BIZ BUZZ: Breathing new life into New Clark

Seven years after hosting the Southeast Asian Games, New Clark City is gearing up for another sports push—this time, with tourism in the mix.

On Monday, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) signed a memorandum of understanding to promote the city’s sports facilities and attract local and international competitions.

The goal: Turn New Clark City’s world-class venues into magnets for sporting events, attracting visitors and economic activity to Tarlac and nearby communities.

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said the area had already shown it can stage large-scale competitions. Built for the 2019 SEA Games, its stadiums, aquatic centers and training facilities remain among the country’s most modern.

“With its modern sports facilities and integrated development, it is well-positioned to strengthen the Philippines’ role in sports tourism,” Frasco said.

Under the agreement, the two agencies will jointly promote sporting events, develop tourism packages and integrate culture, heritage and leisure activities into sports-driven travel.

The DOT will tap its global marketing network to help bring events to the city, while the BCDA will leverage its sports infrastructure and partnerships.

New Clark City may also soon ride the Philippine tennis craze, fueled largely by rising star Alex Eala. Plans are underway for a multidisciplinary sports complex and a 10-hectare tennis center being developed with the Philippine Tennis Association.