Clark state firm to focus on growing aviation complex

CLARK FREEPORT –– Almost two years after the national government privatized the Clark International Airport here, the agency formerly overseeing it is set to undergo a reorganization to focus on developing an aviation complex.

Aaron Aquino, president, and chief executive officer of the Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC), confirmed the reorganization plan on the 26th year of the agency on Monday.

“It is but an opportune time to reorganize and sharpen our execution to further develop prime government lands of the aviation complex and contribute to the national economy,” Aquino said in simple rites awarding long-time employees,

CIAC is now a subsidiary of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and under the policy supervision of the Department of Transportation.

Executive Order No. 716 of President Duterte gave CIAC jurisdiction over 2,000 hectares and 166.9 hectares within the Clark Industrial Estate 5.

The airport was developed from the Military Aircraft Terminal of the United States Air Force.

Since the private consortium Lipad took over in August 2019, CIAC was left with 120 personnel and functions such as the lease of land, structures, and spaces for aviation.

Former president and now Presidential Adviser on Clark Flagship Projects Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo urged CIAC to shift from a mere real estate developer to “being the most competitive service and logistics center in the Southeast Asian region.”

The reorganization is due for final approval by the Government Commission for Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations.

Article and Photo originally posted by Inquirer last February 8, 2021 6:04pm and written by Tonette Orejas.