Gordon bucks dev’t thrust of Subic-Clark project

Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon may be headed for a collision course anew with Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) president and chief executive Rufo Colayco and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Felicito Payumo over the development thrust of the Subic-Clark Alliance for Development (SCAD) project.

According to Colayco, the fundamental concept of SCAD is to develop Central Luzon by using Clark and Subic as catalyst. "The development of Central Luzon through Subic and Clark would be distinct from the development of Manila," Colayco said.

The SCAD project, Colayco explained, takes the approach of using Clark and Subic merely as "significant modes of development" by connecting an international seaport (Subic) with an international airport (Clark) which would then develop Central Luzon as a distinct economy from Manila.

Colayco disclosed that during Gordon’s term as SBMA chairman, Gordon’s approach was for the development of Clark and Subic as self-contained enclaves "a la mini-America."

Development of areas outside of Clark and Subic based on Gordon’s approach, Colayco noted, would be "a matter of luck if there is an overflow."

However, Colayco said that during a recent meeting of proponents of the SCAD project, "Gordon finally appeared to see the light of the SCAD project."

In fact, Colayco said, Gordon wanted a new acronym for the project. Instead of SCAD, which may have a possible negative connotation to the deadly "scud" missiles, Gordon had proposed a "3-2-1" acronym.

Three-two-one would refer to the three seaports, two airports and one road/highway of the project. "But Gordon’s three airports are those of Subic and Clark and Manila, while his two seaports are those of Subic and Manila," Colayco said.

On the other hand, the BCDA and SBMA see the three airports as those of Subic and Clark and Poro Point in La Union, while the two seaports are those of Subic and Poro Point.

Gordon’s flaw, Colayco pointed out, is that "he is too Manila-centric."

"SCAD, envisions the creation of a separate metropolis comprised at Mabalacat, Angeles and Porac in Pampanga," Colayco added.

Gordon furthered ired the SCAD proponents by proposing that instead of the SCAD Development Corporation, the governing entity should be renamed the Subic Development Corporation.