New Clark City (NCC) in the province of Tarlac recently made its mark as the Philippines’ emerging entertainment venue capable of hosting international and national sporting competitions, concerts and festivals.

But aside from state-of-the-art facilities such as the Athletics Stadium and Aquatics Center, the 9,450-hectare NCC also boasts a climate-resilient real estate, agro-industrial business corridor, support service facilities, and the National Government Administrative Center. It is envisioned as the country’s first smart, sustainable and green city where lifestyle, business, education and industries will be at par with other modern cities in the world.

Moreover, its strategic location and vast land are poised to address the traffic and congestion problems of surrounding highly-urbanized areas, and propel socioeconomic growth in Northern and Central Luzon.

To realize the full potential of the world-class facilities rising in the new metropolis, the national government is keen on providing connectivity and access between NCC and the rest of Clark Freeport and the Special Economic Zone. This includes the 19.81-kilometer Airport-New Clark City Access Road (ANAR) project which shortens the travel time of motorists from NCC to other districts of Clark, vice-versa, from one hour to about 20 minutes, toll free. 

The P8.28-billion ANAR covers the iconic 900-meter Sacobia Bridge, and is equipped with dedicated bike lanes, pedestrian lanes, and linear parks that use renewable energy. Once bike lanes, landscapes, and slope protection are completed, it is expected to be fully operational by July this year. 

Marching towards the center of investment destination

ANAR is part of the commitment of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to the national economic agenda of Marcos administration, transforming Clark metropolis into Asia’s next investment destination. 

“The ANAR is a tangible embodiment of the Bagong Pilipinas vision–a Philippines that is progressive, sustainable, and brimming with cultural pride. Today, we are not just unveiling a world-class bridge. This is a bridge to bring us to our vision or the future–a sustainable Clark. We want to bring One Clark because it can compete. It will create a scale that will compete with the best in the region,” BCDA President and CEO Joshua Bingcang pressed during the ANAR project inspection which was attended by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

He cited their “Big Bold Moves” priority projects such as the Clark Central Business District projected to create 170,000 jobs; Clark Integrated Public Transport System that capitalizes on electric vehicles; and affordable housing inside Clark. 

“There are almost 150,000 workers in Clark but we do not have decent housing yet. So in partnership with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development, we are going to provide and build the first 10,000 units,” he noted. 

Additionally, Bingcang bared the expansion plans for the Clark International Airport (CRK). “This is a gateway for Central Luzon. We had more than two million passengers last year, and we are going to expand through the help of the government. We want to build a second runway, and additional airport for military use,” he said. 

CRK is set to be transformed into a premier global civil aviation logistics hub of the Philippines. 

Meanwhile, Tarlac Gov. Susan Yap highlighted the impact of ANAR on the travel experience of motorists, livelihood opportunities, tourism industry, and local economy of the province. 

“With ANAR, we will have a remarkable, swift and convenient commute [to and from New Clark City]. This also opens the doors not only for investors but also for all the people who want to enjoy what Tarlac has to offer,” she said. 

Yap likewise thanked the Marcos administration for the new development that links the freeport zone (Pampanga) and special economic zone (Tarlac). 

“I am very grateful to the national government, to the Office of the President, for putting effort and funds to develop this side of town, which is the new growth corridor,” she said.