By Brian Jules Campued
In a bid to attract more tourists and investments in Pampanga, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday called on the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to ensure timely completion of the Airport to New Clark City Access Road (ANAR).
“Once operational, it will reduce travel time between the Clark International Airport and New Clark City from one hour to 20 minutes. It will also save commuters’ money – as ANAR is toll free,” President Marcos in a speech during the inspection of the project.
He said that the government is ready to build “world-class infrastructure” and facilities to drive prosperity in Clark as it can host various economic activities including innovation labs, creative workshops, manufacturing concerns, leisure complexes, and cyber corridor, among others.
“In short, the Clark metropolis has what it takes to be a mecca for tourists, a magnet of investments, and a market of goods and services. We must leverage these attributes into higher visitor traffic, attracting more investments that generate better jobs and spur economic activity,” he continued.
The President likewise noted that the ANAR is part of a larger package of Build Better More activities envisioned under the “Bagong Pilipinas” which seeks to boost economic and social transformation in the Clark metropolis.
“It shows the path forward of Building Better More so we will never lose our competitive advantage because unlocking the full potential of Clark is a continuing task,” Marcos added.
The 20-kilometer ANAR project is nearing completion as of Feb. 14 while remaining works are expected to be finished on June 24.
“This road is much more than just an access road. It is part of our plan to propel Clark as an alternate growth area. It is a red carpet rolled out to those who will partake in all the best things that Clark can offer,” President Marcos said.
The Chief Executive also lauded BCDA president and chairperson Delfin Lorenzana, chief executive officer Engineer Joshua Bingcang, as well as the architects, engineers, and private partners for their hard work and dedication to the project.
Highlighting the agency’s track record of building internationally recognized infrastructures such as the Sacobia Bridge and the new Clark International Airport, the President expressed confidence in the quality of workmanship of the access road.
“BCDA’s performance is not merely narrated on ink and paper, and in reports long archived. Your triumphs have become part of the country’s landscape, utilized and visited by millions of people daily,” said Marcos. – avds
