Nine countries compete in New Clark City for 2022 National Duathlon Champs

Nine countries compete in New Clark City for 2022 National Duathlon Champs

Over 450 top athletes from nine countries, including the Philippines, ramped up the fun in New Clark City, as they competed and vied for podium finishes at the 2022 National Duathlon Championship. The race event forms part of the selection process for the composition of the national pool who will compete in the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia.

Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP), the Philippines’ national governing body for triathlon, hosted the much-awaited 2022 National Duathlon Championship in New Clark City last Sunday, 4 December 2022.

The country’s finest duathletes competed against foreign contingents from Australia, Brazil, France, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa and the United States.

The signature event of the TRAP, which is the 13-15 age group category (super sprint), featured the Philippines’ Youth Olympic Games aspirants and the next generation of duathletes and triathletes in the national team. 

Nine countries compete in New Clark City for 2022 National Duathlon Champs
Photo caption: Participants of the 2022 National Duathlon Championship enjoyed a picturesque landscape as they biked and ran around New Clark City and its nearby communities in Capas, Tarlac. BCDA photo.

“Malaking tulong ito [National Duathlon Championships] lalo na ‘yung 13-15 years old, kasi after that they will become 16-19. Dito ‘yung talagang magfa-farm-out tayo. This is our grassroots development for duathlon. Sa triathlon we are also very particular sa 13-15. We always provide them the opportunity,” said TRAP President Tom Carrasco during an interview with the media.

Mr. Carrasco expressed optimism on the quality of athletes that the country will be sending for the 32nd Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia. 

“Their (athletes) performance now is based on train-to-compete or train-to-qualify. January to April (next year) their training mode will switch to train-to-win gold in the Sea Games. So out of 7 events, we hope to win 4. That is my prediction,” he added.

Participants of the 2022 National Duathlon Championship enjoyed a picturesque landscape as they biked and ran around New Clark City and its nearby communities in Capas, Tarlac.

Nine countries compete in New Clark City for 2022 National Duathlon Champs
Photo caption: A number of para-athletes, or athletes with a physical or vision impairment, participate in the much-awaited 2022 National Duathlon Championship in New Clark City, Tarlac. BCDA photo

“Andito na ngayon ang TRAP. It is the federation in the Philippines for triathlon and duathlon events. So napakalaking exposure and trust that is given to us by TRAP. It is really heartwarming. Napakita namin na itong mga venues natin dito sa New Clark City ay perfect for high-level competitions,” said Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) Senior Vice President for Corporate Services Arrey Perez.

With its reopening last May after more than a year of pandemic lockdowns and the complex’s use as a quarantine facility, SVP Perez said that the New Clark City is becoming the “venue of choice” among local and international sports training camps and competitions. 

“Kami here in BCDA and New Clark City, we are ready for the training camps of our athletes. There is enough time for them to prepare and train,” he assured.  

National athlete Fernando Jose Cesares ruled the sprint distance men’s elite category,  finishing the 5,000(run)-20,000-(bike)-2.500(run) race in 58 minutes and 3 seconds to beat fellow national athlete John Leerams Chicano (58.09) and Maynard Pecson (58.13).

Meanwhile, Cebuana Raven Faith Alcoseba claimed the gold medal for the women’s elite category by clocking in 1 hour, 6 minutes and 32 seconds, topping Singaporean Louisa Middleditch (1:07.10) and Merry Joy Trupa (1:08.50). 

Opened in 2019, the New Clark City sports complex is the first major sports hub constructed by the national government since the completion of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in 1934. It served as one of the venues for the 30th Southeast Asian Games in 2019.

The New Clark City Sports Complex currently comprises three major facilities, namely the World Athletics-certified Athletics Stadium, with 20,000 seating capacity; the Aquatics Center, which is the only Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA)-approved swimming facility in the country; and the 525-room Athletes’ Village, which features a gym, basketball court, swimming pool, lounge, gym and other recreational facilities.

New Clark City chosen as venue for Asian swimming championship in 2023

New Clark City chosen as venue for Asian swimming championship in 2023

In recognition of its world-class facilities and pools, the New Clark City Aquatics Center in Tarlac has been chosen by the Asia Swimming Federation (AASF) as the host venue for the 11th Asian Age Group Swimming Championships to be held in November 2023.

The competition–which will include four aquatic disciplines, namely, swimming, diving, water polo and artistic swimming–is slated to be the first international competition in New Clark City since the hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games in 2019. 

The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) will be the organizer of the event, with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) serving as a partner for the venue. 

“It was in December 2019 when we decided to host the Asian Age Group Swimming Championship here in New Clark City, after the success of the SEA Games. Today, we announce the one year countdown of the championship, which will happen in November 2023,” AASF Secretary General Taha S. Al Kishry said. 

To formalize the event hosting in New Clark City, the AASF Secretary General and the POC President on Wednesday, November 23, signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA), as witnessed by BCDA Senior Vice President for Corporate Services Arrey A. Perez.  

“This is truly an opportunity for us to show our facilities and homegrown talents. Thank you to AASF for choosing the Philippines to host this great event,” Mr. Tolentino said. 

Aside from the venue, the agreement also sets the requirements for the hosting of the Asian Age Group Championships, in accordance with AASF and Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA) rules.

New Clark City chosen as venue for Asian swimming championship in 2023
Photo caption: AASF Secretary General Taha Al Kishry and POC President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino sealed today a memorandum of agreement to host the 11th Asian Age Group Swimming Championship happening next year in New Clark City. More than 40 swimming federations across the region are expected to join.

For BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Aileen R. Zosa, the upcoming competition serves as another step towards achieving New Clark City’s vision of becoming a center of sports excellence in the country. 

“We express our utmost gratitude to the AASF for its continued trust in the BCDA and for choosing New Clark City to host the region’s best swimmers for the Asian Age Group Swimming Championships next year. We are one with AASF’s vision of advancing the development of aquatic sports in the region, by ensuring a high-level competition that is compliant with international standards,” Ms. Zosa said.

Mr. Perez, for his part, said this momentous competition will further cement New Clark City’s position as a prime venue for sporting events.

“Our promise is this: we are with you in your vision of advancing the development of aquatic sports in the region, by ensuring a high-level competition that is of global standards,” Mr. Perez said.
AASF is the governing body of aquatic sports in Asia and is duly recognized by the Olympic Council of Asia and FINA. Its mission is to elevate the importance and level of aquatics in the continent by organizing championships, activities and events which encourages the participation of its 45 National Federation members. 

The New Clark City Aquatics Center is the only FINA-approved swimming facility in the Philippines. With a total seating capacity of 2,000, it features a 10-lane competition pool, eight-lane training pool and a diving pool.

The competition pool, the training pool, and the diving well were designed and installed by Myrtha Pools, an official FINA partner and leading builder of made-to-measure competition pools. The New Clark City Aquatics Center is part of the National Government Administrative Center Phase 1 project.

Hawaii-based Filipino investors eye opportunities in Clark

Hawaii based Filipino investors eye opportunities in Clark
Photo caption: Bases Conversion and Development Authority President and Chief Executive Officer Aileen R. Zosa updates members of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii about the latest developments in New Clark City, as well as upcoming projects and available investment opportunities in the area. BCDA photo

To explore potential areas for investment and growth opportunities in Central Luzon, over 40 Filipino investors and entrepreneurs based in Hawaii, USA, toured New Clark City and Clark Freeport Zone on Tuesday, October 25.

The Clark tour was organized as part of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii’s (FCCH) 30th Goodwill and Trade Mission to the Philippines, led by Philippine Consul General to Hawaii Emil Fernandez and Vice Consul Jomar Sadie. The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), together with the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) and Subic-Clark Alliance Development Council (SCADC) hosted the site visit.

With a focus on the world-class facilities and sustainable features of Clark, this leg of the trade mission was aimed at positioning Clark and Central Luzon as a prime investment destination for the Filipino business community in Hawaii. 

BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Aileen R. Zosa urged the contingent to consider investing in New Clark City as they pursue avenues of growth in the Philippines. 

“We encourage you to take a look at New Clark City, which is envisioned to be the country’s next smart, sustainable and green metropolis. Partner with us and be a part of this city’s growth story,”  Zosa said. 

Rynah Ventura, CDC vice president for Business Development and Business Enhancement, also sought FCCH’s support in generating more interest in Clark. 

“This trade mission is an important initiative that will allow our industry leaders to explore the various investment opportunities in Clark and the Philippines. We fervently hope that this will also stimulate more interest, meaningful collaboration, and stronger ties with our business sectors from across the globe,” Ventura said. 

Hawaii based Filipino investors eye opportunities in Clark
Photo caption: Clark Development Corp. Vice President for Business Development and Business Enhancement Rynah Ventura briefs Hawaii-based Filipino investors on the current business environment in the Clark Freeport Zone. BCDA photo

Established in 1954, FCCH aims to empower the Filipino business community in Hawaii by fostering trade and investment opportunities. Filipinos currently make up one of the largest minority groups in Hawaii.

FCCH conducted its first Goodwill and Trade Mission to the Philippines in 1963, with the purpose of improving the relationship between Hawaii and the Philippines. Through this trade mission, FCCH helps its members strengthen business ties in the Philippines, and with that, promoting the growth and prosperity of Filipinos based in Hawaii.

a person standing in front of a blue backdrop
Photo caption: Subic-Clark Alliance for Development Chairman and concurrent Clark Development Corp. Chairman Edgardo D. Pamintuan welcomes delegates from the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii to Clark. BCDA photo
a group of people standing in a stadium
Photo caption: Members of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce tour the New Clark City Athletics Stadium as part of the chamber’s 30th Goodwill and Trade Mission to the Philippines.

New Clark City Sports Complex bags special recognition at Philippines’ most prestigious property awards

New Clark City Sports Complex bags special recognition at Philippines most prestigious property awards

The New Clark City Sports Complex was recognized for its innovative planning, architecture, and design by the biggest and most credible industry awards in the archipelago, the 10th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards.

The country’s real estate leaders recently gathered at the 10th PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards anniversary gala to celebrate and give recognition to Filipino excellence in property development, architecture, and design. Among those who brought home big wins was New Clark City Sports Complex, which was awarded the Special Recognition For Public Facility.

“This feat is truly a testament to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority’s (BCDA) constant efforts to provide Filipinos the best public facilities possible by embedding sustainability, gender diversity and gender sensitivity, and smart components from planning to design and implementation,” said BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Aileen R. Zosa. 

“With the help of our development partner MTD Philippines, architectural consultant Budji+Royal Architecture+Design, and all the men and women who worked on the Sports Complex, the New Clark City Sports Complex was born to give Filipinos a modern public facility they can be proud of,” Ms. Zosa added.

Opened in 2019, the New Clark City Sports Complex is the first major sports hub constructed by the government since the completion of the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in 1934. The sports complex currently comprises three major facilities, namely the World Athletics-certified Athletics Stadium, Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA)-approved Aquatics Center, and the 525-unit Athletes’ Village.

The sports complex of New Clark City was put on the global map when it hosted the athletics and aquatic events of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. Today, it hosts the safe return of the country’s much-awaited sporting events, from triathlon to swimming to football.

True to its vision of becoming the future home of athletes, New Clark City also houses the National Academy of Sports (NAS), a green and climate-resilient learning center and training ground for deserving Filipino scholar-athletes.

“Our promise is to continue building on our vision for New Clark City so we can open up more opportunities and provide a smart, sustainable and inclusive haven not just to those who live and work within the metropolis, but also to its surrounding communities,” said BCDA Officer-in-Charge Executive Vice President Atty. Gisela Z. Kalalo, who received the special recognition on behalf of the organization.

This special recognition is the latest of the awards New Clark City Sports Complex bagged in the past years. 

The 20,000-seater New Clark City Athletics Stadium in 2021 received recognition from the World Architecture Festival (WAF) in the Completed Buildings – Sport Category, and was also shortlisted for the Engineering Prize of the same competition. In December 2020, the New Clark City was cited as the 2019 Sports Tourism Venue of the Year at the 4th Philippine Sports Tourism Awards. 

Philippine Science High School breaks ground for Infinitum campus in New Clark City

Philippine Science High School breaks ground for Infinitum campus in New Clark City

The Philippine Science High School (PSHS), in partnership with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), has recently broken ground the 4.6-hectare Infinitum learning resource center in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, which is envisioned to become the center for 21st-century learning and service continuity for the entire PSHS system.

Targeted to be operational by 2026, the Infinitum will serve as a campus for its senior high school students and a resource center for teachers and professionals. It will house a multi-purpose academic building with 24 classrooms, case rooms, library, faculty room, and a dining hall; a research center for chemistry, physics, environmental science and biology; a technology hub for computer science, mathematics and humanities; an innovation center; a training center; dormitories; administration building; and a summer camp area.

PSHS Central Luzon Campus Director Theresa Anne O. Diaz said the Infinitum’s state-of-the-art facilities, advanced laboratories and immersive academic spaces form part of the modernization efforts of PSHS, which are aimed toward the continuous development of students as well as teaching and non-teaching employees. She added that the Infinitum will also accommodate the increasing student and employee population in PSHS’ existing campus at the Clark Freeport Zone.

“I’d like to thank the BCDA for making the PSHS a part of this beautiful project of sustainable communities. When we were beginning, nakita ko po ‘yung grand project for New Clark City and it is very, very beautiful,” said Ms. Diaz.

INFINITUM GROUNDBREAKING
PSHS Central Luzon Campus Director Theresa Anne O. Diaz leads the lowering and sealing of the time capsule during the groundbreaking ceremony of PSHS Infinitum, a modern education facility expected to rise in New Clark City. BCDA photo

Under the approved master development plan, 80 percent of the total campus area will be open space, while only 20 percent will be occupied. This is in line with the sustainability guidelines of New Clark City.

For BCDA President and CEO Aileen R. Zosa, the rise of PSHS’ Infinitum campus in New Clark City will be an important driver of the knowledge-based industries that will locate in New Clark City, providing the much-needed scientists, technicians and specialists that make up the outstanding human resources pool in the city.

“At a time when Central and Northern Luzon are primed for growth, the rise of the state-of-the-art Infinitum in New Clark City will enable us to provide more opportunities for quality education to the next generation of leaders here. This way, we can ensure that, in decades to come, the next generation can sustain – or even surpass – the growth we are helping to build here,” said Ms. Zosa.

During the groundbreaking event, BCDA Senior Vice President for Conversion and Development Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang highlighted the importance of continuous and well-rounded education and learning in the economic and national development of communities.

“One of my selling points when I present and market abroad with business leaders on why they should invest in New Clark City is Philippine Science High School. I said that New Clark City will be the home of brilliant minds from students today who will produce great ideas in the future. So we take pride in that. You chose New Clark City to be the home for your new campus,” said Engr. Bingcang.

“With this campus – it augurs well with our vision for Central Luzon that is now in its prime for growth… It shows that the hope is really there for our country through your facility that you are building for us,” he added.

INFINITUM GROUNDBREAKING
Engr. Joshua Bingcang, BCDA Senior Vice President for Conversion and Development, shares the “sustainability, smart attributes, and gender sensitivity” features in the master plan of the PSHS Infinitum, which were in the shared objectives of PSHS and BCDA for the new campus. BCDA photo

It was in April 2016 when the BCDA and PSHS signed a memorandum of agreement for the establishment of a campus for senior high school students, as well as a learning resource center for teachers, administrative support, and other professionals in New Clark City. The PSHS then submitted a master development plan for Infinitum, which was approved in August 2021 by the BCDA Board of Directors. 

As an attached agency of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the PSHS system contributes to nation-building by helping the country attain a critical mass of professionals and leaders in the science and technology field. 

In a written message read during the program, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum, Jr. is pleased with the continuous evolution of PSHS and for raising its bar of education standards. He added that its students are “fortunate to have the opportunity of experiencing quality education and learning experience through modern facilities.“

UCFC to hold football matches in New Clark City

UCFC to hold football matches in New Clark City

CAPAS, TARLAC. Philippines Football League (PFL) defending champion United City Football Club (UCFC) is set to hold football matches at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium in the coming months, bringing excitement to football fans in Central Luzon.

UCFC will be battling against the Azkals Development Team on October 22 at this world-class facility, making it the first football game to be held in New Clark City since it was built in 2019. This will be followed by another match against Stallion Laguna FC on November 5.

Through these matches, UCFC seeks to show its commitment to raise Central Luzon’s banner in the football scene.

“To represent Central Luzon and bring football to the local community is a major step in the development of professional football in the country. Football is all about belonging, therefore our matches need to be played within the community we are representing, which is Clark in Central Luzon,” UCFC President Eric Gottschalk said.

Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President and Chief Executive Officer Aileen R. Zosa gave her warm welcome to UCFC, and extended BCDA’s commitment to give the best football experience to the teams playing in New Clark City and their fans.

“World-class sports facilities, safe environment, and stunning views–New Clark City can offer all of these and more. We are excited that UCFC chose New Clark City Athletics Stadium as the venue for its matches, and we hope to bring pride to players who will be coming to play here,” Zosa said.

Tickets for the matches are available on the UCFC website at www.unitedcityfootballclub.com.

UCFC joined the PFL as one of the founding teams of the professional league in 2017. Since then, the team has bagged the national championships four times–in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.

This PFL Season, which started in August 2022 and will run until May 2023, UCFC is competing against six other teams to bring home the championship trophy and qualify for the 2023-2024 AFC Champions League Group Stage in August.

UCFC is expected to hold in New Clark City two more matches before the end of the year and at least six more until April 2023.

Certified by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), the New Clark City Athletics Stadium has a 20,000-seating capacity with a nine-lane 400-meter track and field, and another four-lane warm-up track.

It was nominated as among the world’s best stadiums in the Stadium of the Year Awards in 2020. The following year, the facility received the Highly Commended recognition from the World Architecture Festival (WAF) in the Completed Buildings – Sport Category, and was also shortlisted for the Engineering Prize of the same competition.