Clark Green City: The future of Smart Cities in the Philippines, or a massive waste of resources? What is Clark Green City?Table of ContentsWhat is Clark Green City? 1History of Clark Green City 2Development Plans and Predictions 2Possible Hindrances 3Opinion 3 - 5Authors Opinion 6 4

Clark Green City is the latest city project of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). It covers 9,450 hectares of the former military base in Pampanga which is being converted into the countrys first liveable, intelligent, green city. Clark Green City is located in a Special Economic Zone to attract potential foreign investors, such as international schools, and people who are to live here may receive tax incentives and other privileges that may not be available to them in other cities.During a press briefing, BCDA President and CEO Arnel Paciano Casanova confirmed that reaching out to Ivy League schools is included in the plan for the Clark Green City. In terms of utilities, Clark Green City will be patterned after modern South Korean districts like Songdo City. Casanova has stated that Clark is the natural choice because of these key points: Single business land in a special economic zone Surrounded by highly urbanized cities like Tarlac City, Mabalacat City, and Angeles City It has its own airport, the biggest in the country. It is near the seaport in Subic plus the two Freeport zones Surrounding industrial zones are already developed like the Luisita Industrial Zone and Hermosa The construction of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Express way (TPLEx) is on the way, connecting to Pangasinan, Ilocandia and Cordillera regions. The biggest OFW population is in Central Luzon, thus the power to purchase and consume.History of Clark Green CityProposed Plans and Predictions of Clark Green City Residents may several privileges such as tax incentives that may not be available to them in other cities. Possible inclusion of Ivy League schools such as Harvard or Yale University All infrastructures in the city will adhere to environment-friendly parameters Fully walkable and will have efficient mass transport All traffic, weather monitoring, disaster management, and security are hosted in one integrated operation center. Districts will be divided into: Government District Central Business District Agri-forestry research and development district Wellness and Eco-tourism District Academic District Disaster-resilient Estimated to contribute P1.57 trillion ($358.61 billion) per year to the economy and will generate 925,000 jobs. The country's most modern food processing hub and cold storage facilities Rappler.com The UP Global Campus for State University the anchor of the Brain Capital of Clark Green City Larger than Bonifacio Global City

October 30, 2014 - the BCDA unveiled its plans to build the city in a 35,000-hectare location inside the economic zone of Tarlac.Nov 2012 - the release of the master plan for a green city was set for Q1 2013. In a presentation to the inter-agency Infrastructure Committee (Infracom) on Wednesday, Aug 2013 - the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) approves the master plan for the development of the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone into the previously announced green city. June 2014 - Named the Clark Green City, the first phase of the development is estimated at P59 billion. The BCDA was preparing the terms of reference for the bidding of 1,300 hectares out of the 9,450 hectares of the development.- The BCDA is luring potential locators in the proposed Clark Green City with fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, including tax exemptions.July 28, 2014 President Aquino announces in his SONA that phase one of Clark Green City has begun its construction.Q3 2014 Planned time frame for bidding process of Phase 1 of Clark Green City

President Aquino in his State of the Nation AddressPossible Hindrances to the Completion and Management of Clark Green City

Problems to Completion Less than predicted foreign investment, therefore, less usable capital for development and disruption of district plans. Large cost requirement (59 B for Phase 1 of 3 phases), therefore possibility for detraction of capital by the government for other projects. Corruption in the development staff, causing disruptions in the overall development. Long time frame for construction (50 years) allowing chances for the problems mentioned earlier to manifest.

Problems to Management Distance between major urban areas in NCR and CGC may have problematic ramifications in terms of traffic in the NLEX and SCTEX. Possibility of overpopulation due to migration from other provinces, causing possible slum areas in the city.Other problems that may be caused by the city Diversion of development plans in nearby areas in favor of Clark Green City Exclusivity to above average middle class to upper class citizens due to cost of development.

Location of Clark Green CityVoters OpinionBecause of the nature of the development of the city, being that it will have a long period provided for the development of the entire city separated into several phases, there is ample time for disruptions and hindrances to manifest. One example of opposition of the project is The Chairman of the Pinoy Gumising Ka Movement (PGKM) of the Clark Green City Master Development Plan, Ruperto Cruz, who has6 said: By its very name, the plan is already misleading. By green city, do they mean organic farming or agro-forestry-centered development? The very purpose of the Clark Green City, as presented by Casanova, is a total negation of the spirit and intent of RA 7227 or the Bases Conversion Development Act. Instead of sparking the parallel development of the communities contiguous to Clark, it will decimate all developments there.

With Clark open to housing developments and resort and recreation complexes, what will happen to the now developing housing industry in Angeles City, Porac, Mabalacat, as far as Bamban and Capas? RA 7227 likewise envisions an aviation-driven, industrial-based, labor-intensive and export-oriented development for Clark all this sadly invalidated in the BCDAs plan to convert Clark into an exclusive subdivision. So much money being talked here, while the Clark airport has remained in a very sorry state. Add to this the P59 billion for BCDAs green city, and we cant help but suspect that the 2016 presidential election is already at play here, Cruz said. Campaign funds, anyone?The following interviews will have respondents from the family and friends of the authors of this article and the following questions will be asked from each of them: Given the information on the project, do you think this project is feasible? Why? What factors could affect the success of the project? Based on the factors stated earlier, what suggestions could you give to the management of the project in developing the city?When interviewed by Zharina Adlawan about Clark Green City, registered voter, Josefina U. Adlawan, said, "It could happen if only our government wasn't so corrupt. That's one reason. Another reason is because of the weather problems we've been having, but if there is a will there is a way. This is a very good project. Our government should learn something from the Koreans. South Korea already has its own "smart city". If they can do it, we can do it too. We just need everyone in this country to straighten up. Stop electing corrupted people. When interviewed by Zharina Adlawan about Clark Green City, registered voter, Ermito O. Adlawan, said, This project is feasible but it will not come true. With the people in our government today this will never push through or be completed because of their greed. The money for this project will just end up in their pockets. Aside from corruption another factor that we can consider is when they turn this project over to the next generation. When this happens, it is possible that this project will be forgotten. I believe this is true because it shows in our past and history of our government. I believe that history will repeat itself. All though this may seem like a very nice and positive project if the government wants to prove itself they can use this opportunity to get the trust of the people back. If they are able to prove something then, being able to continue and be more supportive of this project means our government can change. Zharina added, My father firmly believes that this project will never be completed because the money will only end up in the pockets of the corrupted.When interviewed by Ysabelle De Mesa, voter Kelly Yangco said, "It is possible, if the management does their work properly. Assign a head for the project with the proper know how and an impeccable reputation, rid of any corruption. That would speed it up for sure."Our vision is to create the city of the future for Filipinos. Were not simply creating a city; we are providing a benchmark for all other cities to emulate. The city that is safe, that provides opportunities for everyone, and uplifts the dignity of human beings as they live there. - Arnel Paciano Casanova on the Clark Green City

Through good governance, we have been regaining the trust of the market, of the world, and of our own people, in government. This is creating a virtuous cycle: Seeing the results of our reform agenda has spurred the active participation of each and every one of our Bosses. Indeed: today the government is not alone in pushing for widespread and meaningful reform. It is true that you are our strength. President Benigno S. Aquino III, SONA 2014

Authors OpinionThe Authors:

Zharina Adlawan

Ysabelle De MesaKouji Tomas

Senior - H

As Filipinos, we personally believe that the Clark Green City project can be completed successfully. But, it can only be completed if several conditions are met. These conditions are that the resources used for the project are allocated properly such that there is no wastage, that any trace of corruption is eliminated from the project, that there are enough investors to fuel the project, and that there is a smooth flow of operations in the development. However, the management should also take into consideration of the various natural and artificial factors that may affect the project such as the possibility of typhoons and earthquakes and, therefore, should take safety precautions and disaster readiness protocols. When all is said and done, a project such as this should utilize all its resources properly to avoid wastage. The leaders of said project should also use their power for the good of the people and the state such that the project will be for the benefit of the populace and not as an opportunity to obtain cash. To quote President Aquino, good governance creates a virtuous cycle and as such, we need good governance to progress as a state and, therefore, should manifest in our government at all times.

Sources:http://www.rappler.com/previous-articles?filterMeta=Clark+Green+Cityhttp://ppp.gov.ph/?tag=clark-green-city-projecthttp://punto.com.ph/News/Article/18284/Volume-7-No-29/Headlines/PGKM-rips-Clark-Green-City-plan-br-i-Calls-for-BCDA-abolition-ihttp://www.clarksubicmarketing.com/blog/?p=74http://www.gov.ph/2014/07/28/english-benigno-s-aquino-iii-fifth-state-of-the-nation-address-july-28-2014/

Image sources: http://assets.rappler.com/612F469A6EA84F6BAE882D2B94A4B421/img/F1D54DB4857344DAB9406D7175A736DA/clark-green-city-20140603.jpghttp://assets.rappler.com/612F469A6EA84F6BAE882D2B94A4B421/img/9ABE9B2596B04C64983669088B5882AE/bcda-green-city-20140714.jpghttp://www.clarkisit.com/man-vision-atty-arnel-casanova-2/http://punto.com.ph/data/article-image/web%20dsc_0300(1).jpghttp://attracttour.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Sona.pngClark Green CityPage 2