The key role of Japan in the development of the New Clark City (NCC) in Central Luzon, Philippines was highlighted by the Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary.
According to a recent report, NCC will be a new metropolis that will be prepared for the future and will be “driven by technology and the most forward-looking industries.”
According to the Secretary, the New Clark City can be made a reality and can emerge even better than what the government has imagined, through the cooperation between Filipino and Japanese enterprises.
The new city being built will be the icon for dynamic urban centres intended to be nurtured by the government as the country confidently marches towards the future.
It will foster innovation and will underscore the capability of the country to harness new technologies in order to build vibrant and sustainable communities.
Moreover, it will demonstrate the great progress that international partnerships make possible.
A Philippine-Japan Seminar dubbed, “New Clark City with Japan: Creating a Smart City with High Quality Infrastructure”, was held in Pasay City last 21 November 2018.
The event was aimed at encouraging new Philippine and Japanese business partnerships as well as introducing smart city solutions in developing NCC.
It was organised by the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) in partnership with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), which is overseeing the city’s development.
As reported, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister of Japan, Dr Hiroto Izumi said that the relationship between the Philippines and Japan is close and friendly, and focused on urban development initiatives.
ASEAN nations including the Philippines have achieved rapid economic growth, and they are now facing urban issues and problems Japan had experienced before.
Dr Izumi highlighted some strengths of Japanese cities from which the Philippines can learn from.
Japanese cities have Transit Oriented Development, which integrates railway operations to other development areas like offices, residences and commercial centres.
Japanese cities are Smart Cities, which incorporate various elements such as mobility, nature, safety and security, resource circulation, and use of renewable energy.
The Department is looking forward to the smart city solutions and the business partnerships being encouraged between Japanese and Filipino companies.
The New Clark City being visualised is not just any township. It is envisioned to be a hub of agro-industrial activities. It will also be a home to cutting-edge technology and logistics companies.
In addition, the city will be hosting well-equipped backup government centres and world-class sports facilities.
Alongside the development of NCC is the construction of railways going to Subic and to Manila as well as the expansion of the Clark International Airport (CIA).
The Clark International Airport will be getting a new world-class terminal building to accommodate a projected eight million passengers per year.
This will help relieve the congestion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Parañaque City.
