Speech by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the Inspection of the Airport to New Clark City Access Road (ANAR)

Speeches 21 February 2024

Maraming salamat sa ating Special Assistant, Secretary Anton Lagdameo. [Please take your seats.]

The transport secretary, Secretary Jimmy Bautista, Members of the Cabinet that are here this morning, members of — well, we have Senator Mark Villar also here, who is joining us. Now you know why you were invited because— [laughter]

The honorable members of the House of Representatives, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority Chairman Delfin Lorenzana, [applause]. The Bases Conversion and Development Authority President and CEO Joshua Bingcang [applause].

Andito rin ang ating butihing ama ng Probinsya ng Pampanga, Provincial Governor Delta Pineda. He is accompanied by also the governor of Tarlac, Governor Susan Yap. [applause]

At kailangan nating batiin ang Vice Governor ng Pampanga, si Nanay, dahil ‘yung iba sa inyo hindi niyo nalalaman birthday niya ngayon. Kaya’t mamaya kakanta tayo ng Happy Birthday. [applause]

My fellow workers in government, our partners in the private sector, other distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, good morning!

This Clark International Airport to New Clark City Access Road or ANAR (A-NAR), is a key component in boosting the Clark metropolis as an investment and tourism destination.

It is a part of a larger package of Build Better More activities, it aims to enlarge Clark’s profile in the global investment map.

Project such as this all convey one message to prospective investors: It conveys the message that we are committed to building world class infrastructure that can host a business in a high-growth area. The government is ready to provide adequate infrastructure and facilities to ensure the growth of their future investment.

For example, the modernization of the Clark International Airport has now taken off.

The construction of a rail link to Metro Manila is proceeding at full speed.

At alam n’yo rin lahat, na hindi lang pang-negosyo, hindi lang pang-turismo, pang-sports pa ang Clark dahil we are also building a Clark’s physical capital, we are upskilling the required human capital that will run businesses and will drive prosperity.

Clark can now host a wide range of economic activities including innovation labs, creative workshops, manufacturing concerns, leisure complexes, and a cyber corridor.

If food happens to be the concern, then Clark is in the heartland of an agricultural powerhouse. Not to mention the powerful draw and the seductive aroma of Kapampangan cuisine.

In short, the Clark metropolis has what it takes to be a mecca for tourists, a magnet of investments, and a market of goods and services.

We must leverage these attributes into higher visitor traffic, attracting more investments that generate better jobs and spur economic activity.

This road is much more than just an access road. It is part of our plan to propel Clark as an alternate growth area.

It is a red carpet rolled out to those who will partake in all the best things that Clark can offer.

It shows the path forward, of Building Better More so we will never lose our competitive advantage because unlocking the full potential of Clark is a continuing task.

So, I ask you in the BCDA to ensure the completion of the remaining works for this 20-kilometer highway.

Once fully operational—I understand that you will open it tomorrow. Once operational, it will reduce travel time between the Clark International Airport and New Clark City from one hour to 20 minutes. It will also save commuters’ money – as ANAR is toll free.

Going by BCDA’s track record, I trust in the quality of the workmanship of this road, and in your commitment to observe the relevant procurement rules, laws, and regulations.

I have also noticed that this bold vision radiates from the elegant architecture of the edifices you have built here.

For instance, Sacobia bridge has been attracting its fair share of visitors as its own tourist destination.

The world-class design of the new Clark International Airport terminal has earned international recognition. It is hailed by UNESCO Prix Versailles as one of the most beautiful airports in the world.

So, I thank the engineers, the architects, private partners, and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority led by Chairman Delfin Lorenzana and Engineer Joshua Bingcang, the BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer, for your hard work.

BCDA’s performance is not merely narrated on ink and paper, and in reports long archived.

Your triumphs have become part of the country’s landscape, utilized and visited by millions of people daily.

These booming, breathtaking sites from Bonifacio Global City to McKinley Hill to Newport City to New Clark City attest to the transformative power of repurposing state assets.

Military lands converted into economic centers are the concrete proof of the prosperity BCDA has unleashed.

There is no better proof of this than Clark.

And this is why, the BCDA has earned the reputation as a reliable, credible, and professional partner in public-private ventures, setting the template for mutual cooperation that benefits the public.

All of these while faithfully complying with one of its major mandates of remitting its earnings to fund the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The BCDA has contributed 59.71 billion pesos for the equipment, weaponry, vehicles, vessels, and structures used by our armed forces.

So, indeed, the BCDA has a major role to play in the Bagong Pilipinas vision that all Filipinos are working hard to achieve.

Your contribution to Bagong Pilipinas goes beyond your physical inventory of projects delivered, planned, and being built.

The BCDA’s contribution to the Bagong Pilipinas would also include a culture of excellence, of innovation, of foresight, and of industry.

So, congratulations to you all for this very very fine day when we celebrate the continuing development of Clark.

At mabuhay po kayong lahat!

Mabuhay ang Bagong Pilipinas!

Magandang umaga po sa inyo! [applause]

—END—