CLARK FREEPORT – Former Tarlac Governor Vic Yap has cited the efforts of the government at the New Clark City (NCC), with the development of a new modern mixed-use township adjacent to this former US military airbase.
“Ang gaganda ng mga developments kasi and I think management is doing a good job with new industrial parks,” Yap said.
NCC was put up and is managed by the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), a government agency tasked to oversee conversion of former military bases in the Philippines into productive civilian use.
Yap, a guest at KapiHann of Pampanga Press Club at Swissotel Clark inside Hann Resorts, said that he will also file bills in Congress that would hasten development and progress at the 9,450-hectare NCC.
He said that he had seen the architectural designs and artists’ renditions at NCC but government must expedite the developments.
Seeking to get back his post as Congressman of Tarlac’s 2nd District, Yap said he would prefer that commercial projects in Clark be made on freehold instead of leasehold.
“The best (thing to do) is to give the (land) titles. Give the titles to be developed. Just like BGC. I mentioned this even in my time as (CDC) Director and as Governor. Give the title and you maximize opportunities,” Yap said.
He said that he will also file a bill in Congress that would exempt locators from payment of VAT on electricity inside economic and freeport zones like NCC. This, he said, would cut on inflation brought by operations cost brunt by locator firms in economic zones.
Yap also lauded the establishment of the new P8-billion passenger terminal building of Clark International Airport. He gave credits to those who pushed for the development projects in Clark like former President Gloria Arroyo.
The son of the late Governor and Congressman Apeng Yap seeks the 2nd Congressional District of Tarlac now occupied by his nephew Christian Yap. His sister Susan Yap will be completing three terms as Governor and is gunning to be the next mayor of Tarlac City.
