BIZ BUZZ: New Clark City’s green haven
A new botanical center is sprouting at the New Clark City, bringing a mix of agriculture, innovation and heritage preservation to the Aeta communities.
With a P5-million investment, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), Hann Philippines Inc. (HPI) and Hann Foundation Inc. (HFI) have teamed up to establish what is dubbed as the Ayta Ethno Botanical Center (AEBC).
First on the list? A multi-purpose pavilion, the ultimate hub for training, exhibits and keeping Aeta traditions alive.
BCDA’s top boss, Joshua Bingcang, along with HFI’s Ana Christi Galura and HPI’s Sheila Rivera, made things official with the signing of a memorandum of agreement on March 21.
“In New Clark City, our goal is to ensure that economic growth and development benefit all sectors of society, especially our local Aeta communities,” Bingcang said.
Spanning a whopping 10 hectares, this eco-friendly haven isn’t just for show.
It’s designed to boost agricultural skills, support local farmers, and set the stage for ‘food forests,’ because why settle for just a farm when you can create a full-on sustainable ecosystem?
The three-phase rollout promises exciting additions to the center, with phase 1 introducing a multi-purpose pavilion, a market, a coffee shop, and orchards featuring fresh tamarind and coffee.
Phase 2 will bring a lush mango orchard, picnic areas, and scenic trails for visitors to explore.
Finally, Phase 3 will complete the transformation with stunning rice terraces, a bamboo grove, a dormitory, and a breathtaking viewing deck.
HFI is picking up the tab for the pavilion, while BCDA and Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU) will handle the blueprints.
But when it’s all said and done, BCDA and PSAU will jointly run the AEBC, making sure it stays true to its purpose.
This project isn’t just another construction flex — it’s a major win for indigenous empowerment, sustainability, and the future of farming in the Philippines.
