CLARK FREEPORT—The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) officially declared Clark as a Biker-Friendly Zone during a simple program held at the Clark Parade Grounds recently.

CDC President and CEO Manuel R. Gaerlan mentioned during his welcome remarks that the state-owned firm is currently working on more infrastructure projects dedicated to avid cyclists and leisure bikers in Clark.

“We are not just building infrastructures, but we also have ongoing improvements and additional bike paths, a bike pitstop which is a project that we have already completed, a cross country trail, and of course we have a beginner’s trail for the kids, and other facilities that would really enhance and make Clark as biker-friendly,” he said.

“More important than the infrastructures, I would like to promote among all the stakeholders in Clark, the locators, the residents, and the visitors, let’s respect the rights of bikers and cyclists by awarding them equal opportunities on the road. We are promoting safety practices and also road courtesy as far as bikers and drivers are concerned.”

Gaerlan also appealed to the public to respect everyone’s journey and share the road among motorists and cyclists.

For his part, CDC Chairman Atty. Edgardo D. Pamintuan expressed his elation on the bike-related projects that have been in the pipeline even before the pandemic had started.

“Maybe some people thought that Clark is only interested in generating revenues but no it’s not, and it is more than that. It’s also focusing on other areas like supporting Philippine culture and sports. I may not be really sporty but I can now say that we are all in this together, and this has now become a biker’s dream,” he said.

Meanwhile, a simultaneous hybrid ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the Clark Parade Grounds as well as the Biker’s Pitstop and the Clark Cross Country (CXC) Trail – two of the newest biking destinations in this Freeport.

This coincides with the World Bicycle Day and Philippine Cycling Festival with more or less 3,000 cyclists, spectators, organizers, and sponsors participating which was organized by Shimano, Neo Zigma and Interval Gear Inc. happening on June 3 to June 5, 2022.

The bike-riding public will see more developments in this Freeport as CDC’s Engineering Services Group headed by CDC Vice President Dennis C. Legaspi leads in the implementation of Bike-related projects which is seen to boost tourism in Clark.

According to Legaspi, there will be designated bike marshalls who are tasked to keep the safety and security of bikers and more biker signage with emergency hotlines that will be placed in various areas of the Freeport.

Among those who were also present during the event are CDC Director Atty. Ana Liza A. Peralta, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) Senior Vice President (SVP) for Business Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang, and BCDA SVP for Corporate Services Group Arrey A. Perez who led the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Also joining them are Department of Tourism (DOT-3) Regional Director Carolina Uy, Angeles City Councilor Raco Del Rosario representing Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr., and Mabalacat City Administrator Franco Madlangbayan representing Mabalacat City Mayor Crisostomo Garbo.

In other areas, Legaspi together with CDC Vice President for Admin and Finance Engr. Mariza O. Mandocdoc, CDC Vice President for Business Development and Business Enhancement Rynah F. Ventura, CDC Tourism Promotions Division Manager Noemi B. Julian, and CDC Environmental Permits Division Manager Engr. Rogelio M. Magat were also present, among others.