCDA DONATED RELIEF PACKS TO 57 ORIGINAL
BENEFICIARY FAMILIES OF THE JUSMAG DEVELOPMENT
RELOCATED IN RODRIGUEZ, RIZAL. Each family received Php5,000-
worth of goods to aid their basic needs as the country faces the COVID-19
pandemic.
26 Collective / Issue 8

FREEPORTS AND ECOZONES
CIAC’s P130M remittance boosts
gov’t fight vs COVID-19
TThe Clark International Airport Corporation
(CIAC) remitted at least Php130 million to the Bureau
of Treasury to help boost the government’s efforts in
containing the deadly COVID-19.
Engr. Joshua Bingcang, CIAC officer-in-charge,
said the amount of Php130,535,077.59, representing
payment of dividends due from CIAC, was remitted
to the Bureau of Treasury on April 2.
“This is CIAC’s response to the call of
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade who directed
DOTr-attached agencies to advance dividends to the
Department of Finance to support government’s
spending measures to contain the COVID-19
pandemic as part of the implementation of RA 11469
or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act,” Bingcang said.
CIAC is a government-owned and controlled
corporation managing the Clark Civil Aviation
Complex.
Three other agencies attached to the Department
of Transportation (DOTr) also remitted over P10
billion in dividends to the National Treasury.
The Philippine Ports Authority remitted over
P4 billion, while the Civil Aviation Authority of the
Philippines and the Manila International Airport
Authority remitted P3 billion each.
Citing an “invisible but very dangerous enemy,”
Tugade in a statement said the DOTr is “throwing its
support to this effort and to make sure that we, as a
country, (will) survive to see victory in this war.”
Collective / Issue 8
27

FREEPORTS AND ECOZONES
A top
destination
for all
By Julia Ignacio, Clark Development Corporation
WWith its vast, sustainable, and well-maintained
environment, Clark is a perfect hub not just for
business investments, but also for sports and other
lifestyle activities.
Clark was recognized as the Sports Tourism
Destination of the Year in 2019 by the Philippine
Sports Tourism Awards. It was the second time that
such recognition was given to Clark.
“From less than 100 events in 2014, Clark is
now home to more than 200 varying events. We
are also proud to note that Clark is now a popular
destination for different sports,” said Noemi Julian,
manager of the Clark Development Corporation –
Tourism and Promotions Division (CDC-TPD).
Aside from the Hot Air Balloon Festivals
previously held in Clark, the Freeport also hosted
major sports events such as the Clark Sunset
Marathon in 2017, which was participated by local
and international runners; the Pinas Cup in 2018; the
TCS Clark Animo International Marathon in 2019;
and several 2019 South East Asian Games (SEA
Games) sporting events.
In addition to Clark’s strategic location, Julian
said the efficiency and strong support of CDC makes
it an area of choice for event organizers.
Scheduled events for this year until 2021 range
from sports, wellness, and family-oriented activities.
Local events have mainly contributed to the
economic development of Clark. The ongoing
expansion in the Clark International Airport is a
tourism boost to the existing luxury places in the
area such as the Clark Marriott Hotel, Korean-owned
Widus Hotel, Royce Hotel, and the Quest Hotel
inside Filinvest Mimosa.
28 Collective / Issue 8

FREEPORTS AND ECOZONES
“From less than 100 events in
2014, Clark is now home to more
than 200 varying events. We are
also proud to note that Clark is
now a popular destination for
different sports.”
“Tourism development has a multiplier
effect to the overall economic growth of the
Freeport and the country as a whole,” Julian
said.
For the next five years, Clark’s positioning
as a prime location for Meetings, Incentives,
Conferences, and Exhibits (MICE) will
continuously be strengthened, through
the creation of a comprehensive Tourism
Development Plan for Clark. This all-inclusive
plan will serve as a “roadmap” for CDC to
achieve its vision of making Clark the ideal
MICE and tourism destination in the Asia-
Pacific Region by 2030.
“Because of the renewed direction for Clark
to be a preferred MICE destination, we are
formulating a MICE Incentive Package with the
Clark Tourism Council to attract the staging of
more conventions, meetings and exhibits,” Julian
mentioned.
More activities also await tourists and guests in
Clark. After gaining popularity as the main sports
hub during the SEA Games, the construction
of additional facilities and tourist locations are
underway.
The CDC plans to establish a bike park with a
private operator as part of the Dolores Creekside
Development, and will also revamp the parks and
other public spaces in Clark to promote a healthy
lifestyle among its residents.
All these are geared towards packaging Clark
as a city that’s both progressive and fun, and more
importantly, a destination for all ages.
Collective / Issue 8
29

BCDA snags 1 gold, 3 silvers
TThe year 2020 opened with a
recognition of excellence for the BCDA
Public Affairs, and Investment Promotions
and Marketing teams after receiving
Anvil trophies for their four entries at
the 55th Anvil Awards organized by the
Public Relations Society of the Philippines
(PRSP).
BCDA’s 2018 Annual Report themed
“Clark. It Works. Like A Dream” won a
Gold Anvil under the category PR Tools-
Publications. The Annual Report highlights
the development of Clark as an emerging
business destination and lifestyle hub,
and features BCDA’s major projects, New
Clark City and the expansion of the Clark
International Airport.
Recognized with a Silver Anvil were
“Countdown to the 30th South East Asian
Games: A Media Campaign” (PR Tools,
By Ryan Carl Mangubat
Exhibits/Special Events), “Collective” (PR
Tools, Publications) and the Clark video
dubbed as “Clark. It works. Like A Dream”
(PR Tools, Multi-media/Digital).
This is the first time that BCDA won an
Anvil for all its entries to the prestigious
Anvil Awards.
Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer Aileen Zosa, Vice
President for Public Affairs Leilani
Barlongay-Macasaet, and Vice President
for Investment Promotions and Marketing
Atty. Joanna Eileen Capones led the
communication team in receiving the
awards at a ceremony held at The Manila
Hotel.
Presented annually, the Anvil is the
symbol of excellence in public relations for
outstanding PR programs and tools.
30 Collective / Issue 8

A DINER’S DIGEST
Koko Buri: The fusion we need
CClark Freeport Zone has a bustling food
community with many establishments
uncommon to a Manileño. One particular
restaurant has made a name for itself for
combining two distinct Asian cuisines, one is a
local favorite where the favorite Sisig originated
from and the other famous for its Samgyupsal.
Yes, Korean and Kapampangan food can
coexist, and they can only be found at Koko
Buri. The restaurant’s name is a marriage of its
concept, with Koko being the Korean term for
“Chicken” and Buri as the Kapampangan phrase
for “I Like.” Koko Buri prides itself for being
one of the pioneering restaurants in Clark,
Pampanga with unique dishes offered since
2011.
Koko Buri is well known for its Soy Garlic
Fried Chicken. The chicken is marinated for
24 hours with the restaurant’s secret herb
batter, along with its signature soy and chili
garlic sauce. The taste recreates an experience
of traditional Korean cuisine—with flavors
bordering on both salty and sweet.
The Koko Buri Fried Chicken also comes in
Chili Garlic and Plain flavors, and can be served
in either Wings or Tender Strips.
Another must-try in Koko Buri is the
Champon. It is a Korean-style soup paired with
thick udon noodles and assorted seafood with
By Denver Moreno
vegetables. The Champon comes in Nagasaki
and Korean Red. The Nagasaki Champon is one
of the restaurant’s signature dishes because of
its flavor and spiciness. This and the Soy Garlic
Fried Chicken have cemented Koko Buri’s
reputation as a local favorite.
Kapampangan food on the menu are the
Capampangan Pork Sisig and the Pork Belly
Barbecue, both must-try dishes that will
definitely satisfy your cravings.
The restaurant founded by Kapampangan
Peter Henzon originally intended to serve only
authentic Korean food but took the opportunity
to develop and experiment with Kapampangan
style cooking, given the restaurant’s location.
The idea boomed, and Koko Buri has since
become a staple when visiting the Freeport.
Aside from the food, customers have also
commended the restaurant for its ambiance and
welcoming space. The budget-friendly dishes
ranging from P400 to P750 are good for sharing.
The next time you visit Clark, make sure
you drop by Koko Buri where you will be surely
flashing those finger hearts for their delectable
dishes.
Koko Buri, J. Abad Santos Avenue Pavilion 4,
Berthaphil III, Clark Center, Clark Freeport Zone
Contact no.: (045) 499 5656
Collective / Issue 8
31

Domes Village at New Clark City
Artist Bernardo Pacquing uses reclaimed hardwood to build interactive
outdoor installations called the “Domes Village,” four dome-like structures
connected by suspended bridges. The Domes Village is just one of many art
installations located at the New Clark City River Park.