The Hubs Subic and Clark: An Optimist’s View

The developments of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) and the Clark Special Economic Zone (CSEZ) are two prime achievements of the Philippine national government. Since their conversion from military bases to investment destinations, the two freeports were able to attract foreign and domestic investments and generated massive employment. The SBFZ, with its seaport infrastructure, and the CSEZ, with its airport infrastructure, are a perfect logistical and transshipment hub combination.

When the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) started operating in 2008, the improved interconnection of Subic and Clark became the impetus that drove more investments, this despite the global financial crisis that gripped the world. With the SCTEx, it became obvious that aside from Subic and Clark’s logistical promise, the two hubs can also become drivers of tourism; Subic, with its virgin forests and beautiful bay, more so.

In fact, before the SCTEx, tourist arrivals in Subic is at 974,249; in 2008, after the SCTEx was built, it jumped to 2,902,666, about three times what it was a year ago. In 2009, this further jumped to 4,100,308. The first quarter of 2010 alone saw higher tourist numbers than all of 2007. Subic is fast becoming a major tourist destination!

When two of the biggest developers, Ayala Land and the SM Group are coming to this area at about the same time, when tourism-related companies are rushing their expansions, when you see long lines at gasoline stations where there used to be none, you know that business is definitely booming here!

But are we there yet? Not yet but we are on our way and the future’s looking good.

The past decade saw continuous growth in our economy in terms of GDP, and the hubs Subic and Clark are big contributors. Sure, there are problems and scandals that faced the government but not enough to put the country under. Say what you may, but foreign investors would not come to a place where the economy stinks.

The next 5-10 years we should see explosions of gargantuan proportions. The port development projects in Subic, while right now is in its infancy, are expected to grow rapidly. The airport expansion in Clark not only will continue to increase the logistical and transshipment capacity of the area but is expected to bring in more tourists, foreign and domestic both. And then there are two more road infrastructures that will further add to all the momentum.

The Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEx) is already in the works. While it will take a few more years to complete, it is something worth looking forward to. The TPLEx will interconnect with the SCTEx. Imagine driving from Subic to La Union without going out of the expressway? Baguio City will only be a mere 15 minutes from its tail end. Imagine more efficient delivery and distribution of goods between north and central Luzon? This infrastructure will substantially boost the Subic and Clark logistical hubs. Imagine the potential for domestic tourism? People from up north can now conveniently drive to Subic. We will be a major beneficiary of this infrastructure!

But that’s not all.

Have you heard of the Luzon Urban Beltway? Do you want to go south of the Philippines down to Batangas without the hassles of traffic gridlock? It is closer than you might think. Here’s the configuration: from the Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEx), otherwise known as the Tipo Road, to SCTEx; from SCTEx to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx); then to the Circumferential Road 5 or C5 Extension (under construction) and then to C5 itself; from C5 to the South Luzon Expressway (SLEx) which now stretches up to Laguna; and then onto the SLEx Extension which takes you to the doors of Batangas; and finally, the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road Luzon Expressway (STARLEx) which can take you all the way to the Port of Batangas. Wow, is all I can say!

And again, imagine the potential for tourism. People from down south and everybody else in between can now conveniently come to Subic to enjoy our sites and experience the Subic adventures. At the same time, stay comfortably in our numerous hotels, or enjoy duty-free shopping.

Oh yes, the hubs Subic and Clark will be the primary catalyst for Philippine progress in the next few years. Combined, it has the potential to become multi-modal mega logistics and tourism hubs enabling efficient delivery of goods, services, people, and information to and from production, manufacturing, and trading centers not only in the Philippines but they can be the country’s gateway to the world as well.

The next few years would be very interesting for hubs Subic and Clark. Subic especially. Great things are in store for us and I would not want to miss what the next few years would bring forth. As a native of this area, my eyes are wide open and filled with great expectations!

Too optimistic? The next few years will tell.