Creation of Clark urban planning agency underway

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines – Efforts are underway for the creation of the Metropolitan Clark Urban Development and Planning Authority (MCUDPA) to address congestion and other problems in the area, a lawmaker said yesterday.

Rep. Joseller Guiao said private sectors in Central and Northern Luzon are calling for the decongestion of Metro Manila.

“We would like to support that with the creation of the Metropolitan Clark Urban Development and Planning Authority as we see the advocacy snowballing,” Guiao said.

He said the new agency would address future congestion in the province with the possible influx of investors from Manila to Pampanga and government agencies decentralizing their offices from the National Capital Region to the north.

Guiao said aside from proper urban planning, the agency would also address traffic, waste management, infrastructure and even the peace and order situation.

“The transfer of the Rizal stadium and sports training center to Clark Freeport has been approved and will be done this year. We expect more developments to come,” he said.

Guiao said the proposed agency would cover Clark, the cities of Angeles and Mabalacat, and Magalang town as well as other areas.