The New Clark City is at the center of major infrastructure projects …
It may be the biggest development project to rise in the Philippines. The New Clark City, the flagship project of state-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), is drawing the interest of both local and foreign investors—eager to become the pioneer settlers of the smart city development.
The BCDA just last week reiterated its commitment to advancing the Philippines’ infrastructure development, following significant progress in the New Clark City project.
The New Clark City is at the center of major infrastructure projects and its fruition is slowly coming out of the shell.
As I noted in this column before, foreign investors are scouring idle lands covered by the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone, while the government is about to launch the construction of the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) railway project that could cost over $7 billion.
BCDA president and chief executive Joshua Bingcang raved about the results of talks during the high-level Philippines-Japan meeting on March 24, 2025.
“With Japan’s support, we are making great progress in transforming New Clark City into a smart, sustainable, and thriving economic hub,” Bingcang said.
The BCDA chief reported that the agency has forged a partnership with Science Park of the Philippines Inc. (SPPI) to develop a 100-hectare industrial park, along with Japanese companies, to attract high-value manufacturing and technology investments.
BCDA is also piloting an AI-driven smart mobility system within New Clark City in partnership with Zenmov and the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO).
It’s the first of its kind in the Philippines. The mobility system features low-carbon transport solutions and autonomous public utility vehicles (PUVs).
But foremost in the creation of the new city is the implementation of the New Clark City master plan.
The BCDA and the Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation for Transport and Urban Development (JOIN), a Japanese government-private infrastructure investment fund, are trying to accelerate the execution of the plan.
The partnership is preparing a business case for estate management services, ensuring the efficient and sustainable administration of the city as it welcomes more businesses.
The Japanese has competition. Singapore offered to develop New Clark City after last year’s visit of Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong to the Philippines.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Bingcang during Mr. Wong’s visit presented the government’s vision of transforming New Clark City into an industrial hub where Singaporean businesses can contribute.
The BCDA teamed up with Surbana Jurong of Singapore in drawing up New Clark City’s Comprehensive Master Development Plan, leveraging on Singapore’s expertise in smart city development.
More investments are coming to the new city. Federal Express Corp., one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, is expanding its operations in the Clark gateway.
FedEx has signed an agreement with Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp. (LIPAD), operator and manager of Clark Airport, to build a new facility to support the growing demand for e-commerce, freight and cold-chain shipments across the Asia-Pacific region.
The new FedEx facility, once completed, will more than double the size of its current capacity.
BB International Leisure and Resort Development Corp. (BBILRDC) of Taiwan has expressed an interest to invest another P15 billion for a new eco-conscious integrated township in Clark Freeport.
The investment will fund the development of the 101-hectare Midori Highlands—an innovative project that blends green living with modern urban amenities, including high-rise condominiums and a logistics center.
BBILRDC president Wun Xu Wu earlier stressed the project’s sustainable features, such as rainwater collection, solar power generation and energy-efficient transportation.
A state housing development will also accommodate future workers in Clark Freeport. Clark Development Corp. (CDC), the administrator of Clark Freeport, and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development are planning build 50,000 housing units in Clark.
“Clark is one of the areas where expansion of development outside the National Capital Region is very ideal. Apart from its proximity to Metro Manila, it already has modern infrastructures that are necessary in a sustainable township,” says housing czar Jose Rizalino Acuzar.
The Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas railway project, meanwhile, seeks to streamline logistics, reduce transportation costs and promote better economic integration. Stretching 250 kilometers, it will link Subic and Batangas ports and pass through Metro Manila.
The New Clark City is an emerging economic hub that seeks to correct failed urban planning policies in the past. It is the most viable option to Metro Manila.
E-mail: rayenano@yahoo.com or extrastory2000@gmail.com