P2.5-B water theme park set to rise in Clark

A P2.5-billion water theme park is set to rise within the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone in three years, according to the state-run Clark Development Corp.

The planned development is a joint project of BB International Leisure and Resort Development Corp., Eaglesky Technology Amusement and Gaming Inc. and Central Summit International, CDC said in a statement Monday.

Groundbreaking ceremonies were held last Saturday to signal the start of construction of the water theme park, which will reportedly occupy 10 hectares within a 120-hectare property, according to BB International president Bong Alvaro.

Alvaro was quoted as saying that the water theme park will be at par with Hong Kong’s Disneyland, Singapore’s Universal Studios, as well as Malaysia’s Lego Land.

In the same statement, CDC president Arthur P. Tugade noted that the water theme park project would boost employment at the Clark Freeport, and will also help Indigenous Peoples (IPs) and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).

“When I met with BB International officials to discuss the timeline of the project, I emphasized that they should include IPs and PWDs in their employment roster. The hiring of people from these sectors is already institutionalized in Clark Freeport policies,” Tugade said.

Mabalacat City Mayor Marino Morales lauded BB International officials for pursuing the project, citing the “trickle down” effect on nearby communities. Amy R. Remo