Clark Freeport and OzooDevelopment Corporation Forge Major ₱4-Billion Mixed-Use Development Agreement
The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and property developer OzooDevelopment Corporation have officially entered into a significant lease agreement for a sprawling 200-hectare integrated mixed-use development. This landmark deal operates under a Joint Management Agreement (JMA) that specifically covers Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) 025-A, marking a pivotal moment for development within ancestral lands.
Signatories and Project Scope
The agreement was formally signed by CDC President Agnes Devanadera and OzooDevelopment Corporation Chairman Nam Kwan Sik. The ambitious project is anchored by a substantial ₱4-billion investment, featuring a premier golf resort as its centerpiece, complemented by hotel accommodations and luxury villa components. This development is strategically designed to bolster tourism, enhance leisure offerings, and attract long-term investment within the Clark Freeport zone.
Economic and Technological Impact
Upon completion, the development is projected to generate significant employment opportunities, with 120 direct jobs and an additional 450 indirect positions, providing a substantial boost to the local economy. Chairman Nam emphasized that the project will integrate advanced smart city technologies and prioritize environmentally responsible design. This includes the implementation of sustainable infrastructure, efficient resource management systems, and carefully regulated land-use practices to minimize environmental impact.
Governance and Community Consultation
President Devanadera highlighted that the lease agreement followed extensive consultations with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and local community leaders, ensuring alignment with the governance framework established for ancestral domains. She described the agreement as a triumph for progress within the CADT area, stating, "This is a triumph of what we are fighting for -- progress in the CADT area. Beyond investors and CDC, the true beneficiaries are the owners of CADT. Kaya ngayon, mayroon tayong tagumpay. Ito ang hangad natin para sa lahat." She further urged stakeholders to safeguard the program and ensure its progress is maintained.
Historical Context and Implementation
The Joint Management Agreement governing CADT 025-A was originally signed on December 6, 2007, but remained unimplemented for nearly 17 years. It was finally operationalized on March 19, 2024, under the leadership of President Devanadera, following the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the JMA and the Land Use Management Plan. These documents were endorsed by CDC, the NCIP, and the Ayta Indigenous community, forming part of the Ancestral Domain Sustainable Development and Protection Plan (ADSDPP), which serves as the foundational framework for the development and protection of ancestral lands.
Ceremony Attendees and Stakeholder Perspectives
The signing ceremony was witnessed by CDC Chairperson Edgardo Pamintuan and members of the CDC Board of Directors, including Jose Philip Panlilio, Manuel Feliciano, Pablo de Borja, Sharon Faye Malapitan-Bautista, Helen Nicolette Henson, and other senior management officials. Representatives of the Indigenous Political Structure, led by Oscar Rivera of the Pinanlupuyan Mamuun, and NCIP Regional Office III Officer-in-Charge Regional Director Roman Antonio were also present.
Chairman Nam praised the coordinated efforts among CDC, NCIP, and the Pinanlupuyan Mamuun throughout the process, stating, "From the bottom of my heart, I want to say something very important, it’s the harmony. Because only through harmony can this project be a success. Through the leadership of CDC, of course Ayta and NCIP, we finally have this ceremony today. Our long wait has a successful conclusion."
For his part, Oscar Rivera expressed optimism about the project's benefits for the Ayta community, saying, "Ako po, masaya ako dahil ito ay project na naman, ito po ay kapaki-pakinabang sa buong Ayta."
Framework for Future Development
Under the JMA framework, CDC and the Indigenous Political Structure will jointly manage and authorize developments within ancestral domains. This collaborative approach ensures that all investments proceed with due respect for Indigenous governance structures, legal safeguards, and established regulatory processes, setting a precedent for responsible and inclusive development in the region.
