News &Views at the Base - Philippines Bases Conversion and ...

News &Views at the BaseOffi cial Publication of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority Vol X. No. 5 September - October 2010RP showcasesSCTEX at Int’l confabNewsTraffic volume in SCTEX increasesby 200% in ‘09Locator FeatureParkson Duty Free

HappeningsNov 27- 28, 2010Run BGCBonifacio Global CityJoin the 3km, 5km, 10km, or 21km Run onNovember 28, 2010, Sunday. Get a raffl eentry and fi nish the run for a chance to wina Chevrolet Cruze.Registration Centers are at RUNNR inBonifacio High Street,Toby’s Sports at theAlabang Town Center (GF, The Promenade),Glorietta 4 (3F), Shangri La Plaza (GF), SMMall of Asia (GF, Entertainment Mall), andSM North The Block (3F). Registration periodis from October 21 - November 22, 2010.There will be no registration on race day.Race kits may run out before Nov 22, 2010.There will also be a Run BGC VerticalMarathon on November 27, 2010, Saturday.This event is for the benefi t of Fort BonifacioDevelopment Foundation, Inc.For questions, please contact thesecretariat at (02) 7031736 or log on tohttp://www.fbdcorp.com .Nov, 28, 2010Grand Fiesta Run Manila 2010Newport City, PasayThis event is part of the Grand Fiesta Manila2010 celebration, which showcases earlymorning fi tness festivities at Resorts WorldManila.Have a fab time in the 3K, 5K and 10Krace categories and heat up your soles atthe new race route at Newport City. Funrunners can join the 1K Rat Race, amp upthe challenge by coming in their in theiroffi ce attire or most colorful, fi esta-inspiredoutfi ts and get the chance to bring homeexciting prizes.Join the race and get a chance to win inthe raffl e for a three-day, two-night trip forfour to Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore,with complimentary tickets to UniversalStudios. The lucky jetsetters will be fl yingaboard Resorts World Manila’s private jet.For registration inquiries and delivery ofrace kits, call WWWExpress at 793-1777or 852-7210. Read more at http://www.pinoyfi tness.com/2010/11/34611In the News:New Directors taketheir oathIn the News:Higher GroundIn the News:SCTEX gears up forUndas traffi cGallery:Traffi c volume inSCTEX increases by200% in ‘098 Cover Story:In this issue12141516Locator Feature:Parkson Duty FreeRP showcases SCTEX at int’l confabNews &Views at the BaseOfficial Publication of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority Vol X. No. 5 September - October 2010RP showcasesSCTEX at Int’l confabIn the Zones:CDC a majorcontributor in export,employment in CL –RicafortIn the Zones:Clark fi rm forms fi rstsemicon groupIcon:Market! Market!November 27-29, 2010The 3rd Flow: SurfYogaSamba WeekendSan Juan Surf Resort, San Juan, La UnionGet the chance to learn Vinyasa yoga,commune with nature, ride quality waves,dance to the beat of the drums andnourish yourself with wholesome food.Take a breather from your everyday livesand create a space where you can feelthe benefi ts of living a healthy lifestyle.Package rate for lessons is Php7,500 whichincludes roundtrip private transfers fromManila-La Union-Manila, 3D/2N airconaccomodation at San Juan Surf Resort,Healthy meals and snacks, Flow Shirt anda Tote Bag with freebies.For more information: call 0915-294-3441(Monica) or visit http://fl owsurfyogasamba.multiply.com . Read more at http://www.pinoyfi tness.com/2010/11/ALOYSIUS R. SANTOSChairmanGEN. NARCISO L. ABAYA (RET)President and CEONewsTraffic volume in SCTEX increasesby 200% in 2009Locator FeatureParkson Duty Parksons Free Duty FreeNews and Views at the Base is a bi-monthly external publication of thePublic Affairs Department of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority.Editor-in-Chief LEILANI BARLONGAY-MACASAETExecutive Editor ROY VICTOR R. ROSALES / Managing Editor/Layout Artist MARICAR VILLAMILWriters ROY ROSALES / MARICAR SAVELLA-VILLAMIL / GARRY A. CATIVOPhotographer AGEM O. ALFAFARAS / Circulation IRAH F. DAVIDEditorial Address: BCDA Corporate Center, 2/F Bonifacio Technology Center31st Street, corner Second Avenue, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City PhilippinesTel.: (632) 816-6666 Fax: (632) 816-1113 E-mail: bcda@bcda.gov.phWebsite: www.bcda.gov.ph

In the NewsBases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) Chairman Aloysius Santos (fi fth from left) administers the oath of offi ceto newly appointed BCDA Board Director Jose Luis Martin C. Gascon (fourth from left). Looking on are (from left) BCDA BoardDirectors Gil Divinagracia; Teresita Desierto (incoming Board Director); Maximo Sangil; Gascon; Santos; Gen Narciso L Abaya(Ret), BCDA President and CEO; Renato Valencia; and Gerard Seno.New DirectorsBy Roy R. Rosalestake their oathTeresita A. Desierto (4thfrom left) takes her oathof offi ce as member ofthe Bases Conversionand DevelopmentAuthority (BCDA) Board ofDirectors. Looking on are(from left) BCDA BoardDirectors Chito Gascon;Maximo Sangil; GerardSeno; Desierto; AloysiusSantos, BCDA Chairman;Gen Narciso L Abaya(Ret), BCDA President andCEO; Rafael Azanza; andRenato Valencia.3

In the NewsA big portion of McKinley Hill, which is developedby Megaworld, are offi ces, but it’s also a mixed-usedevelopment, shares Zosa. What makes it different fromBonifacio High Street is that it offers subdivision lots. Theyhave walk-ups, townhouses, and what we’re lookingforward to is the Venice-inspired canals at the VenetianMall. There will be gondolas there, too.BCDA is one of the few government agencies vestedwith corporate powers. One of our mandates is to raisefunds from the sale of disposition, shares Aileen R. Zosa,EVP. We enter into joint ventures but these are essentiallysales. We put in the land, and the developer contributes tothe horizontal and vertical development of the property.Right now, we get around an average of P1 billion a yearfrom FBDC (Fort Bonifacio Development Corportation)and we invest that, in turn, in the development ofour special economic zones in Clark and Subic.Creating Engines of GrowthThe new St. Luke’s Hospital at theBonifacio Global CityMore than just asset disposition, a large thrust of BCDAis converting the camps into thriving mixed communitiesthat attract investment opportunities, create jobs, andstimulate economic activity. Since the start of its assetdisposition program, the agency has generated a totalof P46.495 billion from the disposition of former MetroManila camps, the biggest of which are the former FortBonifacio Camp and Villamor Air Base.What is interesting about Fort Bonifacio Global City isthat it boasts of good urban planning. Bonifacio GlobalCity is a well-planned community, says Zosaof what used to be one of the more quietareas of the metro. It was deliberate that weput up the schools fi rst because they addedvalue to the land.The now bustling Newport City, developed byResorts World Corporation, serves a predominantlyentertainment purpose. Newport City also has offi cesand residential areas, but it will mostly target all kindsof tourists—from high-end travelers to backpackers—because it’s near the airport. The development there ismore airport- and tourism-related, Zosa shares.New developments abound in the Fort area aswell. With the middle part of Bonifacio Global Cityreaching fruition, BCDA deemed it the best time tostart expanding. According to Zosa, the Bonifacio ArtFoundation Project, composed of the FBDC, BCDA andother locators, will be putting up the Mind Museum, ahighly interactive science museum. In addition, a newShangri-La six-star hotel will start development in thearea next year, informs Zosa. We’ve already gotten theconstruction permit for both so development is fi nallystarting.With the Fort Bonifacio Camp and Villamor Airbasesuccessfully transformed into high economic centers,Zosa says the thrust of BCDA is to now use the proceedsto invest in Clark and Subic. We’ll invest in roads andin the equipment of the international airport. Recently,NAIA has been having problems with its navigationalequipment so now the government is looking atClark as the country’s next premierinternational gateway to thecontinuation on page 10That is how you build a city. When weadded the residential area—the fi rst ones werePacifi c Plaza and Essensa Towers—after that,sunod sunod na. While the ’97 Asian fi nancialcrisis slowed us a bit, the real estate boom of2005 enabled us to pick up where we left off.The result was Bonifacio High Street, amixed-use development that is now home tomajor offi ce Rlocators, an enhanced shoppingand dining experience, all presented in anaesthetically land- and green-scaped stretch.Space: Still A FrontierThe success of Bonifacio Global City as a mixedcommunity eventually attracted investments that pavedthe way toward McKinley Hill and Newport City.Shown (from Left) Bonifacio High Street at the BonifacioGlobal City; The Venice Mall at McKinley Hill; and, the Marriott& Maxims Hotel at the Newport City.5

In the NewsHe also pointed out that the motorists themselveshave been very cooperative in preventing long queuesby preparing the exact amounts for the toll tellers.Gervacio noted that traffi c volume at the SCTEX duringthe “Undas” period had been remarkably increasing aspublic awareness on the modern tollway continued togrow.“More than ever, I believe we are in a better positionnow to handle the situation as expected arising from thesurge of motorists on All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day(Nov. 1-2),” TMC offi cial Charlie Espanola said.“As in the past, we are taking a pro-active stanceinvolving the deployment of additional fi eld personnelto handle traffi c management, response to emergencysituations, public assistance in case of accidents andother exigencies, and increased pressure on the tollplazas,” Espanola added.Motorists who may need assistance can call thefollowing SCTEX hotlines 0920-9672-859, (045) 865-2030,(02) 362-9997 and (02) 362-2246.The TMC has also drawn up contingency plans forthe usual choke points including the fi elding of mobile tolltellers, deployment of more mobile vehicles and crews,and use of temporary lanes to ease traffi c at the tollplazas.More entry lanes will be opened at the Mabalacattoll plaza, while additional exit lanes will be set up in Tarlacand Tipo in Subic as early as October 29 to avoid traffi cbuildup in these areas.Improvised toll booths would be installed inMabalacat to hasten the passage of South-boundvehicles who are expected to come in droves startingNov. 1 after spending the holiday in the provinces.The SCTEX and TMC offi cials advised the travelers toavoid hitting the road during rush hours, particularly 6a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. when the queues atthe toll plazas get abnormally longer.But more important, SCTEX and TMC offi cials said, is forthe motorists to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthybefore embarking on their trip. “It would be best for thetravelers to prepare a checklist to include tire condition,water, brake and transmission fl uids, windshield wipers,signal lamps and headlights,” they pointed out, addingthat most vehicular accidents were caused by failure tocheck fi rst on these things.Next to the checklist is to observe safe drivingpractices and obeying traffi c rules notably the speedlimits to keep out of harm’s way.Gervacio reiterated that the minimum allowablespeed at the SCTEX is 60 kilometers per hour, while themaximum is 100 kph.Espanola added that a roadmap would come in handy for thetravelers negotiating unfamiliarroutes. “Getting lost along the waymight take the fun out ofyour journey,” he said.

Cover StoryShown (from Left) Mr. Tsunemi Nagata, Project Manager, Oriental Consultant-Katahira & Engineers-Nippon Koei; Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang, SCTEX ProjectManager, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA); MGen EduardoJ Lena (Ret), SCTEX Program Director, BCDA; and Mr. Youichi Inoue, ProjectManager, Hazama Corporation at the Nagoya Congress Center, Aichi, Japan,venue of the recently held 11th International Conference on Asphalt Pavements.RP showcasesat Int’l confaThe infamous eruption ofMt. Pinatubo in June 1991,reputedly the secondlargest volcanic explosion of the20th century, is also consideredthe largest eruption in livingmemory. Resulting ash cloudssoared as high as 22 miles intothe sky, with subsequent heavyrainfall setting off massivelandslides of volcanic mudknown as lahar.Damage infl icted by the phenomenon was estimatedat billions of dollars, with hundreds of houses and otherstructures either collapsing under the sheer weight ofvolcanic ash or swept away by lahar fl ows that inundatedentire towns and communities, in the process wreakinghavoc in the social and economic life of the people inCentral Luzon.The lahar apparently caused much destruction thanthe volcanic explosion itself.Almost two decades later, however, what used to bea social and economic bane in Central Luzon now formspart of a 21st century roadway, propelling commerceand property valuation upwards and serving as a dynamofor and properties the sustainable development of threebusiness hubs in the region.8

The Bases Conversion Development Authority(BCDA) recently presented before the 11th InternationalConference on Asphalt Pavements (ISAP Nagoya 2010) inAichi, Japan the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX),as a showcase of the optimized use of 10-cubic kilometerof lahar deposits readily available in the project site.Engr. Joshua Bingcang, of the BCDA said theutilization of lahar as embankment material and mixingwith cement-based solidifying material for Sub-base/BaseCourse became the main objective in promoting theproject, which was made possible through the supportof the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).“The nature and physical characteristics of laharis similar to sand that could withstand even the rainyseason,” Bingcang explained. “Mixed with cement, laharstrength could be utilized as a core material for Subbase/BaseCourse.”Further recognizing the practicality of using lahar inthe construction of SCTEX, according to Bingcang, is thesubstantial reduction of construction time and cost.Bingcang noted that since lahar is abundant inthe area, and thus, can be easily managed in theconstruction site, the cost of using it for embankmentand Sub-base/Base Course was lower compared to thegravel-based Sub-base/Base Course, not to mentionsavings in transportation and quarrying expenditures.“With this, the highway project is cost effective andenvironment-friendly since extracting lahar from the riversimproved the surface water fl ow,” he stressed.The SCTEX, which became fully-operational lastJuly 25, 2008, provided a direct and seamless travel tothe three key growth areas in Central Luzon—the SubicBay Special Economic and Freeport Zone in Zambales;Clark Special Economic Zone in Pampanga; and CentralTechno Park in Tarlac.Completion of the SCTEX enhanced the region’sviability as world-class industrial center, and an effi cientagro-industrial logistic complex.continued on page 10CTEXbBCDA representatives with other convention participants in a souvenir shot at a tunnel, which is being constructed aspart of the New Tomei Expressway, touted to be the longest expressway in Japan. (Inset) Mr. Youichi Inoue, ProjectManager, Hazama Corporation, MGen Eduardo J Lena (Ret), SCTEX Program Director, and Engr. Joshua M. Bingcangin the tunnel located in Cental Japan.9

1In the NewsRP showcases laharcontinued from page 8The SCTEX is likewise deemed as a catalystto development along the highway’s entity,complementing the North and South LuzonExpressways.With its proximity to Metro Manila, theSCTEX enables adjacent provinces to capturethe spillover of the metropolis’ growth as wellas population, causing the likely diffusion ofeconomic development.2The construction of SCTEX was likewiseenvisioned to be a solution to Metro Manila’straffi c congestion, and saturating population,which threatens the carrying capacity, sanitation,as well as environment of the metropolitanarea, in accordance to the government’sagenda for sustainable development and urbandecongestion.3From the top: 1) BCDA representatives led by SCTEXProgram Director Eduardo Lena arrives at the NagoyaCongress Center; 2) Conference organizers host afellowship dinner for participants. Among discussiontopics were the Role of highways to transport goodsand services that keep the wheels of industry rolling;and Technologies to Build More Stable Asphalt Roadsand Improved Life Cycle Cost. 3) Lahar deposits leftafter the Mr. Pinatubo eruption.Higher Groundcontinued from page 4other locators, will be putting up the MindMuseum, a highly interactive science museum. Inaddition, a new Shangri-La six-star hotel will startdevelopment in the area next year, informs Zosa.We’ve already gotten the construction permit forboth so development is fi nally starting.FAST FACTSon Clark Duty Free ShopsDuty Free Shops in the Clark Freeport Zone are havens of great finds atreasonable prices. And these are only less than an hour’s drive from Manilavia the seamless NLEX-SCTEX connection. Exit SCTEX via the Clark SouthInterchange going to the Clark Freeport Zone.PARKSON DUTY FREEBldg. 403, CM Recto Highway,Clark FreeportOpen 10:00 am- 7pm, Monday-SundayWith the Fort Bonifacio Camp and VillamorAirbase successfully transformed into higheconomic centers, Zosa says the thrust of BCDAis to now use the proceeds to invest in Clark andSubic. We’ll invest in roads and in the equipment ofthe international airport. Recently, NAIA has beenhaving problems with its navigational equipmentso now the government is looking at Clark as thecountry’s next premier international gateway tothe world.ORIENTAL DUTY FREEBldg 7272, CM Recto HighwayClark Freeport, PampangaOpen 10 am - 7pm, Monday- SundayARJAN DUTY FREEBldg. 5276C. M. Recto Highway, ClarkFreeport, PampangaOpen 10 am - 7pm,Monday-Sunday10

In the NewsTraffic volume in SCTEXincreases by 200% in ‘09The state-owned Bases Conversion and DevelopmentAuthority (BCDA)—owner and builder of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX)—said that the number ofvehicles using the toll road in 2009 rose to 7,089,863 or a 209percent increase compared to the 2,294,758 vehicles that usedthe toll road in 2008.BCDA-SCTEX Program Manager for Operational Support Services and SpokespersonBGen Robert C Gervacio (Ret) said that in terms of toll revenues, the SCTEX generatedP497.17 million from the period January to December 2009 or a 198.42 percent increasefrom the P166.6 million toll revenues generated in 2008.Mr. Gervacio said that considering 2009 was only the second year of commercialoperations for the SCTEX, he expects traffi c volume to increase further.“We expect this uptrend to continue as motorists realize the convenience of drivingalong the limited access SCTEX compared to using the national, municipal and evenbarangay roads to get to their destination,” Gervacio said.He added that from January to August 2010, a total of 5,876,662 vehicles passedthrough SCTEX refl ecting a 30.8 percent increase compared to the 4,493,092vehicles for the same period last year.Likewise, for the period January to August 2010, SCTEX toll revenues amountedto P412.16 million or 29.6 percent higher than the P317.96 million total over thesame period last year.The SCTEX is a 93.77 km. 4-lane divided toll road limited accesshighway and considered as the country’s most scenic expresswayshowcasing the breathtaking landscape of Pampanga,Bataan, Zambales and Tarlac. The toll road features eleven11 interchanges, four major bridges, thirty minor bridges, 47underpasses, 303 drainage structures, toll road facilities andequipment.The expressway allows Clark and Subic to forge agrowing partnership by building on each other’score strengths. More importantly, it now pavesthe way for the synergy of Clark and SubicBay Freeport Zones into one big facilityresulting in the convergence of land-,air,and sea-based transport.11

Locator FeatureParkson Duty FreeA haven of great finds in ClarkBy Roy Victor R. RosalesBarely one month to go before Christmas. Are you done withyour Christmas shopping? By this time, people start scramblingto the malls and tiangges to shop, shop and shop for their lovedones. Shopping for Christmas gifts is no laughing matter. It involves ahigh level of stress, to say it mildly.First, one has to go through the traffi c jam just to reach the mall. Then if you brought your car, you haveto fi nd a parking space—good luck. Next, you have to brace the waves and waves of people cramped in themall and with this, the risk of having your wallet/credit card stolen. Finally you line up for a long time just to payfor the merchandise you picked. By the time you’re done, you realize, you forgot to buy a gift for someone buthaven’t got the energy to wiggle through the crowd and line up once more. Christmas shopping in Metro Manilaisn’t something one would enjoy—completing the task is in fact a “major, major” accomplishment and relief.Want to know a secret? There is an alternative to the stressful shopping in Metro Manila. Even thedrive will be a breeze. This yuletide season, why not carry out your Christmas shopping at the various duty freeshops in the Clark Freeport Zone? To reach Clark from Manila, take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) andexit at the very last toll plaza (Dau). A few kilometers after your NLEX exit, take the spur road that will bring youto the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) Mabalacat Toll Plaza. Once at the SCTEX, drive towards Subic,and take the Clark South Exit, this is just a couple of minutes from the SCTEX Mabalacat Toll Plaza, and viola!You are now in Clark. The hassle-free drive from NLEX Balintawak to Clark takes an average time of one hour.12

Locator FeatureChildren of all ages will defi nitely shout with gleefrom the assortment of toys in Parkson. From your basicplastic toys to the remote controlled (RC) cars to thehigh-end RC helicopters. For the sports minded, thereis an array of sports equipment including popular sportgift items like basketballs, soccer balls, volleyballs, etc.Once in Clark, tryParkson Duty Free.It has an extensiverange of uniqueand bargain fi nds.Parkson Duty Free GeneralManager Jeannie Ng says that among the Duty FreeShops in Clark, Parkson’s items are the most affordable.According to Ms. Ng, through the years, Parson DutyFree has improved its product line to stay competitiveand attract customers. “We are committed toimproving the store by getting better suppliers,” saysMs. Ng. She added that just recently, the Parksonstaff underwent a training conducted by an Americansupplier on product display and troubleshooting.For shoppers who frequent Parkson, Ms. Ng suggeststo time their shopping when the “New Arrivals” banneris displayed in front of the building. Shoppers at thistime will enjoy new items never before seen. TheParkson General Manager also said that most items inParkson Duty Free are pretty exclusive and may notbe imported again. Shoppers are forewarned to enjoytheir shopping until supply lasts. Another tip to maximizeyour budget is to shop for the items with the label “newlow price” as this will stretch your budget even further.Aside from the extensive medley of chocolatecandies, juices, chips, canned goods, milk, iced teamix, cereal, as well as soap, shampoo and other“pasalubong” items one usually buys at a duty freeshop, Parkson offers a variety of goods and noveltyitems making it your one-stop duty-free shop. Needlessto say, if you plan to make gift baskets yourself,the best priced grocery items are all within reach.Parkson carries a wide assortment of home décorproducts such as wall clocks, lamps, decorativetrays, candles and elegant vases, just to name a few.The variety of sizes and colors of these home décorproducts are so extensive that there is a décor for everyhome whether it be a mansion or a small apartment.Dumb-founded on what to give your fi ve-year oldniece? Parkson Duty Free has shelves fully loaded withcute stuffed toys that can make any girl’s eyes sparklewith joy. Still undecided on what to give the kids forChristmas, why not consider the thermos and lunchbox to bring along in school? Parkson has a number ofchoices the kids will surely be proud showing-off in school.Your offi cemates, who just love to drink coffee allthe time, will surely love the spill-proof mugs thatcan be brought practically anywhere—from thehome to the car, to the offi ce and vice versa.For the parents who are keen on making sure theiryoung children get an educational gift this Christmas,Parkson has a good collection of children’s books andinteractive books covering the subjects of math, science,phonetics, history and even the human body amongothers. As Ms. Ng accurately puts it, “This Christmas,give the gift of knowledge.” For the creative minded,a barrage of arts and craft materials is also available.Parkson’s selection of cigarettes, wines, liquorsand perfumes offer a variety of choices thatappeals to both the young and not so young.The appliance section boasts of an assortment oftelevisions, mini components and kitchen appliances.This Christmas, treat yourself to your own personal meatslicer that will surely come handy when slicing the hamthis Noche Buena. The slicer will also be very useful forthose paper thin sliced bulgogi or sukiyaki-style sirloin.In Parkson Duty Free, the gift items for the yuletideseason are countless. From wallets, bags, luggages,RTW apparel (jackets, jeans, shirts, etc), picture frames,car accessories, kitchen utensils, etc. You’ll surely besatisfi ed with the quality of your purchased productsbut more importantly, enjoy your shopping spreenot just for the yuletide season but all year round.Parkson GeneralManager Jeannie Ng13

Freeport / Ecozone NewsCDC a major contributor inexport, employmentin CL – Ricafortby the Clark DevelopmentCorporation - Public RelationsCyberCity Teleservices, Ltc.CLARK FREEPORT— Despite the various worldwideeconomic challenges, Clark Development Corporation (CDC)has proven its resiliency and competitiveness as the stateownedfirm made significant contributions in export industry andemployment in Central Luzon.CDC President Benigno N. Ricafort said the corporation’s resiliency,decision to redefi ne its goals, and build up more productive areas ofcollaboration with Clark stakeholders, Clark exports in the fi rst half of the yearhas totaled about $891 million which comprised 33 percent of Region III’s$2.7 billion total exports from 2009.In the CDC President’s report, the corporation through the EnterpriseRegulatory Department reported that the fi rst semester exports surpassed theyear-ago level of about over $387 million or more than 93 percent increasethis year.output is almost the same exportvolume last year, reports stated.Ricafort also said that arecord 58,023The CDC is hoping that the targeted $1 billion worth of exports couldbe reached should manufacturers continue to post the same trend towardsthe second semester of the year.The increase in exports volume this fi rst half of the fi scal year was dueto Nanox Philippines, Inc. strong showing with more than $493 million in thefi rst semester or an increase of 59 percent from the same January to June2009, the ERD reported.Yokohama Tire Phils., Inc., on the other hand, also contributedstrongly in the fi rst semester as it placed second with $106million output--theYokohama TirePhilippines14

Freeport / Ecozone Newsemployment by the end of2009 complemented the entireregion’s 3,889,000 partial count onemployment for the year.At present, Clark’s P6.3billion in actual investments is 19percent of the region’s investmentfi gure of P33.8 billion for 2009.Clark bigger contributionsare forth coming as the globaleconomy recovers, as goodprojects in the pipeline arepursued, and the number ofcapability-enhancing measuresinstituted by CDC this year bring inpositive results, Ricafort said in theexecutive summary of his reporton “Expanding Development,Changing Lives.”“Ultimately, it is CDC’sperformance as a developmentcorporation that will determine theFreeport’s success. It is imperativethat the development in Clarkcontinue to elevate the lives ofthe thousands of people gainfullyemployed in the zone, along withtheir families.”He added: “A resurgentClark Freeport Zone is merely thestart. Clark proposes to be thecatalyst for regional, if not national,economic development. Hence,CDC shall continue with its paralleldevelopment program whichaims to uplift the standards ofbusiness inthe area.”Clark firms form 1stsemicon groupby the CDC- Public RelationsCLARK FREEPORT –Thirteen major firmsin the electronicsindustry here formedthe Clark Freeport’s firstsemiconductor associationduring a consultationconference held on Oct. 5at the Lohas Hotel’s NewWell Being Spa and Resort.Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President Benigno N. Ricafort saidtop fi rms here established the Clark Electronics and Semiconductor IndustriesAssociation (CESIA) which “seeks to engage locators in the said industry toinstitutionalize a venue for communication, coordination and cooperationand encourage formation of the fi rst ever semiconductor and electronicsassociation for the Clark Freeport.”“The association is envisioned to spearhead programs for the mutual benefi tof its members in human resource management, pursue mentoring programs,develop common quality and productivity standards, advocate socialresponsibility and proactive industrial relations,” Ricafort added.During Tuesday’s conference the association elected its founding boardof directors from the following companies: SMK Electronics Philippines, NanoxPhilippines,Texas Instruments, Amertron, Inc., Poongsan Microtec, S-NextPhilippines, and PhoenixSemiconductor Phils. Newly-elected CESIA President Herrie Raymond Riveraof SMK said “This ushers in a new era in inter-locator cooperation and will pavethe way for the mutually benefi cial programs for employers and employeesalike.”Rivera is also the president of Nihon Kaisha, an organization of Japaneseelectronics fi rms inside the Freeport here.Clark’s electronics and semiconductor sector is comprised of some 25 foreignand local catering mostly to international markets. The Freeport employs closeto 60,000 workers in various industries, he added.The semicon and electronics sector employs roughly 20 percent of Clark’stotal workforce, making it the largest employment provider in Clark. The sectoralso leads the Clark Freeport in terms of investments, both committed andrealized, and the undisputed leader in export performance.Kita PlasticsThe CDC’s Industrial Relations Unit (IRU), an offi ce under the agency's CustomerService Department, has helped establish various industry associations amonglocators such as the Metro Clark ICT Council, the Clark IT Industries Association,Clark Garments Manufacturers Association, Nihon Kaisha and the Clark HumanResource Council.IRU Head Ervyn Joy Rivera said “These councils and associations serve asvenues for mutual development, industrial cooperation and advocate theglobal competitiveness of their various member- stakeholders. We shall continueto provide the necessary support for them to fulfi ll their respective mandates.”15

MARKET! MARKET!Six Years AfterThe 9.7-hectare mega-retail center, Market! Market!, Market! was launched in September2004. Market! Market!, is a fi ve-level mall developed by the Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI) inBonifacio Global City in Taguig. It is considered the fi rst of its kind in the country, allowingtraditional and nontraditional retailers and wholesalers to come together in an indooroutdoormall setting. (By Maricar Savella-Villamil)