News
US envoy describes Clark development as ‘tremendous’
Manila Bulletin
June 21, 2010, 3:35pm
CLARK FREEPORT, PAMPANGA – American Ambassador Harry K. Thomas saw tremendous economic developments at the former Clark Air base which he said will create opportunities for international business in the near future.
Thomas expressed his observation on Clark during his first time visit at the Clark International Airport to inspect the ongoing construction of the P580 million expansion project of the first terminal of the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport here.
In an interview with local newsmen here, Thomas said “We are very very pleased to be here. Ang Amerika at Pilipinas ay matalik na magkaibigan.” “We have heard about Clark Air Base in America and we know that this was the premier air based which was used during the American occupation and after world war ll.”, he added.
The US Ambassador also said that the United States is very pleased to witness the progress that they were able to make of Clark, their largest air base outside America, and he also stated that he is very proud of the collaboration of USAID and Asia Foundation to support and anchor the success of the projects being done at DMIA.
During the interview, Thomas also uttered his visions about the potentials of the Philippines to becoming a modern country in the near future. He said that he knows of foreign investors who saw the system of the DMIA, how it looks and how efficient it has functioned since it started operating.
Investors have observed that the airport is free from corruption and is very transparent. Moreover, Thomas himself said that he thinks that the airport is making a great contribution to the Philippines and they felt honored to be given the chance to be at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport.
Thomas showed his satisfaction throughout the entire scrutiny of the DMIA through saying that he was extremely impressed by the development at DMIA. He said that he views it as a first rate airport and an airport with tremendous potential for development in the future. He also promised that Clark should expect to welcome a lot of international business to come in the Philippines due to the transparency and corruption-free system at Clark.
On another note, Thomas said, “The United States Congress have given $200 million for assistance to Filipino veterans of world war II and we have spent $188 million from all of that. And we continue to provide assistance to them.” (AMR)