Clark airport could turn PH into big events hub

THE construction of Clark International Airport could turn the Philippines into an international events hub, said Clark International Airport and Corp. President and CEO Arrey Perez during the Build Better More Infrastructure Forum at New Clark City.

«We can be 'Taylor Swift-ready' by 2028,» said Perez, referring to the global music icon who recently held her Eras Tour concerts in Japan and Singapore.

Perez added that besides an airport, the goal is to build a multimodal terminal and a world-class arena in the area big enough to host high-profile entertainment and sports events.

Scenes inside the Clark International Airport in Pampanga, Monday, as passengers from local airlines arrive. PHOTOS BY J. GERARD SEGUIA

The planned arena, to be funded via public-private partnership, was estimated to cost P32 billion. The construction of Clark Airport Mall, Clark Aviation School, and housing complexes was part of the plan.

«We are expecting that we are going to sign with a private proponent for the construction of these facilities. There are many interested parties that are wanting to invest in the entertainment and events center of the Clark International Airport Corporation,» Perez said.

«It would take us six to nine months to process any proposal and then signing of the proposal would definitely happen next year. Once construction happens in 2025, we have two to three years to build this entertainment complex,» he added.

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