The SM group’s integrated approach to its development is best demonstrated in Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone.
SM City Clark, SM Offices, National University, SMX Convention Center and Park Inn by Radisson Clark are all located within a complex.
Those developments have brought access to quality education, and the promotion of tourism and local heritage.
These have also contributed to the growth of Clark and Central Luzon.
“This region has steadily grown and is becoming a hub for growth,” said SM Supermalls president Steven Tan. “That’s why in recent years, we have supported that growth through our integrated properties to help spur economic activity for the benefit of communities where we operate.”
Over the years, SM’s presence in Clark has evolved in accordance to the needs of the community.
From its initial foray into the Freeport in 2006, available jobs across the different SM properties in the area now contributes over 20 percent of the total jobs out of the 138,000 individuals currently employed in Clark.
In SM Offices alone, there are over 22,000 jobs across all current 10 office towers in addition to the 5,000 mall tenants in SM City Clark.
“The impact of SM in terms of integrating economic activity and investments has been consistent,” a representative from the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) said.
In 2023, SM City Clark ranked among the top five revenue generators, contributing 6 percent to CDC’s total revenues.
The complex’s proximity to Clark International Airport, the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, and soon the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) is anticipated to boost mobility and access to and from different northern regions.
Local homegrown businesses like women’s accessories brand Malanne had the opportunity to join the SM StartUpMarket as one of its pioneer brands.
Starting with just 10 earring designs at SM City Clark, Malanne has now expanded to over 300 designs and six locations across different SM Supermalls, including SM Mall of Asia, SM City Fairview, SM City Bicutan, SM City Sucat, and SM Store Makati.
One of the earliest local entrepreneurs that SM partnered with in Clark is perfume brand Prescripto back in 2006. What started with a handful of bottles sold to friends quickly grew to an enduring business with over 65 branches nationwide.
SM’s integrated property in Clark is set to strengthen its links within and beyond the city with the construction of a multimodal transport terminal which began in September this year.
The transport terminal is seen to improve public access to and from Clark, particularly in anticipation of the NSCR station’s completion, which will connect to the mall.
The multimodal terminal will not only connect to the trainbut will also accommodate bus routes going farther north, and other upcoming routes that can converge in Clark. It will also connect to SM City Clark’s Sky Line, making access within a 5-10-minute walk.
“By building a vibrant transport hub, SM aims to create a connection between Metro Manila and other cities in the northern region to promote local trade, tourism with Pampanga as a key destination,” Tan said.
SM Hotels and Conventions Corp. is also set to expand its Clark portfolio, including SMX Convention Center and Park Inn. Park Inn has said there are plans to add more hotels to the complex over the next five years.
