The British embassy Manila has turned over to the Bases Conversion ad Development Authority (BCDA) its Global Future Cities Program (GFCP) final reports on the integrated sustainability plan at New Clark City in Tarlac.
new Clark City, envisioned as a model economic hub outside of Metro Manila, was selected as a pilot area of the GFCP, an official development assistance technical assistance program that supports sustainable and inclusive development in 19 cities in 10 countries worldwide.
One key outcome of the report is the setup and action plan of a sustainability unit in New Clark City. This early, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are already being integrated into BCDA’s programs and projects as part of its performance scorecard, namely the ones for: industry, innovation and infrastructure; decent work and economic growth; good health and well-being; partnerships for the goals; and sustainable cities and communities.
The completion of the framework establishing the sustainability unit will make BCDA, proponent of the New Clark City as the first-ever government organization to localize the SDGs and embed sustainability principles at the very core of its operations, according to Alistair White, deputy head of mission of the British Embassy Manila
Under the New Clark City master plan, 60 percent of the 9,450-hectare land area is reserved for forests, open spaces and parks. Meanwhile, only 40 percent will serve as the developable area.
The ceremonial turnover of the reports was accompanied by the presentation of the architectural scale model for the sustainable and climate-responsive New Clark City Central Park, a 44.8-hectare open recreational space which will become one of the largest public parks in the Philippines.
Another component of the project is a 33.89-hectare affordable housing. – Irma Isip
