BCDA inks deal with Singapore’s Surbana Jurong to forge New Clark City master plan

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has signed a memorandum of cooperation with Singapore’s consultancy firm Surbana Jurong to develop New Clark City.

The agreement was signed in Cebu on Monday to draft the development management framework and other details of the master plan of New Clark City, the BCDA said in an emailed statement.

“Surbana Jurong is proud to support BCDA and JOIN (Japan Overseas Infrastructure Network) in developing New Clark City into the next big metropolis and become a showcase to the world of a smart and green city," Surbana CEO Wong Heang Fine was quoted as saying in the statement.

JOIN entered into separate deal with the BCDA to form a joint venture company that will develop and operate the New Clark City.

Previously called Clark Green City, the New Clark City was approved by the National Economic and Development Authority Board in 2014 under the administration of then-President Benigno Aquino III.

The 9,450-hectare development is envisioned as a smart, green, and disaster-resilient metropolis.

“We will leverage our over 50 years of urban and infrastructure development expertise and our global capabilities to manage the development of the city, and help the Philippine government bring this vision to reality,” Fine said.

Surbana will also help utilize the public-private partnership (PPP) program to entice businesses to invest in New Clark City.

“New Clark City has tremendous potential, and we are committed to be long-term partners in the city’s growth. The transformation of this area will bring about sustainable growth and create jobs locally, and ultimately bring about long-lasting economic and social benefits for the country,” Fine said. —Jon Viktor Cabuenas/VDS, GMA News