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ANGELES,
PAMPANGA:
BRIEF BACKGROUND: For decades it was known simply as the Clark US Air Force Base, home to American pilots serving in the Pacific. Today, with the pilots long gone, the Clark Special Economic Zone (CSEZ) is setting out to become the hub for business, industry, aviation, and tourism in the Philippines as well as the entertainment and gaming centre of Asia. Almost the size of Singapore, the CSEZ occupies more than 28,000 hectares. It is strategically located within the central Luzon provinces of Pampanga and Tarlac, a pleasant one-and-a-half hour's drive from Metro Manila along the scenic, tree-lined Northern Luzon Expressway. |
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Pampanga Hotels and Beach Resorts Geography, Climate, Language / Dialect and Transportation - Tourist Attractions, Festivals, Special Interest / Sports and Activities - Clark Field Special Economic and Freeport Zone |
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Few had expected to hear of Clark again due to damage caused by Mt. Pinatubo's eruption, and economic loses resulting from the American base pullout in 1991. But an ambitious and comprehensive development plan spearheaded by the Clark Development Corporation is giving the region a new lease of life - one that is set to eclipse its military past. A pioneering project fast taking shape in Clark is the 188-hectare Mimosa Leisure Estate, developed by Mondragon Leisure and Beach Resorts Corporation, a subsidiary of Mondragon International Philippines, Inc. Former Philippine Tourism Secretary Jose Antonio Gonzalez, who heads the Mondragon group, envisions developing the estate as a world class leisure and recreation destination, set amidst centureis-old Mimosa rain trees - from which it dereives its name. The Estate has since opened the 86-hectare Mimosa Gold and Country Club with a 27-hole championship golf course, international standard accomodation at the Holiday Inn, restaurants and access to more than 11 duty free stores. Other entertainment facilities including a water theme park, and casinos are in the pipeline. The first casino, Mimosa Regency is now open near the Holiday Inn, bringing opulent Las Vegas-style gaming traditions to Asia. Gonzalez foresees opening one casino every year to a total of five gaming facilities. Even in its early development stage, the Mimosa Leisure Estate has the facilities to satisfy the most discerning business traveller and convention delegate. And its variety of indoor and outdoor activities will keep leisure travellers happy, according to Michael Weiss, general manager of Holiday Inn Resort Clark Field. A key component in Clark's rebirth is the ongoing conversion from military airport into a civilian facility. "With the airport being here and with the private sector having the vision to make it happen, I believe we have the ingredients to turn Calrk into a top business and leisure destination," said Weiss. LEGAL BASIS Under Republic Act No. 7227 issued on March 3, 1992, the President declared the policy of accelerating the conversion of Clark field and its extension to promote economic and social development. The national government is likewise committed to alleviate poverty and people empowerment under Executive Order No. 62 issued on February 1993, Section 2, 1.2 of this order states that Clark Air Base is to be developed as a Special Economic Zone with incentives and privileges granted the Subic Special Economic and Free Port Zone and EPZA. The CSEZ is envisioned as a new industrial town site and a major civil aviation complex for internantional passenger and cargo. On the other hand, proclamation 163 signed in 13 April 1993 designates Clark Field and its contigious extension to be Clark Special Economic Zone and transferring these lands to the Base Conversion and Development Authority. To operate and manage the Clark Special Economic Zone and define the investment climate, the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) was created and authorized under Executive Order No. 80. LOCATION The strategic location of Clark Field augurs well with its primary objective of establishing the springboard for the industrialization of the Luzon Region. This in turn is an integral part of the national vision of creating a dynamic and progressive Philippines by the year 2000 and the nation that is competitive with the tiger economies of Asia. Clark Field is only 80 kilometers north of Manila, the industrial center of the Philippines and only 70 kilometers northeast of Subic, a former American Naval facility also on board the threshold of economic transformation. HOW TO GET TO CLARK FIELD Getting to the Clark Special Economic Zone is easy. By car, take the North Luzon Expressway from Manila and exit at Dau, Mabalacat. Make a left turn towards Angeles City then a right to Clark. The trip should take about an hour and a half from Manila. WHERE TO DINE Once inside Clark, the are a number of dining places to go to for a break; Oriental Café, Manyaman, McDonald's, the Hollywood Steakhouse, Four Season's Restaurant, Chowking, Pizzacato and the Ice Cream Churn. PLACES OF INTEREST SALAKOT - One of the most popular landmarks in the Zone, this giant native hat was built in January 1979 commemorating the historic signing of the 1979 RP-US Military Bases Agreement which cofered complete sovereignty over all US military bases upon the government. BASE CEMETERY - The burial place of close to 8,000 US military and civilian personnel who died during the Spanish-American. PARADE GROUND - Marking the grounds are the original outposts of Fort Stotsenburg. The area was a venue for many inportant celebrations by the Americans. BARN HOUSES - These were the first official residences of the base commanders in the early 1900's. One of them became the residence of the Commander of the Japanese Imperial Army. LILY HILL - A strategic observation post for monitoring Japanse movement in World War II. Remains of Japanese aircraft and other similar aircraft were found here at the end of the war. KEY DEVELOPMENT AREAS - Clark Field's initial phase of development will comprise a core area of 4,440 hectares. Civil Aviation Area - 1,620 hectares |
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Geography, Climate, Language / Dialect and Transportation - Tourist Attractions, Festivals, Special Interest / Sports and Activities - Clark Field Special Economic and Freeport Zone |