CLARK FREEPORT—Despite the Transparency Seal on its web site (www.clark.com.ph), the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) deliberately withheld the cost of the improvement of the parade grounds here in its press release on May 25.
This was gleaned from the CDC press release titled: “CDC reopens newly improved parade grounds,” which makes no mention of the cost of its construction or even the name of the contractor.
The CDC’s External Affairs Department (EAD) only gave the pertinent information after a formal request and admitted that CDC higher ups asked not to include it in the press release, which came out in several local newspapers without the figures.
The EAD said some P20.6 million was spent for improvement on the parade grounds.
Construction of the new toilet, repair of the jogging path, installation of benches with pavers and landscaping cost P4.7 million.
The asphalt overlay of the jogging path (Phase 2) was budgeted at P2 million.
Jogging path improvement, including the installation of a polyurethane rubber matting, sealer, two coats of rubberized paint and anti-skid top coat cost P7.7 million.
Park lights and area lights that include an additional 49 sets of loft park lights (20-watt LED) and 16 sets of 50-foot area lights (1,600-watt LED) cost P6.2 million.
The total cost of the project is P20.6 million.
On May 22 the CDC announced the reopening of the newly improved jogging path at the parade grounds here.
CDC President Arthur P. Tugade led the formal ceremonies for the reopening of the 2.2-kilometer by 2.5-meter rubberized jogging path.
The parade ground is one of the most frequented places here and often used as a site for various sports and tourism events, biking, jogging and even walking.