News

Fueling Clark’s Growth: Filinvest’s Role in Economic Expansion 

August 3, 2024
by Filinvest Corp Comm
Fueling Clark's Growth

Beyond building and enabling thriving communities for Filipinos, the Filinvest group is a committed partner in nation-building efforts that fuel local economic growth.

One of its landmark investments is in Central Luzon where it is helping revitalize and transform Clark into a thriving economic powerhouse.

The Gotianun family-led conglomerate is supporting various sectors, primarily in real estate and tourism, through its large-scale developments and participation in the LIPAD consortium operating Clark International Airport. In partnership with the Clark Development Corporation and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, it aims to generate approximately 170,000 jobs upon the full build-up of Filinvest Mimosa Plus Leisure City and Filinvest New Clark City.

“Clark is a vital growth center in Central Luzon with Clark International Airport as its main hub. We are privileged to be actively contributing to its development,” said Filinvest Development Corporation President and CEO Rhoda A. Huang. “Our goal in these investments is to make Clark a premier destination for business and leisure. With more businesses recognizing the potential of this area for their own expansion, we can drive economic growth in the region.”

Confidence in Clark

Clark corridor, which is just two hours north of Metro Manila, has been drawing considerable interest from local and foreign investors.

It has a major transport hub, Clark International Airport, listed as one of the world’s most beautiful airports by the prestigious Prix Versailles.

Among the more recent investors who have made the investments in Clark are the United States-based logistics company Federal Express Corp. and United Parcel Service. These investments position Clark as a key logistics and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) hub for global brands.

“LIPAD has the land, infrastructure and technological capacity to host an integrated logistics hub. We believe that these global logistics giants located next to Clark International Airport (CRK) will enable business owners and service suppliers to have direct access to transport networks. This enhances operational efficiency, speed, and the capacity to deliver excellent service,” said LIPAD President and CEO Noel F. Manankil.

Leisure Hotspot

Within the 201-hectare Filinvest Mimosa Plus, new developments and attractions are flourishing.

The 36-hole Mimosa Plus Golf Course consistently attracts golf enthusiasts from across Asia. It offers breathtaking scenery and an exceptional playing experience with two 18-hole, par-72 courses that are open for all golf beginners, enthusiasts and professionals. Using Zoysia grass, which requires less water, the golf course is environmentally friendly.  Guests can also enjoy relaxing views of the golf course from the Baker J café. The Mimosa Plus Golf Driving Range is likewise slated to open this year with 48 bays.  

With Quest Plus Conference Center, the whole place offers a blend of top-tier hospitality, premier golfing, and gourmet dining, creating a vibrant synergy in Clark.

All these amenities generate significant numbers of jobs and business establishments in the local community.

Michael Gapin, General Manager of Mimosa Golf Course and Quest Plus Conference Center Clark, added that “Mimosa Plus Golf Course significantly impacts the local community by promoting tourism, providing employment to locals, and supporting the IP community. ”

Early this year, Filinvest launched the Acacia Open Grounds, a new events venue for meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions (MICE), sports, and music concerts. It also plans to unveil a redesigned Mimosa Events Grounds at a new location, alongside a future multi-sport active park. An e-scooter and e-bike sharing facility enhances mobility and sightseeing activities in the area. 

Additionally, the upcoming Crimson Hotel, set to break ground this year, will add nearly 300 rooms to Filinvest’s hospitality portfolio. 

Live and Play Buildup

Complementing the ultimate country club experience in Clark is Filigree’s 14-story Golf Ridge Private Estate. This private enclave, which rises on a 3.3-hectare lush landscape in Clark, topped off in January—keeping Filigree on track to turn over 112 prime residential units in the first tower by December 2025.

Filinvest is ramping up its retail projects as well, expecting to add 26,000 sqm of leasable space. By the end of the year, Filinvest Shoppes Mimosa will introduce curated food concepts, while the first phase of Filinvest Malls Mimosa is slated to open by the third quarter of 2025.

“Filinvest is committed to investing in Clark to commence growth and support the local community. Our development efforts focus on creating vibrant areas where we operate. Through Filinvest Malls, we aim to provide a welcoming destination, offering a diverse range of retail, dining, and leisure options for Capampangan families and visitors alike,” said First Vice President and Retail Business Head of Filinvest Malls Mitch Dumlao

Innovation in New Clark City

Filinvest’s commitment, however, extends even outside the freeport as it is also among the pioneer investors in BCDA’s 9,450-ha New Clark City—envisioned as the country’s first smart, disaster-resilient and green metropolis, situated in Tarlac.

Here, Filinvest holds a significant landbank spanning 288 hectares, with 120 hectares dedicated to its first major development, Filinvest Innovation Park (FIP), a green and digital-ready industrial hub offering both long-term industrial lot leaseholds and ready-built factory (RBF) buildings for lease.

Its first locator, the Australia-based electric vehicle battery manufacturer STB Giga, will operate its 5,000-sqm, Grade A industrial facility within the year.

Filinvest also plans to expand its RBF stock by adding another 7,500 sqm of ready-built factory (RBF) stock early next year and develop a mixed-use block offering dining options and auxiliary services— to complement the Innovation Park and service the needs of workers, students and guests at the National Government Administrative Center (NGAC).

Catalyst of change
As Clark accelerates its developments, Filinvest is cementing its role as a catalyst for progress and nation-building. It is establishing Clark as a truly attractive investment destination. It is true to its mission in enabling Filipinos to achieve their dreams. 

Read the article here.