Clark is the best investment and tourism destination in the Philippines today. And perhaps in the whole of Asia.
Filipino investors should take a serious look into it—now. Otherwise, foreign locators are about to take it over, for themselves, for their people, for their countries.
The South Koreans are leasing Clark lands by the hundreds of hectares (at bargain rates of $3.50 per sqm or less, for terms as long as 99 years) converting them into sprawling factory sites, hotel-casino-golf courses, and shopping malls that rival the huge shopping palaces of SM and Robinsons in Metro Manila, 84 kms south of Clark.
Clark as a destination for the world’s factories and travelers is spread over 35,000 hectares of prime land just an hour’s drive from Quezon City, the national capital, and cheek by jowl to Subic, the expansive deep blue water port coveted by navies of the major powers. Clark is at the center of Central Luzon, home to the nation’s richest, most progressive provinces.
The 35,000 hectares of Clark land area have been cut up into four: The Clark Freeport under the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) with 2,200 hectares; the civil aviation complex of Clark International Airport, 2,347 hectares, of which 759 hectares are under the LIPAD Group of JG summit; the new Clark City, with 9,450 hectares; and the rest, reserved for future strategic use.
Why the interest in Clark
Regional and global interest in Clark is seeing a resurgence because of recent developments:
- The current tension in the West Philippine Sea with China with the Americans committing their ironclad backing for Manila amid competing sovereign and sovereignty claims over 3.5 million sq kms of strategic waters in the Indo Pacific;
- Donald Trump’s punishing tariffs on exporters primarily China;
- The shift to lower tariff areas like the Philippines to avoid Trump’s tariffs;
- The looming shortages in factory lands in the region; and
- The booming tourism traffic in Asia, the world’s largest source of tourists.
Of course, not to be ignored is America’s assertion of its superpower supremacy and imperialist might in the Indo Pacific amid the rise of China globally as a rival economic and military power.
Investment destination
As an investment destination, Clark offers exceptional opportunities for investors and businesses aiming to expand in the Philippines. Just four hours or less from major Asian capitals, Clark offers strategic location advantages, favorable tax policies, robust infrastructure, and a skilled, English-speaking, easily trainable workforce.
At the same time, tourism, domestic and international, is booming in the future Asian aerotropolis. Last year, 2.5 million passengers flew in and out of Clark, under the LIPAD airport management of the JG Summit Group. Including domestic visitors and shoppers, Clark attracted 34 million warm bodies last year. Foot traffic at SM Clark, at over 100,000 daily, rivals the daily shoppers of bigger malls in Metro Manila.
With 35,000 hectares, Clark has half of Singapore’s 71,000 hectares of total land area. But Singapore has only 2,400 hectares for its Changi Airport complex and 1,784 hectares for its Central Business District.
The two areas—Changi and CBD, totalling 4,184 hectares—are fully built up and have a difficult option for expansion.
Clark’s 35,000 hectares are thus 8.36 times bigger—for their potential as an aerotropolis (a metropolitan economy built around an airport) like Singapore. Aviation (with tourism) contributes $54.7 billion or 10.9% to Singapore’s GDP (gross domestic product), per IATA.
Being 8.36 times bigger than Singapore’s aviation-CBD hub, Clark has infinitely potential to contribute easily up to 20% of Philippine GDP in the future.
Clark 8x bigger than Singapore CBD and Changi complex
Clark’s business and factory district under CDC covers 2,200 hectares. Some 2,367 hectares have been reserved for aviation hub development, including the 759 hectares under the LIPAD consortium of JG Summit. Plus the 9,450 hectares of the New Clark City for which wide fully lighted highways and amenities have been and are being built.
Devanadera at helm
Behind the newfound strategic dynamism of Clark is lawyer Agnes VST Devanadera, the president and CEO of Clark Development Corp.
Devanadera was the chairperson of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) from 2017 to 2022 during the Duterte administration. During the Arroyo administration, she was solicitor general, the first woman to hold the post. With President Gloria Arroyo, she was served brief stints as secretary of justice.
Prior to holding national offices, Devanadera was a no nonsense politician from Quezon province, a rock for hard times—and good times, thanks to her Jesuit Ateneo law training, the first woman mayor of idyllic Sampaloc town of Quezon, the national president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, and the first woman solicitor general.
Driving force of transformation
Under Devanadera, CDC has become the driving force behind the transformation of Clark Freeport Zone into a world-class investment and tourism destination.
“As the lead agency overseeing Clark’s development, we are committed to fostering economic growth, innovation, and sustainable progress,” says the CDC CEO.
Through strategic partnerships, forward-thinking policies, and continuous infrastructure improvements, CDC has positioned Clark as a thriving hub for businesses, industries, and communities.
“Our efforts have led to significant milestones in job creation, environmental sustainability, and global competitiveness, making Clark a beacon of progress in the Philippines,” Devanadera gushes.
From record-breaking investments to groundbreaking developments, CDC continues to shape a future where businesses prosper, communities flourish, and opportunities abound.
Clark is a powerhouse for tourism, culture, and economic development. More than just a destination, Clark seamlessly blending modern infrastructure, rich cultural heritage, and limitless opportunities.
CDC’s vision for Clark
CDC’s vision for Clark is a modern sustainable aerotropolis. To achieve that, CDC must transform Clark into a premier business and tourism destination to become a catalyst for growth and nation building. That effort is founded, of course, upon rock solid good governance.
Under the woman CEO, CDC has institutionalized policies that promote ethical leadership, prudent fiscal management, and sustainable development.
By fostering a culture of integrity, the CDC ensures that public trust is not just earned but continuously implemented. Its governance framework aligns with international best practices, emphasizing performance-driven management, responsible decision-making, and the strategic pursuit of national economic goals.
Growth by the Numbers
CDC’s Financial Performance
• Revenue: P6.80 billion
• Net income: P3.49 billion
• Fund balance: P11.70 billion
• Cash dividends: P1.80 billion
Financial gains by leaps and bounds
For years, CDC’s revenue saw steady growth, inching upward from P1.11 billion in 2012 to P2.93 billion by 2019. But it was in 2022 when the financial trajectory took a significant leap, soaring past the P5-billion mark for the first time. From P5.26 billion in 2022, revenues climbed further to P5.75 billion in 2023, before surging to an all-time high of P6.80 billion in 2024, a remarkable 29.3% increase in just two years.
This sustained momentum reflects CDC’s sound financial strategies and strong investment climate, reinforcing its position as a driver of economic progress.
Economic indicators
CDC has scored these achievements: Locators (1,198), workers (143,408), exports excluding TI exports ($5.10 billion), and committed investments including expansion, direct lease and sub-lease (P40.438 billion).
Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (SAPIEA) Secretary Frederick Go has cited CDC for its significant contribution to economic expansion.
Among these agencies — the Board of Investments (BOI), the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), Go singled out CDC and BCDA for recording the highest investment increases in 2024, reinforcing their status as top-performing investment promotion agencies (IPAs).
The Philippines securing P1.9 trillion in approved investments in 2024—a 29% increase from the previous year, thanks to Clark’s strength as a preferred destination for business and industry.
A substantial portion of the P1.9 trillion investments came from Filipino-owned enterprises, contributing P618 billion, or 32% of the total—a clear indicator of growing investor confidence in Clark’s dynamic business ecosystem, streamlined regulatory processes, and investment-friendly policies.
Under Devanadera, Clark remains at the forefront of attracting high-value investments, fostering industrial expansion, and reinforcing economic resilience.
Clark means business
In 2024, CDC facilitated a P40.438 billion in committed investments, surpassing projections by an unprecedented 1,312.93% and setting new benchmarks in business growth and investor confidence.
Through investment forums, streamlined regulatory processes, and innovative policies, CDC continues to attract high-value industries, positioning Clark as a symbol of economic resilience and sustainability.
In addition to this, the state-owned firm’s relentless push for ease of doing business, coupled with aggressive investment promotions, has made Clark the premier choice for investors seeking long-term, high-impact opportunities.
By modernizing regulatory processes and launching the Online Business Registration Application (OBRA) system, CDC has made it easier for investors to do business, driving growth across all sectors.
CDC plays a key role in policy leadership, actively contributing to Senate discussions on the CREATE Law, Indigenous Peoples’ land leasing, and visa compliance reforms.
Public consultations on leasing policies and transfer fees strengthened transparency and good governance, ensuring that growth is inclusive and sustainable.
Key events such as the Clark Business Interdependence Conference, Investment Forum, and Make Re-Shift Happen Forum highlighted Clark as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and long-term economic development.
Clark infra
Infrastructure developments have underscored Clark’s progress, with the inauguration of Deco Central and groundbreaking ceremonies for Clark Tony’s Motorsports Museum and Wyndham Garden Hotel, enhancing the region’s investment appeal.
Strengthening its presence in the MICE market, Clark has leveraged its strategic advantages to attract international business opportunities.
Investor engagement has reached new heights, with 158 locator meetings, 60 site briefings, and the first-ever Townhall Meeting for residential developers, ensuring stakeholders played an active role in shaping Clark’s future.
Redefining tourism experiences
Clark Freeport Zone has redefined tourism with its seamless blend of business, leisure, and adventure.
As a gateway for international and domestic travelers, Clark continues to attract millions of visitors, drawn by the model city’s vibrant events, modern facilities, and dynamic hospitality scene.
The latest tourism data reflects its growing appeal, reinforcing Clark’s position as a premier destination for travelers, investors, and families alike. Same day guests (32,227,120), airport arrivals—international and domestic (2.5 million air passengers in 2024), and overnight guests (1,368,558).
All roads lead to Clark
Clark is where people from all walks of life come together, offering a diverse range of attractions and experiences. Whether it’s adrenaline-pumping adventures or family-friendly destinations, Clark provides something for everyone, creating unforgettable experiences for visitors.
Clark recorded 34,805,357 visitors in 2024, up 8% or 3,298,085 from 2023. This growth makes Clark a premier destination, attracting travelers seeking entertainment, culture, and world-class events.
Among the standout events last year that drew crowds was the Clark Aurora Music Festival, which brought in 180,000 music fans from across the country.
Other major cultural and tourism highlights included the National Arts Month, Tulauk: A Lenten Sarsuela, the 30th Year of Ballooning in Clark, Via Crucis Exhibit, Sagrada Pampanga Art Exhibit, Pamana at Kultura: Clark Heritage Month Celebration, International Day of Yoga, Clark Tourism Skills Competition, Clark Tourism Ride, Clark Tourism Symposium, and the much-anticipated Clark Christmas Display Lighting Ceremony – Threads of Kindness: A Fashionable Christmas in Green and Red, alongside Paskong Pinoy sa Nayon.
These events reinforced Clark’s reputation as a vibrant entertainment and cultural hub, setting new benchmarks for visitor engagement.
Meetings milestone
A major milestone for Clark was MICECON 2024, which welcomed 823 delegates, further solidifying Clark’s ability to host world-class business and tourism events. The event underscored its commitment to industry leadership through strategic initiatives, including the renewal of its ICCA membership, partnership with PACEOS, and the launch of its Five-Year M.I.C.E. Strategic Management Plan (2024-2028).
MICECON 2024 also delivered substantial economic value, generating an impressive P97.2 million in media coverage, elevating Clark’s profile as a top-tier M.I.C.E. destination.
This success is reflected in CDC-TPD’s revenue of P5.9 million from special events, advertising, and the Clark Museum & 4D Theatre, with event permit revenue seeing a 17.68% increase.
The approval of the Comprehensive Event Policy in December 2024 is expected to drive even greater revenue in 2025.