BCDA promises quake-resilient Clark Green City

State-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is positioning the Clark Green City as a disaster-resilient location, making it highly suitable for investments in residential, commercial and industrial developments.

In a statement, BCDA president and chief executive Arnel Paciano D. Casanova assured prospective investors, locators and residents that the Clark Green City’s favorable geological conditions make it less vulnerable to the so-called “Big One” should the West Valley Fault Line move or shift.

The Clark Green City, which is seen to become the focal point of economic development in the country within the next few years, is about 75 kilometers away from the West Valley Fault Line.  The absence of a fault line in its vicinity also makes the site ideal for long term development, BCDA said.

The area, Casanova added, is also expected to be spared from the damaging effects of super typhoons since its neighboring mountain ranges will serve as natural barriers.

“Clark Green City will be less vulnerable to natural disasters and calamities. As far as earthquakes are concerned, Clark Green City will be less affected making it suitable for residential, commercial and industrial development,” Casanova said. “Clark Green City will [also] be protected on both sides by the Zambales Mountain Range and the Sierra Madre Mountain Range from super typhoons.”

Casanova further pointed out that incidents of flooding in Clark Green City will also be remote due to its high elevation. He explained that the lowest elevation in Clark Green City is 56 meters above sea level while the highest elevation is 800 meters above sea level.

“The projected 1.12 million residents and 800,000 workers who will live and work in Clark Green City will be assured of a safer environment. Moreover, Clark Green City will be the ideal place for businesses to thrive as investments will be least affected by flood, earthquake or supertyphoons,” he added.

The BCDA is bidding out a 288-hectare block within the 9,450-ha Clark Green City, so far attracting three of the biggest real estate developers. They were identified as Ayala Land Inc., Filinvest Land Inc., and Megaworld Corp. These companies will be vying for a 55-percent stake in a joint venture company that will be formed by the BCDA to develop a portion of Clark Green City, which spans across Pampanga and Tarlac.