By Catherine Pillas
THE Clark Development Corp. (CDC) has recently signed a contract for a P135-million tourism project inside the Clark Freeport Zone.
A news statement said that the agreement, signed by CDC President Arthur P. Tugade and Global Zoo and Theme Park Alliance Inc. (GZTPAI) President Romeo Siccion, will pave the way for the establishment of a zoo in Clark.
According to CDC’s Marketing Department, the zoo project with GZTPAI would also include provision of haven for wildlife animals, establishment of a theme park but not limited to rides, adventure facilities, and other recreational and commercial activities.
The total lease land is 20 hectares, which will employ about 140 workers in the next five years.
Tugade added that a soft opening of the project has been scheduled next year or within the next 12 months upon the issuance of occupancy permit by the CDC, along with other permits that must be sought by GZTPAI.
Siccion said he decided to invest here because of the sound business climate in the free port, as well as the fast-growing tourism industry here and in the rest of the country.
Siccion is currently president of Zoo World Inc., a member of the Philippine Zoos Association and Southeast Asian Zoos and Aquariums.