18-4-2024 (MANILA) Plans are underway to further develop a special economic zone (SEZ) north of the Philippine capital Manila, drawing inspiration from Singapore’s urban planning and infrastructure, particularly in the areas of affordable housing and aviation.
Singapore’s Foreign Minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, concluding his four-day visit to the Philippines on April 18, expressed Singapore’s willingness to collaborate with the Philippines in realizing these plans.
During his visit, Minister Balakrishnan toured New Clark City, a sprawling 9,450-hectare community within the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone, formerly a US military base.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. aims to transform New Clark City into the country’s first smart city, taking cues from Singapore’s development model.
Currently, sixteen Singaporean companies operate in Clark, contributing to investments worth US$139.92 million (S$190 million) as of 2023. The SEZ hosts over 1,000 local and foreign businesses.
Joshua Bingcang, head of the agency overseeing the transformation of former US military bases, disclosed plans to construct affordable housing complexes in Clark, with designs inspired by Singapore’s Housing and Development Board (HDB).
Additionally, a Singaporean firm, unnamed by Bingcang, is among the bidders for establishing New Clark City’s information and communications technology network.
Further developments include the transformation of the 2,300-hectare civil aviation complex around Clark International Airport into a global hub, modeled after Singapore’s Changi Airport.
Arrey Perez, President and CEO of Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), outlined plans to build sports and entertainment facilities and an agricultural trade hub to support food security initiatives.
The airport, operated by a consortium including Changi Airports International, has been granted a 25-year concession to manage and maintain Clark’s airport since 2018.
Minister Balakrishnan visited SIA Engineering, which operates a maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility at Clark International Airport since 2008, expressing confidence in the Philippines’ vision for Clark.
While acknowledging the inspiration drawn from Singapore, Minister Balakrishnan emphasized that the project is Filipino-led and will benefit Philippine citizens, lauding the Filipino government’s initiative in introducing innovations at the Freeport zone.
